About the position
My client based in Cape Town is currently looking for a Scrum Master to join their team on a contract basis.
IT / FINANCE
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree or Diploma in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or an equivalent technical qualification
- ISTQB certification (advantageous)
- Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Professional Scrum Master (PSM), or equivalent Agile certification (preferred)
- Minimum of 5+ years' experience as a Scrum Master or Agile Coach
- Proven experience supporting multiple Agile teams within complex delivery environments
- Experience working within financial services, middle- and back-office platforms (advantageous)
- Demonstrated experience in setting up and facilitating Agile ceremonies across the full sprint lifecycle
- Strong track record of driving Agile maturity and continuous improvement within teams
- Experience working in fast-paced, delivery-driven environments
- Strong knowledge of Agile methodologies and frameworks (Scrum, Kanban, SAFe or hybrid models)
- Hands-on experience with Azure DevOps (TFS) for backlog management, sprint planning, and tracking
- Understanding of CI/CD practices and DevOps environments
- Proficiency in Agile metrics, reporting, and performance tracking
- Ability to manage sprint backlogs, user stories, and estimations effectively
Responsibilities
- Set up, facilitate, and manage all Agile ceremonies including daily stand-ups, sprint planning, sprint reviews, and retrospectives
- Ensure ceremonies are structured, productive, and aligned to sprint goals
- Promote team engagement and accountability during ceremonies
- Facilitate sprint planning and estimation sessions with cross-functional teams
- Support teams in prioritising work and refining user stories
- Guide teams in breaking down complex tasks into manageable deliverables
- Monitor sprint progress and provide clear, accurate reporting to stakeholders
- Track team velocity, burn-down charts, and delivery metrics
- Provide insights and recommendations to improve team performance and delivery efficiency
- Proactively identify, manage, and remove blockers impacting team delivery
- Act as a servant leader and buffer between the teams and external distractions
- Escalate risks and issues where necessary to ensure timely resolution
- Coach team members on Agile principles, Scrum practices, and continuous improvement
- Foster a collaborative, high-performing Agile culture
- Support Product Owners and Delivery Managers in Agile best practices
- Encourage innovation, accountability, and self-organisation within teams
- Administer and maintain the sprint backlog on Azure DevOps (TFS)
- Ensure backlog items are well-defined, prioritised, and up to date
- Collaborate closely with Product Owners and Delivery Managers on backlog grooming and refinement
Competency
- Client focus and stakeholder orientation
- Strong collaboration and teamwork
- Cultivates innovation and continuous improvement
- Resilience and adaptability in dynamic environments
- Results-driven with strong delivery focus
- Strong facilitation and conflict resolution skills
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving ability
- High attention to detail and organisational skills
If you are ready for the next exciting step in your career, and would like to apply, please send us your updated CV to review.
Desired Skills:
- Agile Coach
- Agile coaching
- Scrum Coaching
- Scrum Management
- Scrum
