Senior Release Manager - job 1 of 2

As a Senior Release Manager at Firaxis Games, your main responsibilities will include developing and maintaining comprehensive release plans, coordinating release activities across various departments, and managing risk by identifying potential issues with upcoming builds. You will also engage with external partners regarding certification processes and ensure all releases have the necessary approvals from stakeholders.

To succeed as a Senior Release Manager at Firaxis Games, candidates must have a minimum of five years of experience developing and shipping live service games. This role requires expertise in managing multiple platforms, as well as a solid understanding of build certification processes. Excellent communication skills and project management experience are also essential to effectively implement processes that support game releases.

The Senior Release Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the games released by Firaxis adhere to the highest quality standards. By collaborating with development, QA, and other teams to monitor releases, manage risks, and address any urgent issues, the Senior Release Manager helps guarantee that players enjoy a smooth gaming experience and that Firaxis maintains its reputation as a leading game developer.

Candidates for the Senior Release Manager position at Firaxis Games should have expertise with industry-standard tools such as Perforce for version control, JIRA for project management, and various telemetry and dashboard tools for monitoring game releases. Familiarity with these tools will help facilitate effective communication and project coordination among the teams involved in game development.

Firaxis Games fosters a vibrant company culture that focuses on creativity, collaboration, and respect. As a Senior Release Manager, you will be part of a team that encourages passionate communication and values employee well-being. The studio offers a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth, team-building activities, and a commitment to work-life balance.

In answering this question, highlight your experience with developing comprehensive release plans, including timelines and milestones. Discuss how you involve various teams and stakeholder considerations and share an example of a successful release you managed, emphasizing the strategies that led to its success.

Defining your risk management approach is critical. Discuss how you assess potential risks in upcoming builds, your process for escalating issues, and how you collaborate with teams to implement mitigation strategies. Use specific examples to illustrate your problem-solving skills.

Talk about the importance of creating structured priorities based on the impact each release has on players and the organization. Describe your process for balancing competing timelines and how you ensure that all teams remain aligned while delivering high-quality products.

Outline your hands-on experience in managing build certification across various platforms. Make sure to highlight specific platforms you have worked with and how you navigated their unique certification processes. Demonstrating familiarity with both challenges and successful outcomes will be key.

Communication is essential in this role. Emphasize how you foster open communication among teams, ensuring everyone is updated on release aspects. Discuss your strategies for managing expectations across different departments and how effective communication can prevent potential issues.

Explain your process for reacting quickly to emergencies, detailing how you remain organized and prioritize player needs. Share an experience where you successfully managed an unplanned release or issue in gameplay, emphasizing your ability to lead your team through pressure.

Provide a specific example of a challenging stakeholder situation, focusing on how you built rapport and managed expectations. Highlight problem-solving skills and your commitment to understanding the unique perspectives of involved parties to achieve a positive outcome.

Talk about tools such as JIRA for project tracking, Perforce for version control, and any telemetry or monitoring tools relevant to your experience. Discuss how these tools have enhanced your ability to deliver successful game releases efficiently.

Emphasize the importance of follow-ups after releases, discussing how you gather feedback and assess performance. Detail your strategies for addressing any concerns raised by stakeholders, reinforcing a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Passion for video games plays a crucial role in motivating you to deliver the best possible player experiences. Share how your love for gaming drives your work ethic, your desire for quality, and how it enhances communication and collaboration with creative teams.