Scrum Master

As we continue to transform how we think, interact and deliver technology solutions, our Agile Methodology enables us to move faster while focusing our energy and resources on work that provides the highest value for our customers.

Alliant Energy is looking to hire Agile Scrum Masters to join our IT Agile Center-of-Excellence. Three positions are available to fill in Madison, WI or Cedar Rapids, IA. As a Scrum Master, you will support IT teams and Service/Product Owners, driving constant communication and rapid problem solving to deliver a great product and customer experience. As a guide to the IT organization on the use of Scrum and Agile practices and methodologies, successful candidates will need experience and strong knowledge of both Scrum and Kanban tools and techniques.

Job-specific responsibilities include:

• Support Product Owner on release planning
• Lead daily stand up, sprint review, and planning meetings to ensure full team engagement
• Facilitate communication and collaboration inside and outside the team driving full transparency
• Foster self-organization and growth within the team, carefully managing key dependencies

Applications will be accepted until a qualified pool is received.

Alliant Energy will not provide sponsorship for an employment visa (e.g., H-1B visa) now or in the future for this position.

• Guides, rather than drives, the team toward objectives, goals, and continuous improvement by using Scrum & Agile practices and methodologies.
• Oversees Scrum process and coaches the team by facilitating transparency, inspection and adaptation of Agile Methodology.
• Leads daily stand up, sprint review, and planning meetings to ensure full team engagement.
• Supports Product Owner on release planning by monitoring the scrum team processes and scrum meetings to ensure quality and timeliness.
• Works inside and outside of the team to remove impediments in the organization, shielding the team from external interference, to ensure the team remains focused on achieving its goals.
• Leads the team to achieve its objectives by balancing changes in direction or requirements Initiates and fosters collaboration, communication, and team building by building a sense of trust and rapport amongst the team. Fosters close coordination across all team members, encouraging cross-training and support for each other.
• Drives full transparency by facilitating effective and timely communication to all levels of the organization, inside and outside of the team, including progress tracking and reporting.
• Collaborates with Product Owners to ensure team execution and performance are aligned with Alliant’s near and long-term objectives
• Fosters self-organization and growth within the team by carefully managing key dependencies.
• Generates Agile mindset in staff and teams through conversations, coaching, and role playing exercises.
• Leverages Sourcing department and manages vendor relationships and agreements. Ensures quality services are provided in a cost-effective manner, and agreed-upon service levels and contract terms are met.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree Information Technology, Business Administration or related area Required
  • Master’s Degree Preferred
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in Project Management, Software Development/Test, Applications Engineering work, Technical Support, or other related role
  • In the absence of a Bachelor’s Degree, 12 years of relevant experience is required

Required Skills:

• Agile methodology experience.
• Prior experience leading or indirectly leading others (Experiences may include project management, providing work direction, leadership experience through temporary assignments, roles in the community or external organizations, or other demonstrated leadership experience.)
• Experience in managing and executing solutions to diverse and complex business problems that enable business strategies.
• Promotes and supports diversity initiatives and equal employment opportunity.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of agile principle, values, techniques and theory. In-depth knowledge of agile methodologies and techniques.
• Demonstrated effective leadership skills, with the ability to manage projects and employees at multiple locations.
• Demonstrated ability to establish relationships with others and use those relationships to successfully execute projects that align with business strategy and fit within the organization.
• Ability to promote innovative thinking and self-improvement within the team.
• Ability to coach team on Agile practices and ensure adherence to Agile methodology to deliver max business value on time.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Strong communication skills with ability to communicate complex messages and teach new concepts.
• Ability to actively coach and mentor others with a goal to grow and maximize the team’s potential
• Ability to work in a diverse work environment.
• Able to build a sense of trust and rapport that creates a comfortable & effective workplace.

• NOTE: All candidates selected for employment with Alliant Energy will be required to successfully complete a drug screen and background check.

We are committed to providing an inclusive work environment for all and are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran.

Disclaimer: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

01/07/2020