Technical Release Manager

You will be joining the Content Technology Group which is responsible for developing the cutting-edge technology used in our Game Development Kits (GDK), Tools, and Analytics Engine that power the Aristocrat games used in casinos around the world. The GDK team is responsible for devising innovative solutions to support the imaginations of the greatest game creators in the industry. As a Technical Release Manager in the GDK team, you will be responsible for working with the development team in the planning, coordination, and execution of software releases across multiple products including multiple GDKs, Tools, and Analytics. This role ensures that releases are delivered on time, within scope, and with high quality. The Technical Release Manager will also be responsible for supporting the development team across the full software development lifecycle, from initial feature ask, to final product release. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background, excellent organizational skills, a process-minded approach to problems, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

What You'll Do

Feature Development Planning and Coordination:

• Work with product management to coordinate and communicate to the development team new feature asks.
• Drive the feature estimation process, working with development teams to complete the estimation process on time.
• Coordinate with the development and QA teams to create technical feature documentation templates.
• Collaborate with the development team to track feature development progress and identify any schedule risks.
• Track cross-functional dependencies and impacts per feature.

Release Planning and Coordination:

• Develop, manage, and track progress on release schedules for multiple GDK, Tools, and Analytics products.
• Ensure alignment across multiple simultaneous releases of the GDK, Tools, and Analytics, coordinating with the development teams, QA, operations, and product teams.
• Identify and mitigate technical and operational risks and issues that could impact release schedules following the RAIDD process.
• Work with development teams to build scenario-planning options for business case and product management analysis.
• Create technical release documentation templates, utilizing Confluence and Jira to create dynamic reports.
• Provide regular updates to management on the status of all features and releases, utilizing Jira and Confluence to build accurate reports.

Process Management and Operational Excellence:

• Continuously review and improve operational processes to enhance efficiency, gathering feedback from team members to identify areas for improvement and implement changes as necessary.
• Monitor adherence to established processes and standards, ensuring that teams follow them consistently.
• Facilitate training and provide support to team members to ensure compliance with processes.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement within the team.

Stakeholder Communication:

• Act as the primary point of contact for all release-related activities for internal and external stakeholders.
• Work closely with release managers from other departments to align project goals with overall business objectives.
• Facilitate post-release reviews and document lessons learned.

Resource Planning and Management:
Work with the development leadership team to:

• Manage resource allocation and planning for feature development and release activities using Microsoft Project.
• Track resource usage and availability, ensuring optimal utilization of team members.
• Adjust resource plans as necessary to accommodate project changes and ensure timely delivery.

Team Collaboration:

• Build strong collaborative relationships with the GDK, Tools, and Analytics development leads and teams.
• Host internal technical and operational meetings, ensuring accurate notes and action items are captured and followed up.
• Foster a collaborative environment to ensure cross-functional team success.

What We're Looking For

• A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, a related field, or its equivalent is preferred
• Project/Program Management certification (e.g. PMP, Prince, Agile, etc.) would be beneficial (but not mandatory), or relevant industry and work experience
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in release management, software development, or a related technical role.
• Proven experience managing complex technical projects.
• Strong understanding of software development life cycle (SDLC).
• Proficient in Microsoft Project for resource planning and management.
• In-depth knowledge of JIRA, including JIRA Query Language (JQL) functionality.
• Experience with Confluence for documentation and collaboration.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A demonstrated ability to drive new initiatives and persuade others to support them.
• Demonstrates an extremely high level of attention to detail.
• Possess a high level of personal and professional accountability and be able to enlist the cooperation of peer groups and other teams involved in common business goals and objectives.
• The ability to meet changing demands and to adapt to frequently changing priorities.
• This is a role that supports Global teams hence flexibility in hours is required.

Why Aristocrat?

Aristocrat is a world leader in gaming content and technology, and a top-tier publisher of free-to-play mobile games. We deliver great performance for our B2B customers and bring joy to the lives of the millions of people who love to play our casino and mobile games. And while we focus on fun, we never forget our responsibilities. We strive to lead the way in responsible gameplay, and to lift the bar in company governance, employee wellbeing and sustainability. We’re a diverse business united by shared values and an inspiring mission to bring joy to life through the power of play.

We aim to create an environment where individual differences are valued, and all employees have the opportunity to realize their potential. We welcome and encourage applications from all people regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, cultural background, disability status or LGBTQ+ identity. We offer a range of flexible working options through all.flex, our flexible hybrid work model and invite you to have a conversation with us about flexible working. EEO M/F/D/V

• World Leader in Gaming Entertainment

• Robust benefits package

• Global career opportunities

Our Values

• All about the Player

• Talent Unleashed

• Collective Brilliance

• Good Business Good Citizen

The US based roles may require registration with the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) and/or other gaming jurisdictions in which we operate.

Travel Expectations

None