Manager, Release Operations

Location(s):  Remote Canada

Why Mozilla?

MZLA Technologies Corporation (MZLA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mozilla Foundation, runs the Thunderbird Project and develops related software and services. Thunderbird is a global, free, and open source email client that has grown significantly in donations, staff, and aspirations since its launch 20 years ago. We are expanding our team as we broaden our product and service offerings, committed to delivering best-in-class productivity solutions independent of big tech influence. This critical role is an opportunity for an experienced Manager, Release Operations who is looking for the exciting challenge of managing both the people and technical processes involved in Thunderbird client builds, releases, and distribution to the end user.

About this team and role:

We are looking for an experienced Manager, Release Operations candidate with a generalist focus. This role will be responsible for managing both the people (engineers & QA testers) and technical processes involved in Thunderbird client builds, releases, and distribution to the end user. You will work closely with our team of Thunderbird client engineers, build engineers, QA testers, and project managers. You’ll also collaborate with volunteer localizers and other community contributors.

The Manager, Release Operations will oversee a team of engineers across several time zones in North America including two full time build engineers and two QA contractors. This role will report directly to the Director, Infrastructure & Services. 

We’re committed to creating an amazing experience for our users, and you’ll play a key part in this effort. You will be working with our existing staff and community members from all over the globe to support the mission and objectives of MZLA Technologies Corp and the Thunderbird Project.

This is a remote, full time position. We require strong written communication skills to facilitate effective work coordination across various virtual communication platforms such as email, chat and video conferencing.

What you’ll do: 

• Technically manage the Thunderbird release process, including:
• Planning the release schedule
• Approving patch uplifts
• Monitoring rate of incoming bug reports
• Managing the localization process and volunteer localizers
• Ensuring the smoothness of the release and distribution process to end users.
• Lead and mentor our build and release engineers, fostering their growth through direct management while demonstrating a passion for coaching and nurturing their development.
• Develop a deep technical understanding of our Python-based CI/CD and release systems and processes to act as an expert resource and conceive and plan improvements to those systems.
• Manage QA release qualification and coordinate with security, localization, and engineering to ship beta and release builds.
• Coordinate with the Firefox engineering teams to ensure minimal disruption to our CI and release builds.

What you’ll bring: 

• At least 5 years experience in a senior DevOps, Build, or Release Engineering role.
• People management experience, including successfully leading and mentoring dynamic and diverse teams. 
• Strong knowledge of scripting(shell, Python), distribution version control systems, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Experience with the building/compiling & release engineering of native desktop or mobile applications.
• Experience planning releases, projects, and improving processes for DevOps or Build/Release Engineering teams.
• Experience with people management, mentorship, and/or technical leadership of engineering teams.
• Commitment to our values:
• Passionate about fostering openness and transparency within an open-source community
• Demonstrates a collaborative and team-oriented approach
• Motivated by curiosity and creativity
• Embraces and champions diversity
• Brings a hearty dose of scrappy grit and resilience to our lively and spirited team.

Bonus points for:

• Experience with manual and automated QA and testing processes.
• German, French, or Japanese language skills in addition to English.
• Experience working with localization and localizers.
• A working knowledge of C/C++, Rust, and/or Javascript.
• Previous open source engagement.

What you’ll get:

We benchmark our base salaries to local markets and target the 60th percentile of the peer market. The salary ranges for this role are:

• Canada - 97,000-115,000 CAD

In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your whole self.

Work & Career

• Fully remote work & schedule flexibility
• Latest Laptop and accessories 
• Annual Remote Work Stipend
• Monthly Internet Stipend
• Professional Development Stipend
• Industry Conferences
• Annual Global Team Offsite

Rest & Play

• 24 days PTO per year (prorated) 
• Your Birthday
• Year-end Company Shutdown
• Pilot 4 Day Work Week (July & August 2024)
• Public Holidays
• Other Paid Leave
• Wellbeing Stipend for Personal / Family Activities

Health & Family

• 401k/Pension Contributions
• Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Disability/Income Protection Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Sick Days 

*Applicants must reside in and have work authorization for one of the country locations specified above. We are unable to consider applicants outside of these markets at this time. And we are unable to provide visa sponsorship

About Mozilla 

When you work at Mozilla, you give yourself a chance to make a difference in the lives of web users everywhere. And you give us a chance to make a difference in your life every single day. Join us to work on the web as the platform and help create more opportunity and innovation for everyone online.  We’re not a normal tech company. The things we create prioritize people and their privacy over profits. We exist to make the internet a healthier,  happier place for everyone

MZLA Technologies Corporation (MZLA) Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

Mozilla believes in the value of diverse creative practices and forms of knowledge, and knows diversity, equity and inclusion are crucial to and enrich the company’s core mission. We encourage applications from everyone, including members of all equity-seeking communities, such as (but not limited to) women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race (including hairstyle and texture), religion (including religious grooming and dress practices), gender, gender identity, gender expression, color, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, domestic partner status, disability, sexual orientation, age, genetic predisposition, medical condition, marital status, citizenship status, military or veteran status, or any other basis covered by applicable laws. Mozilla will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics or any other unlawful behavior, conduct, or purpose. 

We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, as appropriate. Please contact us at [email protected] to request accommodation.

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