Sophia McDermott
Senior Manager @Anaplan
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WORK HISTORY
Senior Manager @Anaplan
Leading a team based in the UK and San Francisco, and working with teams based in the UK and other locations in the US and globally. Working with 30+ Services and Service Engineering teams, Program Management, QA, Service Management, Operations, Customer Care,Product Marketing and Compliance and Leadership. Enabling the ability to move practices to a mature, scale robust and recognised framework and disciplines. Further enable the establishing of processes but shaping ‘what good’ looks like and ‘what great’ looks like. Incorporating governance, tooling, automation and strategy in Change and Release Management. Protecting Production whilst aiming for continuous, automated, scheduled, regular, non eventful releases.
ABOUT SOPHIA MCDERMOTT
Confident and Accomplished IT Professional | Lead Release Manager | Scrum Master | Advocate for Diversity and InclusionWith over 20 years of experience in the tech industry, I specialize in Release Management, Project Management, and Service Implementation, excelling in infrastructure, software, and the Software Development Lifecycle. I deliver excellence by adhering to Change Management, ITIL, Agile, and PRINCE2 principles while embracing DevOps to enhance automation and uphold high standards. My focus is on creating robust, adaptive processes that align with governance and compliance requirements to maximize business value.As a Lead Release Manager, I ensure the delivery of high-quality services by planning, testing, and deploying releases effectively, minimizing disruption. Guided by ITIL Release Management principles, I focus on establishing effective release policies, managing risks, verifying components to deliver intended value, facilitating stakeholder communication, and driving continuous improvement. My ability to resolve challenges under pressure, mitigate risks, and deliver on time ensures consistent success, even in demanding environments.In my previous role as a Scrum Master, I facilitated collaboration between development teams and Product Owners, ensuring sprint goals were met. By leading daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives, I drove team engagement and alignment to deliver high-quality outcomes.As a team leader, I empower teams to excel by providing support, guidance, training, and opportunities for growth. My interpersonal skills, integrity, and motivational approach foster a culture of innovation and high performance.Beyond my technical expertise, I proudly serve as the Global Lead of BEAD (Black Employees of African Descent), an Employee Resource Group championing diversity and inclusion. As a Black woman in tech, I am deeply committed to fostering awareness and creating environments where diversity thrives.Outside of work, I am a Trustee of ‘The Cassandra Centre’, a charity founded in memory of my youngest sister, who tragically lost her life to domestic violence. Additionally, I pursue a passion for interior design, a creative pursuit that led to participation in a television program.With strong leadership, a commitment to diversity, and technical expertise, I thrive on delivering value, inspiring teams, and making a meaningful impact in all aspects of my work.
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