IT ProjectProgram Manager-Level 4 Lead (15+ Years)

Position Summary

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 ) 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 decision-making.
• 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 problem-solving.

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

• Bachelors 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.
• Demonstrated success coaching teams in SAP Oracle or other enterprise platforms.

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

• Masters degree in related field.
• Advanced agile certifications (CSP-SM A-CSM ICP-ACC).
• Experience with Lean Six Sigma or other process improvement methodologies.
• Background in change management and organizational development.
• Prior experience at NextEra Energy 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.