Agile Specialist

Purpose

The purpose of the Agile Specialist role is to support the planning, coordination and execution of all release management processes and schedules, to ensure that standards are understood and adhered to, while optimising the flow of value through the Agile Release Train (ART). The Agile Specialist works closely with the Senior Agile Specialist and Release Train Engineer to facilitate ART events and processes, escalating impediments and risks, while supporting agile teams to deliver value. The Agile Specialist also supports with Agile transformation initiatives, including where assigned or applicable the training of teams on agile enterprise tools while supporting with coaching initiatives to embed new processes and mindsets. The Agile Specialist supports the enablement of delivery at the chapter lead / RTE level, providing input to subject matter expertise on scaled agile frameworks.

Role Description

• Provide operational support to the Agile Delivery Chapter, ensuring teams are enabled to deliver on their goals.
• Support the Senior Agile Specialist and Release Train Engineer with all planning, coordination and execution of release management processes and schedules.
• Support the preparation for ART meetings including agile ceremonies and release planning activities. Support the Senior Agile Specialist with Standing-in and facilitating ART meetings for the Release Train Engineer as required.
• Work with Agile Coaches to support teams understand and adopt agile practices and methods while embedding agile values and mindsets.
• Contribute towards the ongoing implementation and growth of the Agile competency within Shoprite X.
• Support the updating and maintenance of the Agile enterprise tool (currently Target Process).
• Empower and enable the Agile Delivery Chapter by supporting the provision of training, support, and technical expertise on the Agile enterprise tool.
• Assist with the facilitation of agile training, workshops, and demonstrations on the Agile enterprise tool.
• Troubleshoot and resolve problems or issues relating to a system, ensuring teams can remain focused on achieving sprint goals in line with larger objectives.
• Manage and resolve impediments.
• Raise risks and suggest mitigation plans if delivery is going to be compromised, in a timely manner.
• Provide input to and support the development and management of comprehensive and meaningful Agile/ART reporting that tracks and provides visibility to stakeholders on delivery, achievements, progress, quality, training stats etc.
• Monitor delivery, capacity and skills providing input to address critical bottlenecks across the Agile Release Train.
• Support the coordination of team activities and the cross planning with other ARTS, ensuring risks, dependencies and impediments are effectively managed and resolved.
• Coordinate with Agile PMO office to make sure procedures, operations, and practices are efficient, streamlined, and on budget.
• With support from and guidance from the senior team, where applicable, drive, coach, guide, organise and mentor Scrum Masters, Agile Product Owners and Managers to leverage Agile Principles, practices, and frameworks.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on scaling Agile, including the use of scaling frameworks and support organizations identify their value stream, structure delivery through Lean Portfolio Management and drive continuous improvement for the Agile Program.
• Work with the Program to drive Scaled Agile Practices using the relevant SAFe methodology.
• Embrace servant leadership and display behaviours that come with the key mindset shifts associated with being Agile.
• Support in building Agile Communities of Practice.

Qualifications And Experience

• Degree or Diploma in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (preferred).
• Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Agile SPC certified - (desirable).
• +2 years' experience in an Agile Specialist, Scrum Master or similar role with extensive knowledge of and strong passion for agile and business transformation (essential).
• Solid knowledge of SAFe, Lead, Scrum and Kanban - (essential).
• Experienced in agile tooling preferably Target Process and JIRA (preferred). Alternatively, proficiency in any other enterprise agile planning tool (essential).
• Experience delivering agile and scaled agile training including enabling teams on Agile enterprise tools - (advantageous).
• Ability to facilitate Agile ceremonies and maintain project documentation (essential).
• Experience coordinating and working across multiple projects and multi-disciplinary teams (essential).
• Strong proficiency on MS Office 365 with advanced Excel skills (essential).
• Experience with agile coaching - (essential).
• Retail or eCommerce industry experience (desired).

Key competencies and work ethic

• Strong analytical skills Ability to collect, organise and assimilate disparate and multiple pieces of data to draw sound conclusions and arrive at optimal solutions. Strong ability to understand and interpret data.
• Passion and excitement for data, new technologies and solutions and its range of possibilities, applications, and value for the business.
• Self-motivated and driven to set, meet and exceed on goals and expectations. Uses own initiative in dealing with challenges in familiar areas while knowing when to escalate risks and issues as and when they arise.
• Detailed and organised Is diligent and vigilantly watches over work processes, tasks and outputs to ensure accuracy while promptly initiating action to correct any quality concerns.
• Strong communication skills Communicates well both verbally and in writing. Able to simply technical concepts and confidently convey information to a variety of stakeholders.
• Team player and collaborative partner Works well with people and is comfortable coordinating, facilitating and aligning on activities across multiple teams to enable delivery on priorities. Can work independently or collaboratively.
• Training and facilitation skills Ability to develop and deliver robust training that builds capacity and skill. Ability to facilitate discussions, negotiations, and decision-making processes.
• Coaching and mentoring skills - Applies understanding of the agile mindset, values and principles and the application of them in a variety of agile environments to help others excel and sustainably adopt and embed change.
• Handles and negotiates through conflict / challenges well and understands how to drive a high level of focus with a strong, talented, and opinionated team.
• Ability to work under pressure and under tight time constraints, efficiently prioritising workloads and managing their time effectively in a high-volume, fast-moving environment.
• Is curious and open to learning with a strong interest in data and discovery. Curious about exploring and answering business analytics questions.

Our Group and all its operating companies is committed to creating, embracing, and preserving a diverse workplace that values the unique talents, perspectives, backgrounds, and abilities that enrich our organisation. A place where everyone matters and feels included.

We are committed to Employment Equity when recruiting internally and externally.

Please take note that by responding to this application and providing your personal information, you confirm your express and informed consent for Shoprite Checkers (Pty) Ltd and all its subsidiaries and affiliates companies to process your personal information for the Company to consider your application for this position. All Personal Information which you provide to the Company will be used and/or retained only for the purposes for which it is collected, whereafter it will be permanently destroyed. Your information is only retained if it is required by law or where you have given consent to us to retain such information for an extended period.

If you don't hear from us within 14 days, please consider your application unsuccessful. Any personal information collected as part of your application will be destroyed, securely, in accordance with South African legislation.