Scrum Master

Job Overview

We seek a Scrum Master to facilitate an HR technology delivery team working in a SAP HR (HCM) environment at our Oakland, CA location. This contract role is expected to last 12 or more months with a hybrid work arrangement (three days onsite per week). The Scrum Master will orchestrate Agile ceremonies, eliminate obstacles, coach the team on Scrum and Agile methods, and collaborate closely with product owners, HRIS stakeholders, and cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct Scrum ceremonies such as sprint planning, daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and retrospectives to ensure effectiveness and time efficiency.
• Provide coaching on Agile and Scrum values and practices to enhance continuous improvement culture among teams and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the Product Owner to maintain a prioritized and well-prepared backlog for sprint planning.
• Manage sprint boards, backlogs, and generate reports in Jira to track progress, velocity, and burndown charts accurately.
• Identify and resolve impediments affecting team delivery, escalating issues when necessary.
• Build and sustain trusted relationships with SAP HR/HRIS stakeholders, business partners, and cross-functional groups.
• Facilitate coordination between Agile delivery teams and SAP HR (HCM) technical and functional resources.
• Monitor and communicate team performance metrics such as velocity, throughput, and cycle time to stakeholders and leadership.
• Anticipate risks and dependencies across the program and lead efforts towards their resolution.
• Encourage a cooperative, transparent, and high-achieving team environment.

Required Qualifications

• Over five years of experience as a Scrum Master overseeing Agile or Scrum delivery teams.
• Practical knowledge of SAP HR (HCM) modules, business processes, or implementation projects.
• Direct experience handling sprint management, backlog upkeep, and reporting using Jira.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication abilities with a knack for relationship-building.
• Successful track record of coaching teams and stakeholders on Agile methods and optimizing best practice adoption.
• Strong analytical skills to proactively address and eliminate barriers to delivery.
• Ability to work onsite in Oakland, California at least three days a week under a hybrid model.

Preferred Attributes

• Possession of Scrum Master certification such as CSM, PSM, or SAFe SM.
• Experience with HR technology, HRIS, or ERP system implementation programs.
• Familiarity with SAP SuccessFactors or wider SAP ecosystems.
• Background working in SAFe or large-scale Agile environments.

Tools and Systems

• Agile Project Management: Jira, Confluence
• Enterprise Resource Planning / HR Systems: SAP HR (HCM)