Senior Scrum Master (Hybrid)

Resp & Qualifications

PURPOSE:
CareFirst is undertaking a digital transformation which requires enterprise agility paired with the retooling of our technology stack to speed delivery and expand our reach. The Digital Delivery organization is leading this charge by advancing our Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) ®  ways of working across the organization. To drive this transformation, the Scrum Master Senior is a key role within the Continuous Delivery Enablement team that leads multiple cross functional teams, or Agile Release train (ART) guiding them on how to use Agile, Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), Scrum and Lean(e.g. Kanban) values/practices through servant leadership. Creates and nurtures a culture of continuous learning, growth mindset and agile maturity in teams/ART through agile practices, agile mindset, metrics, SAFe guidelines, removes blockers and partners with leadership. Exhibits and permeates the behaviors of a Lean-Agile Leader with a Lean-Agile Mindset.



ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Facilitates the team’s progress toward team goals – The Sr. Scrum Master acts as the facilitator for many teams or as the Release Train Engineer (RTE) for a SAFe Agile release train(ART). Continuously engage in challenging the old ways of working to improve team level or ART level performance in the areas of quality, predictability, flow, velocity and other metrics defined by the enterprise. Help the team or ART focus on daily and/or Iteration Goals in the context of the current Program Increment (PI) or Release Objectives. Leads team/ART efforts in relentless improvement – Helps the team improve and take responsibility for their actions; facilitates the team retrospective. Teaches problem-solving techniques and helps the team become better problem-solvers for themselves. Facilitates team meetings such as Daily Stand-up, Iteration Planning, Iteration Review, Iteration Retrospective etc or ART level meetings such as PI planning, Scrum of Scrums, PI retrospectives etc. Ensures the DoD (Definition of done) and other team/ART level working agreements are being followed. Facilitates discussion, decision making, and conflict resolution within the team/ART to improve team level performance and value delivery.

• Supports the team’s/ART's efforts to continuously improve communications and relationships with other teams. Takes a lead role in coordinating work with other teams to improve flow and throughput. Frequently represent the team in the Scrum of Scrums (SoS), or run the Scrum of Scrum meeting, and/or other program level ceremonies to plan, execute, and improve the work & operating models. Helps their teams remain aware of opportunities to engage and improve larger program effectiveness. Helps their teams build effective relationships with the supporting teams like User Experience, Architecture, Shared Services etc. Supports the Product Owner and Product Management areas in their efforts to manage the backlog and guide the team while facilitating a healthy team dynamic with respect to priorities and scope.

• Eliminates impediments by engaging the right stakeholders within the organization or partner organizations. The Sr. Scrum Master supports the team/ART in addressing and eliminating these issues to improve the likelihood of achieving the objectives of the Iteration or PI. Assists with internal and external communication and improves transparency.

• Exhibits and infuses the behaviors of a Lean-Agile Leader to nurture a Lean-Agile Mindset in the team, leadership and the program. Provide input and lead initiatives to improve business agility in the team/program/enterprise. Identify and drive the culture change required to improve agility within their teams and ART's.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
Leads a team utilizing a matrix management system

QUALIICATIONS:

• 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 Level: Bachelor's Degree, Business Administration or related field OR In lieu of a Bachelor's degree, an additional 4 years of relevant work experience is required in addition to the required work experience.

Experience: 8 years or equivalent in the use of Lean, Agile methodologies including three plus years as Scrum Master or Kanban lead. Proven success leading multiple Agile teams to agile maturity and improved customer outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Scrum Master on a SAFe Agile Release train.
• Leading Change and continuous improvement, working with a cross functional team by applying lean agile methods.
• Experience doing value stream mapping, system level optimizations etc. applying Theory of Constraints and other Lean techniques.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of Lean Agile values, principles and practices .
• Knowledge of Lean agile frameworks like Scrum, Kanban.
• Knowledge of Scaling frameworks like SAFe.
• Demonstrate strong and clear accountability for program success.
• Knowledge of Product Ownership, DevOps, Test Automation practices etc.
• Excellent communication skills written and oral.
• Self starter with ability to prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines.
• Ability to organize data and create metrics/reports/dashboards.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs and industry standard Agile tools.
• Ability to drive change at different levels, manage conflicts constructively.
• Must be able to effectively work in a fast-paced environment with frequently changing priorities, deadlines, and workloads that can be variable for long periods of time. Must be able to meet established deadlines and handle multiple customer service demands from internal and external customers, within set expectations for service excellence. Must be able to effectively communicate and provide positive customer service to every internal and external customer, including customers who may be demanding or otherwise challenging.

Licenses/Certifications

• SAFe Scrum Master Certification  
• Certified Scrum Master (CSP) 
• Certified SAFe® Release Train 
• Certified Scrum Professional 

Travel Requirements
Estimate Amount: Less than 5%

Department

Department: (DevSecOps)

Equal Employment Opportunity

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield is an Equal Opportunity (EEO) employer.  It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Hire Range Disclaimer

Actual salary will be based on relevant job experience and work history.

Where To Apply

Please visit our website to apply: www.carefirst.com/careers

Federal Disc/Physical Demand

Note:  The incumbent is required to immediately disclose any debarment, exclusion, or other event that makes him/her ineligible to perform work directly or indirectly on Federal health care programs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The associate is primarily seated while performing the duties of the position.  Occasional walking or standing is required.  The hands are regularly used to write, type, key and handle or feel small controls and objects.  The associate must frequently talk and hear.  Weights up to 25 pounds are occasionally lifted.

Sponsorship in US

Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without Sponsorship