IT Project/Program Manager-Level 4 - Lead (15+ Years)

Principal Scrum Master

The Principal Scrum Master serves as a senior-level agile practitioner and transformation leader, guiding cross-functional teams through complex enterprise initiatives using both Agile and traditional Waterfall SDLC methodologies. This role combines deep expertise in Scrum frameworks with practical knowledge of structured project management approaches to deliver high-value outcomes across diverse technology portfolios. The Principal Scrum Master operates as a strategic advisor, coaching teams and leadership on methodology selection, hybrid delivery models, and continuous improvement practices that drive operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Agile Leadership & Coaching

• Facilitate Scrum ceremonies (sprint planning, daily stand-ups, retrospectives, reviews) for multiple high-performing teams
• Coach teams, Product Owners, and stakeholders on Agile principles, practices, and mindset transformation
• Mentor junior Scrum Masters and Agile practitioners across the organization
• Champion agile adoption and scaling frameworks (SAFe, LeSS, View email address on click.appcast.io) for enterprise-wide initiatives

Hybrid Methodology Management

• Assess project complexity, regulatory requirements, and organizational readiness to determine optimal delivery approach (Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid)
• Design and implement tailored hybrid frameworks that blend Agile flexibility with Waterfall structure for large-scale programs
• Navigate stage-gate governance processes while maintaining agile team velocity and adaptability
• Bridge communication between agile teams and traditional PMO structures

Program & Portfolio Coordination

• Support complex, multi-team programs valued at $50M+ with dependencies across enterprise systems
• Facilitate PI (Program Increment) planning, value stream mapping, and cross-team synchronization
• Track and report on team health metrics, velocity, burn-down/burn-up charts, and value delivery
• Manage risks, impediments, and dependencies across agile and waterfall work streams

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Translate technical progress into executive-level insights for leadership decisionmaking
• Build trust and transparency with business partners through consistent delivery and proactive communication
• Facilitate workshops and alignment sessions with cross-functional stakeholders
• Drive cultural change by modeling servant leadership and collaborative problemsolving

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance team performance and product quality
• Lead retrospectives that generate actionable insights and sustainable organizational change
• Stay current on industry best practices, emerging frameworks, and agile tooling
• Contribute to organizational agile maturity and center of excellence initiatives

Required Qualifications

Education Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Certifications Certified Scrum Master (CSM) or Professional Scrum Master (PSM II) SAFe Program Consultant (SPC), SAFe Agilist (SA), or equivalent scaling certification Project Management Professional (PMP) or PRINCE2 certification preferred

Experience 8+ years in software development lifecycle (SDLC) environments 5+ years as a Scrum Master or Agile Coach supporting enterprise-scale initiatives 3+ years working with traditional Waterfall/PRINCE2 project management methodologies Proven track record leading teams through large-scale ERP implementations, system integrations, or digital transformations Experience in regulated industries (utilities, energy, finance, healthcare) strongly preferred

Technical Skills

Deep understanding of Agile frameworks (Scrum, Kanban, XP, SAFe) Proficiency with Agile tools (Jira, Azure DevOps, Rally, VersionOne) Working knowledge of Waterfall/Phase-Gate methodologies and MS Project Familiarity with DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and automation Understanding of enterprise architecture and system integration patterns

Core Competencies

Servant leadership with ability to influence without authority Exceptional facilitation, coaching, and conflict resolution skills Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities Strategic thinking with attention to tactical execution Excellent written and verbal communication across all organizational levels Adaptability to navigate ambiguity and organizational change

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in related field Advanced agile certifications (CSP-SM, A-CSM, ICP-Client) Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies Background in change management and organizational development Prior experience at client or in the utility/energy sector Track record delivering initiatives valued at $50M+ with measurable business outcomes

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

Standard office environment with hybrid work flexibility Ability to sit for extended periods during workshops and ceremonies Occasional travel to facilitate cross-site collaboration (10-20%) Availability for virtual collaboration across time zones

Success Metrics

Team velocity stability and predictability (±15% variance) Sprint goal achievement rate (>85%) Stakeholder satisfaction scores Reduction in blockers and impediment resolution time Team maturity progression and self-organization On-time, on-budget delivery of program milestones Employee engagement and retention within coached teams EEO: "Mindlance is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of – Minority/Gender/Disability/Religion/LGBTQI/Age/Veterans."