Agile Specialist at MultiChoice

Purpose of the Position

• To ensure CV Technology teams implement the necessary tools and methodologies from a wide variety of Agile Toolbox, with a view of lean delivery (Scrum, Kanban, Lean, Theory of Constraints, Critical Chain), specialising in agile project management and delivery execution.

Key Performance Objectives

Tasks

Agile Process Delivery & Control

• Collaborate and leverage contacts in the wider Agile community to deliver the best possible outcomes for the technology division
• Work with technical team on sizing of user stories and prioritization and lead the team’s efforts in continuous improvement in the case of Scrum
• Identify issues, risks and recommendations of Agile teams and operating models
• Perform tracking and management as required by the selected agile frameworks chosen
• Develop learning plans to elevate teams to higher levels of maturity and effectiveness
• Remove impediments, eliminate any blocking issues beyond the team’s authority or solicit support from other teams / stakeholders until a resolution is reached, so that the team can remain focused on achieving the sprint goals in line with larger objectives
• Continually seek opportunities to increase customer satisfaction and deepen customer relationships
• Strive towards lean delivery with continuous flow

Agile Project Management

• Plan and manage a portfolio of projects and initiatives (both large and small) to deliver within timelines, budgets and resource requirements
• Provide expertise within the use of Agile project management tools and lead creative problem solving via design thinking and other collaborative problem solving processes
• Optimize system support, development and project management processes using an agile / scrum focused vision - mature processes for application as the company grows to next level of maturity
• Act as the business and IT sponsors and point-of-contact to ensure a smooth transition from idea submission through scoping, design, delivery and project close-out
• Communicate project status, issues, risks to all stakeholders including executive sponsors and team members, identify and resolve issues and conflicts, mitigate risks where applicable
• Support practitioners and projects, identify areas for improvement, develop improvement plans and work with individuals and teams to implement such improvements Facilitate the team’s progress toward sprint goals
• Work with Business Analyst, Project Manager, Product Owner and other stakeholders to develop user stories and prioritize backlog of work
• Provide project leadership for internal and external resources to ensure successful outcomes

Digital Development Team Support

• Present and support Agile education and training activities as required
• Engage and include all team members and encourage a collaborative approach in completing tasks
• Provide the necessary development / technical support to the Apps team to ensure success for both team and organization
• Understand the priorities and interdependencies of past, current and future work to ensure optimal outcomes
• Provide suggestions and guidance when assisting the team with working through blockers, risks and improvement opportunities
• Enforce the rules of the Agile process to enable a high-performing team

Stakeholder Relations

• Provide specialised and technical support to internal and external stakeholders to ensure achievement of functional and organisational objectives
• Establish and monitor healthy, diverse internal and external relations and implement remedial actions where required, in the achievement of organisational goals

Reporting

• Provide timely and accurate reports in accordance with business and management requirements
• Report on status, risk and timelines regarding team initiatives to provide visibility and line of sight
• Collate and submit weekly, monthly and quarterly reports on progress reports

Qualifications Essential

• Degree in Information Technology
• Agile certifications
• Project management certifications desirable
   

Qualification Preferred

• Post Graduate qualification in Information Technology advantageous

Experience

• 3 - 5 years’ experience as a Software Agile Specialist with at least one major agile framework, e.g. Scrum
• Experience in Project Management
• Proficient in Agile / Lean / TOC methodologies concepts and principles 

Technical Competencies

• Understanding Data modeling
• Interpersonal skills
• Risk management and escalation
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Systems knowledge

Behavioral Competencies

• Relationship Building
• Conflict Resolution
• Decision Making
• Critical Appraisal
• Holistic Thinking
• Persuading & Influence
• Coaching