RON GARZA
************@*****.*** ***. ***. **** Cedar Park, Texas 78613
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
A highly experienced and technically proficient Data Engineering Development Manager with a strong background in leading Big Data and AI/ML platforms, particularly within large-scale, high-visibility environments such as General Motors. With expertise in coordinating incident management, serving as a senior scrum master, and managing 24/7 support teams, this professional ensures the stability and performance of complex digital ecosystems. Adept at backlog grooming, technical project management, and agile methodologies, they bring extensive knowledge of MS TFS, ITSM, JIRA, and AI/ML applications. Known for thought leadership, they consistently stay ahead of emerging technologies and trends, translating insights into actionable strategies that drive business outcomes. Skilled in managing multi-vendor landscapes, they are committed to enhancing system stability, site performance, and the overall user experience across global digital properties.
EXPERIENCE
Data Engineering Development Manager – Big Data Platform
General Motors, Austin, Texas / 2014 – Present
Orchestrated Incident Management for the Big Data Application Platform, ensuring swift resolution and minimal downtime for mission-critical systems.
Led the Big Data team as the Scrum Master, Technical Project Manager, and Agile Professional, driving the successful execution of complex, multi-phase projects while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Strategically managed backlog development for the team, leveraging deep expertise in MS TFS, ITSM, and JIRA to prioritize and align tasks with business objectives, ensuring optimal resource allocation and project delivery.
Directed 24/7 operational support for Big Data and AI/ML applications, overseeing human resources functions, including recruitment, on-call scheduling, and performance management, to maintain a high-performing, responsive team.
Supervised project status reporting and defect management across GM's digital ecosystem, maintaining high standards of quality and accuracy to support informed decision-making and strategic planning.
Contributed to thought leadership within the organization by actively monitoring and analyzing emerging technologies and consumer trends and effectively communicating these insights to drive innovation and maintain GM's competitive edge.
Senior Scrum Master Technical Program Manager
Spearheaded Incident Management for the Big Data Application Platform, ensuring the stability and reliability of critical data infrastructure through proactive and reactive measures.
Served as the Scrum Master and Technical Project Manager for the Big Data team, guiding the team in Agile best practices and methodologies to achieve high-efficiency project delivery and continuous improvement.
Oversaw backlog development for the team, applying extensive expertise in MS TFS, ITSM, and JIRA to streamline task prioritization and alignment with strategic goals, optimizing team productivity and project timelines.
Managed 24/7 operational support for Big Data and AI/ML applications, including end-to-end responsibility for staffing, on-call scheduling, and performance evaluation to ensure round-the-clock coverage and high-quality service.
Directed project status reporting and defect management across GM's digital properties, maintaining rigorous standards for accuracy and timeliness to support executive decision-making and strategic initiatives.
Engaged in ongoing thought leadership by staying abreast of emerging technologies and consumer trends, effectively synthesizing and communicating these insights to foster innovation and strategic growth within the GM organization.
Scrum Master & Program Manager
Directed 24/7 operational coverage for Big Data and AI/ML applications, including meticulously managing on-call scheduling
and performance metrics, resulting in a 15% reduction in incident response time and a 10% improvement in overall system uptime.
Managed project status reporting and defect management across the AI/ML Platform, driving a 20% increase in project delivery efficiency by implementing streamlined reporting processes and rigorous quality control measures.
Led the team as Scrum Leader and Technical Product Owner, applying Agile methodologies to enhance team collaboration and productivity, contributing to a 25% improvement in sprint completion rates and delivering high-quality, user-centric solutions.
Spearheaded backlog grooming and development, leveraging advanced knowledge of MS TFS and ITSM to prioritize tasks effectively, ensuring that 98% of deliverables were completed on time and aligned with business objectives.
Served as AI/ML Program Manager, overseeing the end-to-end execution of AI/ML initiatives, including budget management, resource allocation, and stakeholder communication, achieving a 30% increase in the successful deployment of AI-driven solutions across the organization.
IT Manager – Global Platform Operations
Led Incident Management: Directed the resolution of over 1,200 incidents annually for General Motors’ global brand websites, ensuring 99.9% uptime and minimal disruption to business operations.
Developed IT Intake Support Models: Architected and implemented comprehensive IT intake support models, processes, and workflows, enhancing efficiency across all GM digital properties by 25%.
Managed 24/7 Operations Team: Oversaw a team of 15 IT professionals, including recruitment, on-call scheduling, and performance management, resulting in a 30% reduction in incident response times.
Strategized with Business Stakeholders: Collaborated with business leaders to create and execute long-term functionality and support strategies, improving alignment between IT and business objectives.
Optimized Business Processes: Gained in-depth knowledge of business processes, best practices, and root cause analysis, contributing to a 20% reduction in recurring incidents.
Project and Defect Management: Managed project status reporting and defect tracking across GM's digital properties, leading to a 15% increase in project delivery efficiency.
Navigated Multi-Vendor Ecosystem: Worked effectively within a multi-vendor environment, coordinating with digital production and creative agencies, hosting providers, and other web service partners to ensure seamless operations.
Enhanced Site Performance: Spearheaded initiatives to improve site speed and performance, resulting in a 40% boost in system stability and a 35% increase in load times across core divisional sites.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
Texas Juvenile Justice Department Web and Content Manager 2012-2014
Dell Global eCommerce Web Program Manager 2011 – 2012
TECHNICAL PROFICIENCIES
Six Sigma Black Belt, Adobe AEM (CMS), AKKA, ITSM, JIRA, TFS, Tableau, Grafana, Product/Program Management, Agile Scrum Methodologies, SQL, Product Roadmaps, Release Management, Change Management, Operations Management, UX Design and Prototyping, Java, SRE, SCCM, Dynatrace
EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
The University of Texas at Austin
Master of Science, Information Studies
Concentration in Information Architecture and Usability
Texas State University
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Concentration in Communication Design