Scrum Master

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded life cover

Critical illness protection

Insurance discounts

Free will services

Savings schemes for Defence community

Job summary

New Zealand Defence Force is establishing a new Cyber Operations Application Team (COAT) to protect NZDF digital capabilities. As Scrum Master, you will help build a high-performing Agile delivery environment, coach teams, remove delivery obstacles, and promote continuous improvement across cyber initiatives.

You will collaborate with Product Owners, engineers and stakeholders to ensure secure, reliable cyber capabilities.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as Scrum Master in complex technology projects.
• Strong knowledge of Scrum, Agile principles and modern delivery practices.
• Experience coaching teams to high performance and continuous improvement.
• Proven ability to facilitate delivery across technical environments.
• Experience identifying and removing barriers to delivery; strong stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate Agile ceremonies and promote Scrum best practices.
• Coach teams to achieve high performance and continuous improvement.
• Identify and remove barriers affecting delivery outcomes.
• Support Product Owners with planning, prioritisation and delivery.
• Build strong relationships with NZDF, government, and industry partners.
• Coordinate technical and testing activities to support delivery success.

Skills

Scrum Master cert

Agile delivery

Coaching teams

Stakeholder management

Facilitation

Cyber security knowledge

Job description

Mŋ te tūnga | About the role

We're establishing a new Cyber Operations Application Team (COAT) that will help protect and strengthen critical NZDF digital capabilities. As Scrum Master, you'll play a key role in building a high performing Agile delivery environment, enabling teams to deliver secure, resilient and mission critical cyber capabilities. This is a rare opportunity to help establish a brand new team, influence ways of working, and support the delivery of technology solutions that directly contribute to NZDF's operational effectiveness and New Zealand's security. You will be responsible for fostering Agile delivery excellence, coaching teams to achieve their full potential, removing obstacles to delivery, and promoting continuous improvement across cyber initiatives. Working closely with Product Owners, engineers and stakeholders, you'll help ensure the successful delivery of secure and reliable cyber capabilities. This will include: Facilitating Agile ceremonies and promoting Scrum best practice. Coaching teams in Agile ways of working and continuous improvement. Removing barriers and resolving issues that impact delivery outcomes. Supporting Product Owners with planning, prioritisation and delivery. Building strong relationships across NZDF, government and industry partners. Coordinating technical and testing activities to support delivery success. Applications may be reviewed upon receipt. It is advised to apply early to avoid disappointment, as this role may close ahead of time due to a high volume of applicants.

Ngā pūānaka me ŋŋ wheako | Skills and Experience

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced Scrum Master to help further develop NZDF's cyber capability while contributing to work of national significance. You will be a collaborative and influential leader with a track record of enabling high performing teams, fostering Agile maturity, and delivering complex technology outcomes in evolving environments. You will bring:

• Strong knowledge of Scrum, Agile principles and modern delivery practices.
• Experience coaching teams to achieve high performance and continuous improvement.
• Proven ability to facilitate delivery across complex technical environments.
• Experience identifying and removing barriers to successful delivery.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Experience supporting Product Owners with planning and backlog management.
• A focus on building team capability, collaboration and delivery excellence.
• Scrum Master certification (CSM, PSM or equivalent).
• SAFe certification or experience working in scaled Agile environments desirable.
• Cyber security, infrastructure or technical delivery experience advantageous.

No candidate is expected to meet every desired skill / experience listed. If your background differs from what we've outlined but you believe you can contribute to the role, we encourage you to apply.

This role may require travel to support operational and business requirements.

Nŋ te rourou | What's in it for you

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning - safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence.

With an open door to all - irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics - NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.