Scrum master (CSM)

As a Scrum Master at Broadridge, your key responsibilities include facilitating Agile ceremonies such as daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives. You'll coach the team on Agile principles, support the Product Owner in managing the backlog, and promote continuous improvement initiatives. Additionally, you’ll be responsible for ensuring that the team adheres to Agile best practices and works effectively within the software development lifecycle.

To qualify for the Scrum Master position at Broadridge, candidates should possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a related field, along with a Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification or equivalent Agile certification. Applicants should have a minimum of 5 years of experience as a Scrum Master or Agile Coach and must demonstrate proficiency in Agile methodologies, including Scrum and Kanban, as well as familiarity with tools like Jira.

At Broadridge, the work environment for a Scrum Master is highly collaborative and inclusive. The company champions a culture of empowerment, ensuring that associates feel valued and understood. As a Scrum Master, you’ll have the chance to work with diverse teams and foster a positive team culture. With a focus on continuous improvement, you’ll be encouraged to bring your best self to work every day.

Scrum Masters at Broadridge primarily utilize Agile methodologies such as Scrum, Kanban, and Lean principles. They implement these frameworks to enhance team productivity, streamline processes, and optimize workflow. Additionally, Scrum Masters support teams in navigating the software development lifecycle (SDLC) and aligning their practices with business objectives.

The Scrum Master role at Broadridge is expected to work from 1 PM to 10 PM, accommodating support for release activities that align with Eastern Standard Time (EST). The work schedule includes being flexible for production support approximately two days per week, ensuring that the Agile team is adequately supported during critical release times.

When facilitating Agile ceremonies, I ensure that each meeting has a clear agenda and objective. I encourage participation from all team members while keeping discussions focused and productive. By using collaborative tools, I help track progress and address blockers effectively, enabling the team to maximize the value of these ceremonies.

To promote continuous improvement, I regularly gather feedback during retrospectives and work with the team to create actionable improvement plans. I also encourage the team to experiment with different practices and adjust their workflows based on what they learn. Celebrating small improvements fosters a mindset geared towards growth and adaptability.

I approach conflict within the team by first listening to all parties involved to understand their perspectives. I then facilitate a discussion to identify common goals and find a resolution that satisfies everyone. By fostering open communication and mutual respect, I aim to turn conflicts into opportunities for team growth.

I primarily use Jira for managing the backlog and visualizing the workflow. I leverage features like custom filters and reporting tools to track progress and help the team prioritize tasks. Regularly updating the board with accurate information ensures transparency and keeps everyone aligned.

I establish regular check-ins with stakeholders, ensuring they are updated on the team's progress and any changes in priorities. Additionally, I promote open lines of communication where team members feel comfortable sharing updates or challenges. This transparency strengthens collaboration and aligns expectations.

The most challenging aspect can be managing different personalities and work styles within the team. Each individual brings unique strengths and challenges, and as a Scrum Master, it's important to understand these dynamics and foster harmony. Continuous adaptation and effective communication strategies are key to overcoming such challenges.

I measure the success of the Scrum team through various metrics, including velocity, team morale, and customer satisfaction. By tracking these indicators, I can identify areas for improvement and celebrate our achievements, ensuring we stay focused on delivering high-quality results.

I utilize a hands-on approach to coach team members in Agile practices, providing guidance and resources tailored to their specific needs. Workshops, one-on-one meetings, and shadowing sessions help reinforce Agile principles and promote adoption within the team.

I adapt my coaching style by observing each team member's preferred learning methods and communication style. Understanding their individual strengths and motivations helps me tailor my approach, whether it’s through direct feedback, mentorship, or collaborative problem-solving.

To prepare for a sprint planning session, I collaborate with the Product Owner to ensure the backlog is prioritized and properly groomed. I review team capacity, ensure all necessary resources are ready, and set a clear agenda for the session to keep discussions focused and ensure all team members participate.