Automation Manager (Hybrid Schedule)

Title: Automation Manager (Hybrid Schedule)

Agency: Virginia Retirement System

Location: Virginia Retirement System - Main Office

FLSA: Exempt

Hiring Range: $148,000-$185,000

Full Time or Part Time: Full time

Additional Detail

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) the day before the posted End Date.

Please read all information in the Important Notices section.

We are seeking a high-energy Automation Manager to lead our transition into a high-maturity DevSecOps environment. You won't just be managing people; you will be the architect of our automation strategy, driving technical excellence across CI/CD pipelines, QA automation, and infrastructure optimization.
As a trusted advisor to leadership, you will bridge the gap between complex technical execution and strategic business goals, ensuring our systems are scalable, secure, and resilient.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & DevSecOps Strategy:
• Provide technical mentorship and leadership to cross-functional teams, serving as a subject matter expert in automation and application architecture.
• Lead the implementation of scalable test automation and continuous integration/deployment (CI/CD) practices to accelerate time-to-market.
• Champion "security-as-code" by integrating DevSecOps principles into the application development lifecycle.
Infrastructure & Automation Excellence:
• Optimize testing efficiency by leveraging cloud infrastructure and on-premise Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI).
• Utilize configuration management tools like Ansible, Puppet, or Chef to maintain and monitor IT application architecture.
• Oversee the development of robust QA/QC automation frameworks, including Selenium and comprehensive API testing.

Project & Process Management:
• Direct the work of programs and units to ensure successful project execution using Agile frameworks.
• Drive constant process improvement by developing and documenting QA methodologies and coding standards.
• Manage project scope, resources, and budgets while proactively responding to stakeholder requests.

Team Development & Coaching:
• Directly supervise technical staff, providing continuous coaching and performance feedback to support career growth.
• Analyze staffing levels and talent strategy to ensure the team has the right skills to meet shifting technology needs.
• Foster a culture of integrity, accountability, and innovation through transparent communication.

Supervisory Responsibilities
Providing strategic direction, technical guidance, and operational oversight to ensure successful delivery of IT initiatives. Responsibilities include supervising cross-functional teams, managing project timelines, resources, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and supervising work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Statistics, Mathematics, Business Administration or a related discipline.

Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in application testing, quality assurance practices, and automation infrastructure.

Minimum of three (3) years of experience managing people or projects.

Minimum of one (1) year experience managing application lifecycles and stakeholder engagement.

Additional Considerations

Expertise in CI/CD pipelines, DevSecOps, and QA/QC automation.

Proficiency with automation tools (e.g., Selenium, Ansible, Puppet/Chef) and API testing protocols.

Deep understanding of infrastructure optimization across cloud and on-premise environments.

Proven ability in troubleshooting and debugging complex software architecture.

Ability to stay current with evolving software development technologies. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing. Ability to use sound judgment. Ability to manage time and workload effectively, which includes planning, organizing and prioritizing.

Hiring Range: