Scrum Master & Agile Coach - Pharmaceuticals

Player-Coach Scrum Master

CompassX is a boutique business and technology consulting firm. We help Fortune 500 and high-growth clients deliver their most strategic initiatives, from enterprise transformations to digital and data-driven projects. With over 15 years of proven results, we've expanded across industries including financial services, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, consumer products, and quick service restaurants.

We are partnering with a biotechnology company seeking two dedicated "Player-Coach" Scrum Masters to enable high-performing Agile delivery for critical data products and system implementations.

In this dual-hatted role, you will operate as a hands-on Scrum Master and Agile Coach while also stepping up as a Project/Program Manager to coordinate complex initiatives across R&D & Clinical OR Commercial & MarTech functions.

What You'll Do

Agile & Scrum Facilitation

• Act as the hands-on Scrum Master for one or more delivery teams.
• Coordinate and orchestrate all core Agile ceremonies (sprint planning, daily stand-ups, reviews, and retrospectives).
• Actively facilitate team discussions, clear delivery roadblocks, and manage all ceremony logistics smoothly.
• Partner closely with Business Analysts and Product Owners to develop user stories, refine backlogs, and drive absolute clarity on priorities, acceptance criteria, and the Definition of Ready/Done.

Program & Project Leadership

• Provide overarching program and project coordination, seamlessly managing teams in hybrid environments that blend Waterfall and Agile/Scrum methodologies.
• Lead the charge on project delivery by coordinating across multiple functions, including IT, data management, regulatory, operations, and external vendors.

Coaching & Continuous Improvement

• Mentor and coach Product Owners, Engineers, and Analysts on Agile principles, best practices, and effective story writing.
• Champion the consistent use of standards (such as ITPCF patterns and Jira best practices) to ensure high portfolio visibility and flawless team execution.

What You'll Bring

• Proven Experience: 5+ years of driving success in Agile delivery roles (Scrum Master, Project Manager, Agile Coach).
• Industry Knowledge: Prior domain expertise working within or closely alongside the biotech, pharma, or life sciences industry (specifically in Commercial or Clinical Development).
• Agile Tooling Mastery: Deep, practical, and hands-on experience leveraging Agile methodologies in Jira for robust backlog management, reporting, and portfolio tracking.
• Consulting Mindset: You'll ideally have an excellent consulting pedigree and track record of success in a client-facing environment.
• Logistics: Ability to require overlap coordination across both Pacific (PST) and Eastern (EST) time zones.

$130,000 - $170,000 a year This role is most likely an independent contractor role and would be a 1099 hourly rate. However, we would potentially consider W2 or FTE if aligning to our broader client work and opportunities.

Our consultants say CompassX is a place where they can truly find their own path. As part of a smaller firm, they see the impact of their work, have an identity, and know their voice matters. They value the freedom to take the reins of their careers, shape their client work, and maintain a direct line to leadership.

With CompassX's focus on serving local Southern California clients, consultants not only build lasting relationships but also see the results of their work in the communities where they live.

At CompassX, you won't just follow a path - you'll create one.