VP, Release Manager

As a Release Manager (VP) for Private Markets, you will oversee the end-to-end release management lifecycle and associated risk governance for our Private Markets product suite. You will coordinate release schedules, manage change deployments, and ensure compliance with firm risk and governance frameworks. This role requires close collaboration with Product, Engineering (Development & Quality), and Operations teams to deliver timely, well-coordinated software releases that meet business objectives while maintaining high standards of risk management and control in line with BlackRock’s policies. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Release Management & Coordination: 

• Plan and steer release scheduling and execution across the Private Markets portfolio, aligning with project timelines and business goals. 

• Coordinate cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, QA/Quality Engineering, Operations) to manage dependencies and ensure smooth, on-time releases.

• Serve as the primary communication point for all release activities, keeping stakeholders informed through release meetings and updates.

• Proactively identify and mitigate release risks to minimize impact on production environments, and continuously improve release processes and documentation (e.g., release guides, deployment notes) to enhance efficiency and consistency in line with BlackRock standards. 

• Risk Governance & Control: 

• Oversee Private Markets risk governance processes, ensuring timely completion of risk and control activities (e.g., RCSA reviews, control testing, audit remediation, business continuity planning) in alignment with firm frameworks and policies. 

• Review and approve risk-related decisions and high-risk changes within your delegated authority, confirming all required controls, approvals, and evidence are in place for audit readiness. Act as the primary liaison and escalation point to central Risk, InfoSec, Audit, and other oversight teams, ensuring that risk and compliance obligations are met and significant issues are escalated appropriately.

•  Drive the remediation of operational, security, audit, and vendor risk issues by coordinating accountable owners, tracking timelines, and providing transparent status updates to senior stakeholders. Maintain strong governance routines to track action items, exceptions, approvals, and ensure robust documentation of all risk and control activities. 

Qualifications: 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree (required). 

• Experience: Proven experience in release management, project management, and/or risk management, ideally in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment. 

• Skills: Strong understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC) and project management principles. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously with attention to detail. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience with Agile and DevOps methodologies. 

• Engineering background 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel. 

• Certification in Project Management (PMP) or Agile (Scrum Master). 

• Relevant certifications or qualifications in risk, controls, audit, or governance are a plus (e.g., CISA, CRISC, ISO 27001, ISO 22301, ISO 31000).