Digital Release Governance Lead - Banking Apps.- UAEn

Our client, a leading UAE-based financial institution offering comprehensive retail, corporate, and investment banking services, recognized for its strong regional presence and focus on digital innovation, is looking for a Digital Release Governance Manager position.

The Release Governance Manager will be responsible for introducing, evolving, and maintaining a robust Release Management Framework governing all production releases within the Retail Banking Group (RBG) Digital space. The role ensures that digital releases adhere to defined governance standards, align with the bank's technology stack and architectural principles, and comply with digital, business, and risk governance requirements.

The incumbent will collaborate closely with Agile Coaches, Architecture, Business Governance, Risk, Compliance, and CXCG teams to ensure all release processes are documented, controlled, and compliant with internal policies and regulatory standards. The role requires a strong focus on governance, risk management, and technical understanding, as well as the ability to build consensus across stakeholders with competing priorities.

This role may also include managing a small team to support the effective rollout and continuous improvement of release governance processes.

Design, implement, and own the end to end Release Management Framework for RBG Digital.

Ensure proper governance, controls, and sign offs are in place prior to releasing new digital features or capabilities.

Continuously evolve the framework to align with technology strategy, risk appetite, and regulatory changes.

Establish clear policies, processes, and tools to enforce adherence to the framework.

Ensure all deployments and supporting evidence comply with internal policies and regulatory requirements.

Monitor exceptions to the release process, ensuring proper documentation, exceptional approvals, and mitigation plans.

Work closely with key stakeholders including Business Governance, Risk, Compliance, CXCG, and Architecture to ensure consistent governance alignment.

Build and maintain strong relationships across digital, technology, and control functions to enable transparent release decision making.

Periodically share insightful reports and analytics on release performance, compliance, and trends.

Maintain and update documentation related to release governance and best practices.

Identify and implement opportunities for automation and process enhancement.

Lead and mentor a small team, providing coaching, guidance, and support in understanding and applying the release management framework.

Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Postgraduate degree with a minimum of 8 years of experience across diverse banking or financial operations.

Strong focus on technical governance, compliance, and control frameworks within a digital or technology led environment.

Deep understanding of change management practices, including stakeholder analysis, workforce readiness, and leadership communications.

Proven ability to interpret technical and digital solutions, with solid functional and technical knowledge of major banking applications.

Strong analytical, organizational, and problem solving skills with the ability to simplify complex situations.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated senior stakeholder management experience.

Effective coordination, project management, and multitasking abilities within a fast paced, agile setting.

Strong mindset focused on technical governance, compliance, and controls.

Deep understanding of technical and digital solutions and their business implications.

Proven experience in change management and stakeholder communication at senior levels.