Scrum Master position available in Johannesburg.
The Scrum Master will play a pivotal role in leading Agile delivery within a strategic data programme supporting the compliance function.
This role is suited for a highly motivated and experienced Scrum Master with a passion for fostering agile transformation, facilitating efficient team collaboration, and driving high-quality delivery.
The Scrum Master will ensure that Agile principles are embedded and optimally applied across the team to achieve strategic outcomes.
Key Responsibilities:
Agile Leadership & Delivery:
- Coach, mentor, and support cross-functional teams in the adoption and ongoing use of Agile methodologies.
- Facilitate the transition from traditional delivery models to Agile practices where necessary.
- Lead by example in fostering a self-organising, high-performance team culture.
- Remove impediments and guide the team to resolve issues that block progress.
- Collaborate with project and delivery managers to align releases with business objectives.
Scrum Facilitation:
- Organise and lead Scrum ceremonies including daily stand-ups, sprint planning, sprint reviews, and retrospectives.
- Ensure team adherence to Scrum principles and practices across multiple concurrent sprints.
- Promote Agile best practices to improve sprint efficiency and team output.
Backlog & Requirements Management:
- Work closely with Programme Managers and business stakeholders to refine and prioritise backlogs.
- Ensure user stories are well-defined, actionable, and aligned with compliance and strategic objectives.
- Translate unstructured or ambiguous requirements into actionable backlog items.
Performance Tracking & Risk Management
- Monitor sprint metrics and team performance, identifying trends and areas for improvement.
- Proactively manage risks and escalate issues as necessary to relevant stakeholders.
- Drive continuous improvement within the team by fostering a culture of transparency and adaptability.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Maintain clear, consistent communication with internal and external stakeholders.
- Build effective relationships with compliance officers, analysts, engineers, and senior leaders to ensure alignment and transparency.
- Present sprint updates, risks, and key achievements to stakeholders and leadership forums.
Governance & Documentation:
- Ensure all Scrum artefacts and Agile documentation are maintained and up-to-date.
- Support adherence to change governance frameworks, data standards, and compliance requirements.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field.
Experience:
- Minimum 5 years of experience as a Scrum Master or in a similar Agile delivery role.
- Proven track record in leading Agile teams within complex, data-driven projects.
- Experience in compliance, risk, or regulatory programmes will be advantageous.
- Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Professional Scrum Master (PSM), or equivalent certification is preferred.
Technical Competencies:
- Proficiency in Agile tools such as Jira and Confluence.
- Familiarity with data lake architecture, data governance, and data management principles.
- Understanding of cloud environments (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud) is advantageous.
Soft Skills:
- Strong leadership, facilitation, and team coaching skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving aptitude.
- Comfortable operating in high-pressure, fast-paced environments.
- Ability to influence and negotiate effectively at senior levels.
- Awareness of project cost control, resource planning, and quality assurance.