Scrum Master

Position Title:

Reports To:

Work Location:

Position Summary:

The Scrum Master will bring excellent knowledge of the scrum framework and its artifacts and techniques. The Scrum Master will also need the ability to coordinate people and projects (occasionally facilitating changes) with a mindset on deliverables. They will need to be a strong communicator, a capable leader, and invested in Agile frameworks.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The essential duties of the position include the following, and other duties may be assigned:

• Represent the stakeholders and users in the AI/ML development team.
• Define and communicate the product vision, goals, and roadmap to the development team, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to gather and analyse requirements and translate them into user stories and acceptance criteria.
• Prioritize the product backlog based on business value, stakeholder needs, and development team capacity.
• Work closely with the AI/ML development team to ensure a clear understanding of the requirements and provide guidance throughout the development process.
• Facilitate sprint planning, backlog grooming, and daily stand-up meetings, ensuring that the team is focused and working efficiently.
• Remove any impediments or obstacles that may hinder the team's progress, and escalate issues as needed.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality AI/ML products within the agreed-upon timelines and budget.
• Collaborate with UX/UI designers and other stakeholders to ensure a seamless user experience and effective product design.
• Monitor and track project progress, provide regular updates to stakeholders, and manage expectations regarding scope, timeline, and deliverables.
• Conduct sprint reviews and retrospectives to gather feedback, identify areas of improvement, and drive continuous process optimization.
• Stay up to date with AI/ML technologies, industry trends, and best practices in Agile development methodologies.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience:

Bachelor's degree in engineering is mandatory. Master's degree in computer science is a plus. Minimum of 10 years of experience as a Scrum Master, preferably in AI/ML or technology-related projects. Proven experience in Agile project management methodologies, particularly Scrum, and a solid understanding of Agile principles and practices. Familiarity with AI/ML concepts, including machine learning, deep learning, data pre-processing, and model development. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders at all levels of the organization. Strong leadership and facilitation skills, with the ability to guide and motivate a development team to achieve project goals. Proficiency in Agile project management tools for backlog management and project tracking. Advanced skills in JIRA, with demonstrated automation, QA and release notes. Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset. Understanding of user-centred design principles and the ability to advocate for a positive user experience.

Language Ability:

Ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence, and memos. Ability to write moderately complex correspondence. Ability to effectively converse and present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

Math Ability:

Ability to analyze and interpret data to track team performance metrics such as velocity, burn-down charts, and cumulative flow diagrams. Proficiency in basic arithmetic for calculating sprint progress, story points, and resource allocation. Strong problem-solving skills to identify and resolve issues related to team performance and project timelines. Basic understanding of statistical concepts to analyze team performance trends and forecast future sprints.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret feedback from non-skilled technical system users to uncover the source of problems and persistence to efficiently provide solutions. Extreme attention to detail is required to ensure proper documentation of facts. Ability to adapt well in the face of workplace stressors such as customer service complaints, maintaining the security of data, competing priorities of high significance to the successful function of the department.

Computer Skills:

A significant comfort level in using accounting software and a variety of computer software programs such as Microsoft Office products, web browsers, and CRM tools.

Certificates and Licenses:

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) or Professional Scrum Master (PSM) certification preferred.

Travel:

This position may require minimal travel (up to 5%) for meetings, training, or conferences.  

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. A typical, climate-controlled office environment exists. The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Management Expectations:

• Demonstrate Expertise: Serve as the foremost Subject Matter Expert (SME) within the department, possessing extensive knowledge and proficiency in the relevant field. 
• Lead Team Effectively: Direct and supervise a team of employees, providing training, guidance, and support to ensure the team achieves departmental objectives. Lead and guide the team while fostering a positive and productive work environment.  
• Manage Operations Efficiently: Oversee day-to-day operations and workflow, including prioritizing tasks, resolving escalations, allocating resources, managing time and attendance, overseeing payroll, and facilitating departmental onboarding and training. 
• Evaluate Performance Regularly: Monitor and assess team performance on a regular basis, offering constructive feedback, coaching, and conducting performance reviews to drive continuous improvement. Set clear goals and establish performance metrics to measure success. 
• Collaborate Strategically: Collaborate with senior management and cross- functional teams to develop and implement strategies, policies, and initiatives that contribute to organizational growth and success. 
• Ensure Effective People Management: Execute consistent and effective practices in recruiting, onboarding, professional development, succession planning, performance management, and retention. 
• Promote Positive Work Environment: Cultivate a positive work environment by fostering collaboration, communication, and teamwork among team members. Address departmental issues, resolve urgent matters, and lead efforts in conflict resolution. 

ISM and Privacy Statement:

• Data Handling in Product Development:

  Ensure that products are developed with privacy by design, incorporating necessary data protections from the beginning.

• Data Minimization:

  Limit data collection to what is necessary for product functionality and ensure proper anonymization or pseudonymization of personal data where possible.

• Privacy Risk Management:

  Conduct risk assessments related to data privacy and security for new product features or business solutions.