Test Release Lead

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS ROLE?

The role of the release manager is vital to ensure that all releases are following the agreed end to end development methodology, as well as overseeing the release of entry criteria and implementations of changes to live services in Thames Water.

This role will ensure the quality of releases into production and minimise the amount of incidents caused due to a release.

You will play a key role in managing IS releases across Thames Water's estate for project and business as usual (BAU) activities. These include business driven change requests, infrastructure/project/telephony/website changes, upgrades, enhancements and patching activities.

WHAT MAKES THIS ROLE UNIQUE?

It will involve ensuring people follow the new standards, policies and governance which has been introduced in Jan 2015, through the release life cycle and monitoring compliance.

It's a unique opportunity to be involved in defining new ways of working and helping IS invest in our environment, testing and release capability for the future.

WHAT WILL THIS ROLE INVOLVE?

Being the single point of contact for all IS releases and will manage and coordinate the release plan.

Working closely with the Testing and Environment Lead to ensure that all releases have been through the testing life cycle and met all relevant key criteria. This includes business readiness, testing, technical cutover plans and training.

Key to approving whether an activity should be released into production and understand the positive and negative impacts of those changes.

Working closely with the Change Manager to coordinate multiple activities within the same release window and identify all dependencies to ensure a smooth release and minimise impact to the business.

Responsibility for liaising with all business areas to inform them of upcoming releases and the impact to their specific business units and key processes. It is essential that there is minimal impact to our 24hr teams.

WHAT SKILLS ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

We are looking for someone who has previously worked in a release leading role, who understands the different stages within a project life cycle in detail. You will have excellent coordination and organisational skills, as well as having the ability to challenge effectively to all levels of the business.

This role requires strong interpersonal and management skills, as you will need to be comfortable challenging Programme, Project Managers, Third Parties and key stakeholders if any issues/challenges arise. Good relationship management skills are essential, as you will be will developing and maintain a strong relationships within IS, with Third Parties and with key stakeholders.

You will have the ability to stay in control and work in a pressurised environment, have superb attention to detail and have a thorough understanding of the full software development life cycle.

THAMES WATER INFORMATION & SALARY

This is a 6 month minimum contract onsite at Thames Water's Head Office in Reading. We are offering a day rate of circa £300-325.