Release Manager - SAP

Position Summary:

Responsible for overseeing the end-to-end execution of the software development lifecycle (SDLC) to facilitate successful delivery of releases that provide new capabilities to SAP S4\Hana and other applications as assigned. Success in this role requires excellence in communication and close coordination with business subject matter experts, business liaisons/partners, PMO, process owners, delivery teams, and run/sustainability teams. The role also requires superior planning ability to accommodate multiple priorities in a complex portfolio of active programs and projects that compete for limited infrastructure and staff availability. The distinguished candidate will demonstrate a strong sense of accountability, ambition for performance excellence in delivering uncompromised quality while fostering an Agile delivery process that brings more value, more often.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Oversee end-to-end SDLC activities from intake of demand to post-deployment transition-to-run activities.
• Develop and maintain annual release calendars and milestone-based schedules (e.g., t-1 plan) per planned release.
• Monitor pace of intake (i.e., demand) against available capacity and recommend resource adjustments.
• Align commitments to planned releases on an achievable schedule.
• Facilitate routine release status meetings.
• Prepare and deliver release status updates, release notes, and other relevant communications.
• Manage and resolve or mitigate release issues and risks and serve as a first-level point of escalation.
• Collaborate to create aligned environment strategies for in-scope platforms.
• Work with delivery/functional leads to create achievable delivery plans with clear milestones.
• Track committed delivery plans against milestones, holding committed actors accountable.
• Hold vendors accountable for meeting performance and quality expectations.
• Negotiate with partner applications (ecosystem teams) to align plans and resolve issues.
• Work with Accelerate Major Release and other program teams to analyze impact of requested work and develop aligned plans that mitigate and resolve risk.
• Oversee execution of the Change Control process in ServiceNow to ensure compliance to the process.
• Work with run/sustainability teams to facilitate knowledge transfer of new capabilities and ensure smooth transition into the support model.
• Lead intelligent and aggressive responses to quickly resolve hypercare issues and determine root cause with preventative actions.
• Foster an atmosphere of continuous improvement and contribute to successfully maturing processes and tools through documentation, trainings, and incremental changes.
• Establish and improve metrics that transparently convey achievement against identified key performance indicators.
• Partners with the IS Governance team to ensure compliance with regulations, policies, standards, procedures, and associated documentation.
• Special projects/assignments as required.

Education & Special Trainings:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university in the areas of Computer science, Engineering, Information Systems, Business, or equivalent field of study required.
• Master's degree in MIS, MBA or related disciplines preferred.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Minimum 13 years of professional experience required, with at least 10 deploying or delivering software releases of enterprise platforms and 8 specifically on SAP. 
• Prior experience and demonstrated understanding of enterprise platforms or other complex business solutions with direct experience in global system rollouts required.
• Ability to maintain strong relationships within Stryker Divisions and Geographies 
• Ability to consider upstream and downstream process impacts and implications.
• Exhibits acute business acumen and understanding of organizational issues and challenges.  
• Versatility and willingness to work with constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.
• Experienced in enterprise solution methodologies, preferably in both traditional waterfall and agile approaches preferred.
• International experience and/or exposure working in other business functions preferred.
• Knowledge of Lean, ITIL, PPM, PMO, etc. standards and processes preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with Senior Management.
• Must be able to generate, explain, and present detailed schedules, objectives, reports, and other documentation accurately.
• Demonstrated ability to work cohesively across a cross functional and matrixed organization.
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to drive initiatives and projects independently from start to finish.
• ​​Exceptional written, verbal and presentation skills to a diverse set of audiences​.