Digital Release Governance - Assistant Manager.RBG Central Squad.Retail Banking Group

Role Overview

Digital Release Governance – Assistant Manager, Retail Banking Group Digital, Mashreq. Pay grade J. Reports to Head of Agile Transformation.

Company Overview

Part of the Retail Banking Group Digital division at Mashreq, operating within a multidisciplinary, fast-paced environment focused on digital capabilities and production releases.

Role Purpose

Introduce, evolve, and enforce a Release Management framework and process that governs all production releases in the RBG Digital space. Ensure appropriate controls, artifacts, and sign-offs align with Mashreq's technology stack, architectural principles, and digital, business, and risk governance requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Framework & Governance

• Introduce and evolve the Release Management framework in collaboration with Agile Coaches, Architect team, and other governance functions including Business Governance, risk, compliance, and CXCG.
• Implement policies, processes, and tools that enforce proactive adherence to the Release Management framework.
• Ensure controls are in line with bank policies and local regulatory requirements, with all deployments and evidence uploaded and constantly up to date.
• Establish a framework ensuring proper controls and governance are in place prior to release of new features and digital capabilities to customers and staff.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Enhancement

• Collaborate with stakeholders including CRB, Business Governance, risk, compliance, and CXCG to continuously enhance the framework and incorporate new regulatory requirements.
• Build consensus across multidisciplinary teams and create good rapport with different levels of seniority within the organization.
• Facilitate stakeholder analysis and leadership communications as part of change management practices.

Deployment Oversight & Approvals

• Approve or reject production deployments by Digital squads based on adherence to the Release Management framework.
• Ensure production releases deviating from standard requirements receive exceptional approvals documented with clear mitigation plans.
• Ensure timely response during deployment windows.

Tools, Training & Documentation

• Implement tools and deliver training throughout RBG Digital on the framework.
• Continuously improve best practices in release management.
• Periodically share insightful reports on releases and ensure continuous update of relevant documentation.

Escalation & Problem-Solving

• Escalate in a timely manner to senior management.
• Provide solutions for improving controls in a highly risk environment.

Qualifications & Experience

• Post graduate degree.
• 3+ years in diverse banking departments, preferably with diversified exposure across different operational functions and units.
• Focused mindset on governance, compliance, and controls.
• Deep understanding of change management practices, particularly stakeholder analysis, workforce readiness, and leadership communications.
• Understanding of technical and digital solutions and implications; functional and technology knowledge of major banking applications.

Skills & Competencies

• Ability to create simple solutions in complex and unclear situations.
• Digital studio and agile methodologies expertise.
• Strong interpersonal skills with good decision-making and communication abilities.
• Multi-tasking capabilities.
• Coordination and management skills.
• Senior stakeholder management.

Additional Information

• The role may require occasional availability during nights and weekends, as many releases are deployed outside normal working hours and days.
• Strict compliance with the bank's policies and procedures is required.
• Operates in a fast-paced environment where fast decision-making, rapid problem-solving, and quick escalation are needed.