Release Manager

A Release Manager with System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) and Citrix skills bridges the gap between software development and IT infrastructure operations. They are responsible for planning, testing, and deploying applications and virtualized desktop infrastructure (VDI) updates to users via Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops, using SCCM for deployment orchestration.

Core Responsibilities

Release Planning & Scheduling: Define, maintain, and communicate release calendars, ensuring that software deployments align with business, change management, and security requirements.

Citrix & SCCM Integration: Oversee the deployment of applications and OS updates within a Citrix VDI environment, leveraging SCCM for package management and distribution.

Environment Management: Manage and maintain virtual image golden images for Citrix, ensuring they are updated, tested, and ready for production using SCCM.

Risk Management & Rollback: Proactively identify risks, mitigate issues during deployment, and create contingency/rollback plans to ensure minimal disruption to user sessions.

Cross-Functional Coordination: Collaborate with development, infrastructure, and QA teams to ensure all components of a release are validated.

Documentation & Compliance: Maintain detailed release documentation, including installation procedures, known errors, and application-specific information.

Mandatory Technical Skills

SCCM/MECM Expertise: Minimum 5+ years of experience in application deployment, software delivery, and client-server infrastructure management.

Citrix Virtual Apps & Desktops: In-depth knowledge of Citrix administration, VDI performance optimization, and session management.

Application Packaging: Experience with App-V, MSI packaging, and Admin Studio to package applications for virtualized environments.

Windows Ecosystem: Strong understanding of Windows Server environments, Active Directory, and Group Policy.