Lead Release Train Engineer

Manulife • Waterloo, ON

2d • CA$113,260 - CA$210,340 • Hybrid

About The Position

As a Lead Release Train Engineer (Director), you will lead and optimize large-scale Agile delivery across multiple teams within an Agile Release Train (ART). This role focuses on enabling predictable, high-quality delivery while fostering collaboration, continuous improvement, and alignment between strategy and execution. You will partner with cross-functional leaders to improve delivery systems, support decision-making, and help teams deliver value efficiently and sustainably.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in Agile delivery, program management, and scaled Agile environments, including defining, implementing, and operating a SAFe‑based delivery practice at the program and portfolio level.
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience using Agile delivery and portfolio tooling (e.g., Jira and Confluence) to support scaled delivery, governance, and continuous improvement in large or complex enterprise environments.
• Experience facilitating large-scale planning events and coordinating across multiple teams
• Knowledge of Agile frameworks (e.g., SAFe), delivery metrics, and program governance practices
• Ability to influence stakeholders and translate strategy into actionable plans

Nice To Haves

• SAFe Release Train Engineer (RTE), SAFe Program Consultant (SPC), or Agile coaching certification
• Experience delivering technology programs in financial services or other regulated industries
• Familiarity with DevSecOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and system or solution architecture
• Experience supporting organizations through transformation or growth initiatives
• Strong communication and facilitation skills, including experience working with senior stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Lead and improve the end-to-end flow of work across an Agile Release Train to support alignment and delivery outcomes
• Facilitate program-level events such as Program Increment (PI) Planning, ART syncs, system demos, and retrospectives
• Translate business priorities into clear Program Increment objectives and track progress against delivery goals
• Identify and address risks, dependencies, and impediments, escalating when needed with recommendations
• Partner with Product and Engineering leaders to support prioritization and value delivery
• Provide visibility into delivery health, capacity, and resource needs
• Use Agile metrics (e.g., velocity, throughput, predictability) to identify improvement opportunities
• Coach leaders, Scrum Masters, and teams on Agile practices, mindset, and effective collaboration
• Promote an inclusive, collaborative, and psychologically safe team environment
• Continuously improve ways of working by incorporating industry-leading Agile practices

Benefits

• health, dental, mental health, vision, short- and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance coverage, adoption/surrogacy and wellness benefits, and employee/family assistance plans.
• various retirement savings plans (including pension and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions) and financial education and counseling resources.
• generous paid time off program in Canada includes holidays, vacation, personal, and sick days, and we offer the full range of statutory leaves of absence.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed