Release Manager

Job Title: Release Manager
Location: United States (Remote)
Onsite/Remote: Fully Remote (Preference for Pacific Time; Central Time considered if needed)
Duration: Long-term contract (annual extensions)

Position Overview/Role Summary:

As a Release Manager, you will support the delivery of high-impact software releases within a cloud-based SaaS environment. This role is responsible for coordinating end-to-end release activities, ensuring alignment across engineering, operations, and business teams. You will apply program management best practices to drive successful, high-quality releases while maintaining a strong focus on customer experience, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities:

• Plan, coordinate, and execute software releases, patches, and system changes in a SaaS/cloud environment
• Develop and manage release schedules, ensuring adherence to defined processes, data standards, and integration requirements
• Identify cross-functional dependencies, risks, and impacts across multiple programs and proactively mitigate issues
• Collaborate with engineering, product, operations, and support teams to ensure smooth and stable deployments
• Communicate release plans, requirements, and risks clearly to stakeholders and partner teams
• Escalate blockers and drive resolution to keep releases on track
• Partner with customer-facing teams to translate technical updates into clear release communications
• Monitor release performance metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Support enterprise compliance environments, including regulated cloud frameworks
• Build and maintain strong cross-functional relationships across teams

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in release management, program management, or a related role
• Experience supporting regulated cloud environments (e.g., FedRAMP Moderate or High)
• Strong project and program management skills with the ability to drive initiatives to completion
• Experience working cross-functionally with engineering, product, operations, and support teams
• Ability to identify dependencies, manage risks, and remove blockers proactively
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex information clearly
• Experience managing release schedules and troubleshooting data or system integration issues
• Customer-focused mindset with the ability to balance speed, quality, and business impact

Preferred:

• Experience working in SaaS or cloud operations environments
• Familiarity with operational analytics and monitoring tools
• Exposure to scripting or query languages (e.g., Splunk Processing Language)
• Experience incorporating AI tools to improve efficiency and workflow outcomes
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Tools & Technologies:

• Jira, Confluence
• Slack
• Salesforce
• Airtable
• Splunk (or similar monitoring/log analysis tools)