D365 Release Backlog Manager

About the context

The D365 'HERO' Programme is a multi-year global transformation Programme in Finance & Operations implementing Microsoft Dynamics 365 across all our regions. HERO aims to harmonise multiple regional ERPs existing globally, while respecting our divisional operating models and métier specificities. It will create a standardized, single global core ERP model, based on the SaaS Microsoft D365 F&O platform.

HERO is not just a Programme; it is a transformation building the foundation for the success of our Global business, strengthening us to embrace the growth of our future.

Your role @ Chanel

We are seeking an accomplished Release Backlog Manager to join our HERO Programme. You will be lead the charge and oversee release(s) backlog definition, prioritisation and maintenance working closely with Global Process Owners and D365 product team. You will oversee the release backlog management process, ensuring timely and efficient delivery of Global releases while maintaining high standards of engagement and quality.

The impact you can create at Chanel

Demand and Backlog management:

• Identify and manages future demand/business needs to support forward planning working closely with Global Process owners.
• Maintain a release repository and manage key information in Azure Deve Ops toolset (ADO).
• Key focus is to ensure solution backlog delivery in line with the agreed releases, HERO programme timelines and HERO Harmonisation principles
• Align backlog prioritization with business value drivers and technical objectives to ensure maximum impact
• Owns and understands the backlog that will be delivered by each release and deployment
• Keeps integrity of the backlog by managing change whilst avoiding scope creep
• Cross-collaborate between different teams at different locations

Delivery and Management:

• Facilitate release planning meetings
• Conduct Release Readiness reviews, Milestone Reviews, and Business Go/No-Go reviews
• Lead and coordinate Go-Live activities, including deployment plans and checklists
• Measures and monitors the progress of each release to ensure that deliverables meet timelines and meet/exceed expectations
• Coordinates with technical teams for successful deployment and post-release validation
• Champion the adoption of CI/CD tools and methodologies
• Establish and maintain metrics to track release performance and quality
• Manage risks and resolve issues affecting release scope, schedule, and quality

Activities:

• Reviews and manages the HERO demand via ADO (including releases and deployments)
• Define and track KPIs such as deployment success rate, defect leakage, and cycle time to continuously improve release performance
• Stablish regular communication cadences with Regional leads, GPLs, and RPOs to ensure alignment and transparency
• Identify and manage cross-team and cross-system dependencies to ensure smooth release execution
• Contributes to priorities for the development team (Chanel and partners)
• Works closely to the Product Team, GPOs, and GPLs and manages change in conjunction with Partners
• Plan release windows and cycles across a portfolio of products
• Collaborates with Test manager to develop automation tools for software deployment
• Collaborates with Service Delivery manager to ensure smooth transitions to live
• Collaborates with Process Centre of Excellence (CoE) in all aspects such as Communications, Business Change, Training, etc

What you will bring:

• 5+ years of experience in release backlog management ideally in a Global ERP/system environment.
• Proven track record of managing software releases in complex settings in a heavy integrated environment.
• Strong understanding of CI/CD processes and tools such as ADO, Jenkins, GitLab CI, or similar
• Exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple projects and priorities
• Excellent communication skills to build relationships across teams
• Experience with version control systems and build automation tools
• Technical skills in release management tools and methodologies
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• A collaborative mindset and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Commitment to continuous learning and improvement
• Fluent in English & in French

Technical Skills:

• Understands D365 and is familiar with complex landscapes (D365, IPaaS, Power Platform), can mitigates risks and coordinate arising issues
• Expert in working with Azure DevOps
• Familiar with Planning tools like Smartsheets and Microsoft Project.
• Familiarity with Azure services, integration patterns, and cloud-native deployment models.
• Should have experience working on client side and has worked with top market system integrators and suppliers
• Prince2 Practitioner and/ or PMP certifications are required

What Chanel can offer you:

• Take part in a global transformation program across multi-regions and multi-partners
• Be a key partner for Business and IT corporate domains, as well as many internal/external partners within Global, Corporate services and regions

At Chanel, we are focused on creating an inclusive culture that nurtures personal growth, contributing to collective progress. We believe the uniqueness of each individual increases the diversity, complementarity, and effectiveness of our teams. We strongly encourage your application, as we value the perspective, experience, and potential you could bring to Chanel.