What does a release manager do?
A release manager is responsible for supervising project releases across various platforms by closely coordinating with technology and project teams, ensuring the stability and efficiency of outputs according to clients' specifications and business needs. Release managers handle the delivery management procedures from conceptualization to production, maintaining budget requirements and adherence to timetables. They also perform quality check processes to identify possible defects and inconsistencies with the deliverables and adjusting initial project plans as needed.
Release manager responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real release manager resumes:
- Used ruby to manage different templates in puppet modules.
- Create, manage and write UAT process and test cases.
- Manage configuration and log files with custom written PowerShell scripts.
- Manage testing of new software updates and assist in debugging computer programs.
- Programme shell scripts and manage multiple processes on both Linux and Unix environments.
- Manage J2EE base large scale commercial enterprise software product releases and client accounts.
- Transfer of QA cloud operations environments.
- Facilitate scrum ceremonies and work with teams on continuous improvement.
- Manage puppet for configuration management and automation using AWS infrastructure.
- Establish configuration management ISO procedures which result in obtaining superior grades on an ISO external audit to ensure ISO certification.
- Utilize DFMEA'S, PSO, PSW, PPAP, and CN.
- Handle DFMEA, PSO, PSW, PPAP, and CN as well as capital expenditure.
- Contract reviews and CDRL submissions.
- Review and disposition CDRL deliverables.
- Create space for user under confluence.
Release manager skills and personality traits
We calculated that 7% of Release Managers are proficient in Release Management, Project Management, and Software Development. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Creativity.
We break down the percentage of Release Managers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Release Management, 7%
Improved release management framework by defining roles and responsibilities, creating templates and procedures, and implementing escalation and support frameworks.
- Project Management, 6%
Collaborated with Product Management, Engineering, Project Management / Scrum Masters and Technology to facilitate communication between the various stakeholders.
- Software Development, 5%
Managed new software development and maintenance using Agile methodologies, resulting in timely incremental software deliveries to our stakeholders.
- Jira, 4%
Implemented agile and embrace change Working knowledge and hands on experience in JIRA, Confluence, BuildForge, AWS.
- Release Process, 4%
Designed and implemented automated release process to allow scheduled and on demand deployments to all environments with one button initiation.
- QA, 4%
Worked across multiple departments with development and QA to clarify and document specification repository requirements.
Common skills that a release manager uses to do their job include "release management," "project management," and "software development." You can find details on the most important release manager responsibilities below.
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a release manager to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." Release managers often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "innovated change management utilizing microsoft sharepoint 2007/access/word/excel that effectively monitored & controlled all test data/change control processes with built-in continuity. "
Communication skills. Many release manager duties rely on communication skills. "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project," so a release manager will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways release manager responsibilities rely on communication skills: "create status reports for weekly and monthly communication. "
Creativity. release managers are also known for creativity, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to release manager responsibilities, because "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." A release manager resume example shows how creativity is used in the workplace: "performed the role of scrum master remis creating an efficient, creative and highly productive sprint team. "
Detail oriented. For certain release manager responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "detail oriented." The day-to-day duties of a release manager rely on this skill, as "developers often work on many parts of an application or system at the same time and must therefore be able to concentrate and pay attention to detail." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what release managers do: "perform object oriented programming and debugging in c++, visual basic and java for development teams to meet release deadlines. "
Interpersonal skills. Another crucial skill for a release manager to carry out their responsibilities is "interpersonal skills." A big part of what release managers relies on this skill, since "software developers must be able to work well with others who contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software." How this skill relates to release manager duties can be seen in an example from a release manager resume snippet: "team player attitude with customer service focus, excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. "
Problem-solving skills. Lastly, "problem-solving skills" is an important element of what a release manager does. Release manager responsibilities require this skill because "because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process." This resume example highlights how release manager duties rely on this skill: "defined requirements and workflow for a sharepoint repository for tracking of defects and issue resolutions. "
The three companies that hire the most release managers are:
- Fiserv54 release managers jobs
- U.S. Bank52 release managers jobs
- Highmark51 release managers jobs
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Compare different release managers
Release manager vs. Information technology technical lead
An information technology technical lead is responsible for assisting the technology team in solving system issues, designing new application systems, improving existing network infrastructure, and maintaining the safety and security of the organization's database. Information technology technical leads inspect the technology system's performance, recommending strategic solutions for optimization and smooth navigations for end-users. They also perform configurations and modifications, adhering to business requirements to support production operations. An information technology technical lead must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as a strong command of programming languages and system codes to handle technical complexities for maximum efficiency.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a release manager are more likely to require skills like "release management," "software development," "jira," and "release process." On the other hand, a job as an information technology technical lead requires skills like "architecture," "governance," "customer service," and "nist." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Information technology technical leads tend to make the most money working in the pharmaceutical industry, where they earn an average salary of $119,542. In contrast, release managers make the biggest average salary, $109,385, in the retail industry.The education levels that information technology technical leads earn slightly differ from release managers. In particular, information technology technical leads are 4.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a release manager. Additionally, they're 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Release manager vs. Information technology project lead
Information technology (IT) project leads are professionals who manage a team of IT professionals that work on the IT projects of an organization. These project leads are required to handle all issues regarding the project and financial management as well as review business and product requirements with the technical development team to address production issues. They must collaborate with the technical and application team leaders so that they can ensure the appropriate development of infrastructure architecture. IT project leads must also participate in negotiations with the software suppliers and IT consulting firms.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, release manager responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "release management," "jira," "release process," and "infrastructure." Meanwhile, an information technology project lead has duties that require skills in areas such as "project scope," "business process," "relational database management," and "network infrastructure." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, information technology project leads earn a lower salary than release managers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, information technology project leads earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $108,009. Whereas release managers have higher pay in the retail industry, with an average salary of $109,385.information technology project leads earn similar levels of education than release managers in general. They're 0.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Release manager vs. Senior consultant, information technology
A senior consultant of information technology is primarily responsible for developing strategies and procedures to optimize a company's information technology systems and infrastructure. It is their duty to assess existing networks and systems to identify their strengths and weaknesses, develop solutions in problem areas, perform risk assessments, and provide advice on how to achieve the best information technology practices. Furthermore, as a senior consultant, it is essential to lead the efforts and serve as a role model for the workforce, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a release manager is likely to be skilled in "release management," "software development," "jira," and "release process," while a typical senior consultant, information technology is skilled in "architecture," "client facing," "healthcare," and "cloud."
Senior consultants, information technology make a very good living in the finance industry with an average annual salary of $117,869. On the other hand, release managers are paid the highest salary in the retail industry, with average annual pay of $109,385.senior consultants, information technology typically earn similar educational levels compared to release managers. Specifically, they're 2.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.9% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Release manager vs. Manager applications development
An applications development manager is responsible for keeping businesses running smoothly and effectively through planning, coordinating, and overseeing all activities related to software applications. You will oversee the maintenance, upgrade, and support of existing applications and systems required for the smooth day-to-day operations of the business. Other tasks that you will likely perform include providing estimates for project timeline and cost, overseeing feasibility research on software applications, and diagnosing and troubleshooting program errors. As an applications development manager, you are also responsible for recommending software products and services that will benefit the company.
Types of release manager
Updated January 8, 2025
