Scrum Master (Software Development / SAFe)

Scrum Master (Software Development / SAFe)
Location: Hertfordshire / Cambridge / London - Hybrid
Contract: 12+ Months – Outside IR35
The Opportunity
Our client is seeking an experienced Scrum Master to lead high-performing software development squads within their Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). In this role, you will be the primary facilitator for the team, ensuring they remain focused on delivering high-quality software while navigating the complexities of a scaled environment. You will act as a servant-leader, removing impediments, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and ensuring alignment with broader organizational goals.
Key Responsibilities
* Facilitate Scrum Ceremonies: Guide the team through all standard Agile events (Sprint Planning, Daily Stand-ups, Backlog Refinement, and Retrospectives) for software development projects.
* SAFe Integration: Represent the team in ART (Agile Release Train) syncs and participate in PI Planning to manage risks, map dependencies on the Program Board, and commit to achievable objectives.
* Software Delivery Excellence: Work closely with Developers and Product Owners to ensure the team remains focused on the sprint goal and delivers value in alignment with the Definition of Done (DoD).
* Impediment Removal: Proactively identify and resolve technical or organizational blockers that impact the team’s velocity or software quality.
* Azure DevOps Management: Maintain high data integrity within Azure DevOps (AzDO), ensuring Work Items, Features, and Sprints are accurately tracked and reflected in real-time.
* Metrics & Transparency: Utilize Azure DevOps Analytics and Dashboards to track and communicate team health, cycle time, velocity, and progress toward program-level milestones.
* Coaching & Mentorship: Coach the team and stakeholders on Lean-Agile principles, helping the organization transition toward more efficient software delivery practices.
Required Qualifications
* Certification: CSM (Certified Scrum Master) or A-CSM (Advanced Certified Scrum Master) is required.
* Experience: 3+ years of experience as a Scrum Master specifically within a Software Development environment.
* SAFe Exposure: Solid experience working within the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), including active participation in PI Planning and ART synchronization.
* SDLC Knowledge: A strong understanding of the software development lifecycle, including modern DevOps, CI/CD, and quality assurance practices.
* Tooling Expert: Deep proficiency in Azure DevOps (Boards, Repos, and Pipelines) for managing backlogs and tracking progress in a scaled environment.
Core Competencies
* Servant Leadership: A commitment to empowering developers and shielding the team from outside interruptions.
* Communication: Exceptional ability to bridge communication between technical teams and business stakeholders.
* Systems Thinking: The ability to understand how individual team deliverables integrate into the larger software ecosystem.
Scrum Master (Software Development / SAFe)