Job DescriptionAbout the role:The Release Train Engineer (RTE) is a servant leader and coach for the Agile Release Train (ART). Although ARTs are composed of self-organizing and self-managing teams, the RTE will guide and drive the teams, facilitate the ART events and processes and assist the teams in delivering value. The RTE has a solid grasp of how to scale Lean - Agile practices and understands the unique opportunities and challenges associated with transforming and continuously aligning a large development program.
ResponsibilitiesIn this role you will:- Facilitate Agile Release Train processes and execution, escalate impediments, manage risk, help ensure value delivery, and help drive relentless improvement
- Influence others by creating a participative, empowered and safe environment where all feedback is valued and respected
- Ensure that others contribute to organization strategies by focusing them on the most critical priorities, measuring progress, and ensuring accountability against those metrics
- Identify and emphasize critical priorities to ensure time and energy are aligned with important organization goals despite daily distractions
- Assign priorities and reinforce individual responsibility for each progress measure and communicate the consequences for meeting or not meeting expectations
- Identify measures that are on track and those that are most at risk, escalating track impediments when needed
- Explain and clarify the need for improvement or preparation required for a new opportunity and articulate the impact on the individual, team, and organization
- Provide assistance by sharing suggestions for improvement, best practices, development resources, positive models, or opportunities for experimentation
- Summarize specific actions individuals will take, assign clear accountability, timeline, progress measures, and follow-up date, while monitoring progress and results
- Manage and optimize the flow of value through the ART and Solution Train using various tools, such as the Program and Solution Kanbans and other information radiators
- Establish and communicate the annual calendars for Iterations and Program Increments (PIs)
- Facilitate PI Planning readiness by fostering a Continuous Exploration process which drive the synthesis of a Vision, a Roadmap, and Backlogs, and through Pre- and Post-PI Planning meetings
- Coach leaders, teams, and Scrum Masters in Lean-Agile practices and mindsets, providing additional training and development opportunities when necessary
- Use appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to inspire and guide individuals to gain acceptance of ideas or plans
- Continually focus on improving processes, products, and services by exploring innovative options
- Provide input on resourcing to address critical bottlenecks and inspire collaboration between team members
- Ensure strategy and execution alignment between Product and Solution Management, Product Owners, and other stakeholders
- Understand and operate within Lean Budgets and ensure adherence to Guardrails
QualificationsWhat makes you a dream candidate?- Must exhibit advanced knowledge of Agile, Scrum and Kanban techniques and demonstrate evidence of a servant leadership mindset
- Demonstrated expertise in product development process cycles
- Understanding of information systems, interlinkages and operations
- Thorough understanding of the business principles involved in strategic planning
- Demonstrated understanding of portfolio management techniques
- Thorough understanding of GM Financial's organization mission/vision and strategic direction
- Demonstrated ability in performing multiple PI Planning sessions
- Ability to facilitate, coach and guide through influence, inspiration, collaboration and teamwork
- Advanced negotiation, leadership, and conflict resolution abilities
- Excellent people skills, with an ability to understand and respect diverse viewpoints
- Ability to listen and communicate effectively with others both verbally and in writing
- Experience with Microsoft Azure DevOps (work hierarchies) and visual platforms such as Miro, IdeaBoardz, etc.
Experience:- 5-7 years of experience in Scrum and/or agile release trains required
- High School Diploma or equivalent required
- Bachelor's Degree or additional equivalent work or military experience preferred
Licenses and Certifications- SAFe 5.0 Release Train Engineer (RTE certification) 90 Days required
- SAFe 5.0 SAFe Program Consultant (SPC certification) preferred
What We Offer: Generous benefits package available on day one to include: 401K matching, bonding leave for new parents (12 weeks, 100% paid), tuition assistance, training, GM employee auto discount, community service pay and nine company holidays.
Compensation: Competitive pay and bonus eligibility.
Work Life Balance: Flexible hybrid work environment, 2 days a week in the office.
