Title: Automation Manager (Hybrid Schedule)

State Role Title: Salary Non-Specified

Hiring Range: 148,000-185,000

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Virginia Retirement System

Location: Virginia Retirement System

Agency Website: www.varetire.org/careers

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

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.

Special Instructions

VRS is unable to provide sponsorship for this position now or in the future. Applicants must have authorization to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.

The current hybrid schedule for technology employees is 3 days onsite in Richmond, VA (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) and 2 days remote (Monday and Friday). All employees must be able to work the current hybrid schedule and report to the office as needed on designated remote days.

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Email: careers@varetire.org

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.