Data Release Train Engineer

We’re on the hunt for experienced Data Release Train Engineers (RTEs) who’ll be responsible for the meticulous management and facilitation of Data Specific Agile Release Trains (ARTs) pertaining to our data product initiatives.  

This role demands the application of agile methodologies to ensure the timely, efficient, and high-quality delivery co-ordination and release of our data products. You’ll support Data Products in adopting agile best practices and will play an active role in resolving and escalating impediments, managing risks, assuring value delivery, driving continuous improvement at both the data product and portfolio level.   

The Data RTE’s will collaborate closely and co-ordinate with other RTEs across other Data and Value Stream ARTs to ensure successful timely management of dependencies and the streamlined delivery of change initiatives. You’ll be expected to manage relationships at all levels, ranging from technical and business, through to executive level, whilst demanding, the job holder should extract huge satisfaction from their contribution to our dynamic and innovative business. 

We value flexible working arrangements, so you can choose to work remotely or maybe you live within a commutable distance from one of our offices in Salford Quays, Manchester, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, or Guernsey, and want to work in the office occasionally. 

Core skills were looking for to succeed in the role: 

• Leadership Skills: You’ll possess exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. 

• Problem-Solving: You’ll enjoy identifying issues, analysing options, and implementing effective solutions. 

• Strong planning and control expertise 

• Excellent workshop and meeting facilitation skills  

• Proven ability to balance concurrent activities 

• Ability to communicate risks, issues, and dependencies at all levels of the organisation 

• Technical Skills: You’ll be proficient in data product development, data management strategies, and associated technologies. 

What’s involved: 

• Data Agile Release Train Management: Oversee and coordinate the progress and performance of Data Agile Release Trains (ARTs) centred around data product releases. 

• Planning and Execution: Facilitate PI (Program Increment) planning sessions, managing the execution of plans while ensuring milestones and objectives are achieved. 

• Continuous Improvement: Implement and drive continuous improvement practices within the Data ARTs to enhance team productivity and product quality. 

• Agile Process Facilitation: Ensure adherence to agile methodologies across all data product initiatives, facilitating scrum ceremonies and fostering a collaborative environment. 

• Risk Management: Identify, track, and mitigate risks and dependencies that could affect the success of data product releases and broader value stream and portfolio releases. 

• Stakeholder Communication: Serve as the primary liaison between cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and leadership, ensuring clear communication and alignment. 

• Reporting and Measurement: Provide regular updates on ART progress, issues, and accomplishments to relevant stakeholders, and be relentless in the use of data measurement to improve ART and Data Product performance 

• Coaching and Mentoring: Support and mentor Product Owners, and other team members to cultivate a strong Agile culture and practice. 

• Agile Best Practices: Advocate and implement agile best practices and principles to optimize the development and release process of data products. 

• Cross-Team Coordination: Facilitate coordination and synchronization between different ARTs and teams to ensure seamless integration and delivery of data products 

Experience and Knowledge 

• Demonstrable experience as a Release Train Engineer or in a similar role, with a focus on data products. 

• Agile Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of Agile principles and methodologies, including experience with SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework). 

• A background in at least one Data capability (Business Intelligence, Data Engineering, Analytics & AI, Data Governance) 

• Extensive experience in leading successful agile teams either as a scrum master, agile delivery lead, or release train engineer 

• Excellent understanding of agile tools (preferably Azure DevOps) 

• Experience coordinating multiple teams in a Data environment. 

Skills 

• Leadership Skills: Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. 

• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify issues, analyze options, and implement effective solutions. 

• Strong planning and control expertise 

• Excellent workshop and meeting facilitation skills  

• Proven ability to balance concurrent activities 

• Ability to communicate risks, issues, and dependencies at all levels of the organisation 

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in data product development, data management strategies, and associated technologies. 

Qualifications 

•  Certification: SAFe Release Train Engineer certification is advantageous. 

Behaviours 

• Commercially focussed and results driven 

• Self-motivated and enthusiastic 

• Acts as a role model and motivates others 

• Embraces, embeds and incorporates the Company values 

• An organised and pro-active approach 

• Ability to lead and influence 

• A flexible approach and positive attitude 

• Able to balance an emphasis on attention to detail whilst retaining focus on broader needs  

• Takes initiative to make decisions 

• Strives to deliver improvements 

So, if you’re up for the challenge and would like to join our vibrant and busy team, we want to hear from you today.