Principal Agilist

Fifth Third Bank•Cincinnati, OH

28d

About The Position

Fifth Third Principal Agilists are members of the Agile Center and are skilled in helping multiple squads and their organizations improve agility through the application of various frameworks (Scrum, Kanban, Scrumban, XP, etc.). Principal Agilists have 8 years of full-time business experience, more than 5 years of Scrum experience. At least a year of experience leveraging other Agile frameworks effectively is strongly desired though not required. Principal Agilists have a proven record of creating and coaching high performing Agile/ Scrum Squads as an active team member. After training in Fifth Third Agile, Scrum and Scrum Mastering, they are given an Agile Squad(s) or area of the organization to support. They will work to ensure their Squad(s) and/or area understands and applies all Agile and Scrum values and principles. They use observations skills to determine needs and intervene based on those specific needs. Principal Agilists embody agility using a servant leadership approach and leading by example while guiding their Squad(s) and/or areas on the effective application of Agile frameworks. They build trusting environments where problems can be discussed and solved collaboratively. They educate around Scrum events helping people to understand and gain value from them (including Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, Retrospective and Backlog Refinement). They are able to effectively identify areas of the organization that do not fit into Scrum, decide on an alternative Agile framework, educate around practices and events, helping people to understand and gain value from them. They coach the Agile Squad(s) and/or other areas of the organization in self-organization, continuous improvement, cross-functionality, risk identification, dependency management, conflict resolution, and software craftsmanship. Principal Agilists are able to coach the Product Owner(s) and/or Product group in effective Product Management principles and practices so that they have a common understanding of how to identify what is to be delivered, why it needs to be delivered, and what success looks like. They coach the Product Owner(s) and/or Product group in effectively using empiricism and data to influence and inform decisions. Principal Agilists will encourage Squad(s) and/or other areas of the organization to solve problems with Agile mindsets, a focus on performance and quality, and continued emphasis on fostering good team dynamics. They coach others in the organization regarding Agile practices and impacts that actions have on the team(s) and its self-organization. Principal Agilists are able to provide objective guidance, without personal or political consideration. A Principal Agilist possesses a learning mindset and help the Agile Squad(s) and/or other areas of the organization to continuously improve their interactions, practices, and process through valuable inspect and adapt practices using data from feedback loops, metrics and other information radiators. They are able to identify opportunities for improvement outside of the traditional inspect and adapt practice by leveraging a deep understanding of technologies and techniques in the DevOps, pipeline automation, testing frameworks, etc. spaces. They are able to leverage concepts from other Agile frameworks and working practices outside of Scrum to help Squads grow and succeed. They model collaborative, courageous and open behavior, and a willingness to learn and grow continuously for the Agile Squad(s) as well as the organization. Responsible and accountable for risk by openly exchanging ideas and opinions, elevating concerns, and personally following policies and procedures as defined. Accountable for always doing the right thing for customers and colleagues, and ensures that actions and behaviors drive a positive customer experience. While operating within the Bank's risk appetite, achieves results by consistently identifying, assessing, managing, monitoring, and reporting risks of all types.

Requirements

8+ years of fulltime business experience
5+ years of Scrum experience
Strong oral and written communication
Critical thinking and creative problem solving skills
Experience presenting, teaching, mentoring, and facilitating at multiple levels of the organization, particularly inside of a team environment.
Experience communicating and removing impediments at both the team level and organizational level
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Strong coaching and mentoring skills with the ability to communicate complex messages and teach new concepts
Actively in mentoring and coach other Agilist in the current community.
Ability to resolve interpersonal and organizational conflicts - strong mediator
Active teammate with the goal to grow and maximize potential at all levels of the organization
Brings high-energy and passion to the job with a focus on building strong teams and agile organizations
Ability to build a sense of trust and rapport that creates a sustainable & effective workplace
Ability to promote innovative thinking and self-improvement
Bachelor's in Business, Computer Science, Engineering, or a directly related field or equivalent in work experience

Responsibilities

Deep understanding of the Scrum Framework
Embody the Agile principles and lead by example
Proven ability building high performing teams that utilize inspect and adapt loops to continuously learn and approve
Continuously leverage empirical data collection, outside of what is mandated, to benefit team and organization and teach other how to do the same
Able to present, teach, mentor, and facilitate at multiple levels of the organization, particularly in highly ambiguous or tumultuous Squads and/ or areas of the organization
Collaborates with other team members; values team success over individual success
Continuous learning regarding Agile, Scrum, coaching, facilitating, emotional intelligence, team dynamics, active listening for self and team, etc.
Solid understanding of a variety of practices that support agility (Continuous Integration, Continuous Deployment, Test Driven Development, Automated Test-Driven Development, etc.)
Working knowledge of other Agile frameworks and ways of working (Kanban, Scrumban, XP, Mob programming, etc.)
Deep understanding of all software lifecycle development disciplines - Project Management, Requirements Management, Analysis & Design, Quality Assurance & Testing, Implementation, Deployment, Configuration & Change Management
Deep understanding of ways to priorities and set goals for teams and other areas of the organizations in an agile business environment
Leadership skills, specifically leading by example (servant leader) and display behaviors that demonstrate the key mindset shifts associated with becoming agile
Mentor and coach other Agilist in the current community and is seen as a trusted advisor by their peers
Ability to apply multiple approaches to the removal organizational impediments (e.g. cultural barriers, logistic challenges, mindset shifts, etc.)
Facilitate communication, cooperation, and collaboration inside and outside the Agile Squad(s)
Works to improve the effectiveness of all roles of the Agile Organization with special emphasis on roles inside of an Agile Squad(s)
Fosters self-organization, learning, and growth within the Agile Squad(s) and other areas of the organization
Builds a trusting and safe environment where problems can be raised without fear
When needed, escalate Agile Squad(s) impediments to appropriate organizational entities
Other duties as assigned