Mission/ Core purpose of the Job:

This Scrum Master role is responsible for managing delivery teams utilizing an Agile methodology (Scrum, Kanban, SAFE etc). The individual must be an excellent leader who is used to complexity and following through on tasks within a defined period.

CONTEXT: (Global influences, environmental / industry demands, organisational mission, etc.)

Our client is entering a new phase in its lifecycle where operational and commercial excellence has become critical for success. The urgency for change has become more heightened amidst increased competitive intensity across all markets in which our client operates.

The client’s function must therefore ensure the successful delivery in context of:

Fast moving industry with constantly changing business requirements and technologies
Highly competitive market with new and established competitors and aggressive competitor strategy and delivery
Highly dynamic and fluctuating Telecommunications industry
Fast moving industry
Market dynamics and developments
Company policies, processes and procedures
Regulatory industry norms govern and partners
Highly pressurized, deadline-driven environment
Fast changing, regulated business environment
Rapid advancement of systems and technology
Legislative environments
Company’s standards and applications
Participative environment – highly diverse and team-focused

Key performance:

Problem solving skills and an ability to handle pressure whilst getting results, working in a “servant leader” approach, is key for success in this role. A background in traditional project management will be an added advantage especially if it helps with some structure.

Delovery:

Facilitate planning, daily stand-ups, sprint/iteration reviews including demos and prototyping, sprint planning, grooming and retrospectives for the Epics, features and benefits that need to be groomed, run and delivered as part of the product/platform owner’s backlog
Facilitate daily scrums, stand-ups and meetings to monitor project/feature progress and resolve issues the team may be experiencing.
Removing impediments/blockers or guiding the team to remove impediments/blockers by finding the right personnel to remove the impediment.
Manage dependencies between project teams, squads within the Digital Studio, third parties and other internal teams
Undertake reviews with software development team members.
Building a trusting and safe environment where problems can be raised without fear of blame, retribution, or being judged, with an emphasis on healing, failing fast, learning and problem-solving.
Enable the removal of obstacles to project/feature delivery
Facilitating discussion, decision making, and conflict resolution.
Escalate delivery issues, risks and blockers as they arise
Assisting with internal and external communication, improving transparency, and radiating information.
Supporting and educating the Product Owner, especially on grooming and maintaining the product backlog.
Providing all support to the team using a servant leadership style whenever possible and leading by example.
Validate the use of standard testing practices and test automation by project teams to ensure quality

Team Management (coaching & influencing)

Guiding the team on how to use Agile/Scrum/SAFE practices and values to delight customers.
Guiding the team on how to get the most of our self-organisation, working in a self-managed team and taking accountability for deliverables
Coach the matrix team and individual team members in the use of Agile methods, practices and tools
Influence team behaviour through excellent management via Agile methodologies.
Facilitating getting the work done without coercion, assigning, or dictating the work.
Document progress and communicate to management and stakeholders.
Ensure milestones are achieved and deadlines are met throughout project life cycle
Assist with internal communication and improving transparency
Support and educate the Product Owner, especially with respect to grooming and maintaining the product backlog
Guide the team on how to use Agile/Scrum practices for competitive advantage.
Facilitate discussions, decision making and conflict resolution

Governance

Ensure relevant project governance is identified and communicated on the projects
Adhere to Programme Management Office governance frameworks are adhered to.

Reporting

Ensure relevant project governance is identified and communicated on the projects
Adhere to Programme Management Office governance frameworks are adhered to.

Leadership

Removing impediments or guiding the team to remove impediments by finding the right personnel to remove the impediment.
Building a trusting and safe environment where problems can be raised without fear of blame, retribution, or being judged, with an emphasis on healing and problem-solving.
Facilitating discussion, decision making, and conflict resolution.
Assisting with internal and external communication, improving transparency, and radiating information.
Providing all support to the team using a servant leadership style whenever possible and leading by example.

Encourage and support skills development:

Actively contribute to the company’s agile management community by running internal training on the agile way of work
Develop and mentor talent and those participating in the learnership programme
Contribute to the standardisation of Agile methodology within the company.

Education:

A 3-year Degree in a relevant discipline from a recognised institution.
Agile Certification is essential – E.g Scrum Alliance – Certified Scrum Professional, Scrum Alliance – Certified Scrum Master or Certified Scrum Product Owner, PMI-Agile Certified Practitioners (ACP), SAFe certification
PMP or PRINCE2 Practitioner Status will be advantageous.

Global Experience Standards

At least 5 years’ experience managing software development and digital projects with Agile methodology in a structured environment.
Extensive experience of executive engagement
Telecommunications experience will be advantageous but not compulsory.
3-5 years’ experience in taking products to market is essential.
Digital exposure and experience is advantageous

Training:

Agile methodologies
PMP/PRINCE2 Practitioner training would be an advantage
Software Development Lifecycle
Product Development Lifecycle

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Scrum Master