Scrum Master (Open to hiring at the Senior level)

Company Description

Why Wellmark: We are a mutual insurance company owned by our policy holders across Iowa and South Dakota, and we’ve built our reputation on over 80 years’ worth of trust. We are not motivated by profits. We are motivated by the well-being of our friends, family, and neighbors–our members. If you’re passionate about joining an organization working hard to put its members first, to provide best-in-class service, and one that is committed to sustainability and innovation, consider applying today!

Why Wellmark Technology? Wellmark is building innovative, modern solutions using cutting edge technology. We are driving organizational transformation and business strategy by empowering our technology team to innovate new and elegant solutions to enhance the customer experience. Together, we are leaning into the future, owning the outcome, and driving organizational change to transform how we work. 

Job Description

The Scrum Master, as an informal leader, creates high performing scrum teams through increasing team efficiencies, agile maturity, and driving accountability to deliver business value for stakeholders. This role will support our Information Product Team. This team focuses on the heartbeat of our technology division; creating pathways for data to flow throughout our organization. You will help motivate, inspire, and facilitate the scrum teams to a high-functioning, self-organized scrum team. You will work as part of a team of problem solvers, helping to solve complex business issues from strategy to execution. You will engage with other Scrum Masters in and outside of your Agile Release Train to identify dependencies and work through blockers. 

Qualifications

Required: 

• Bachelor's degree or direct and applicable work experience. 
• Minimum 2 years of experience to include a combination of experience partnering with a Sr/Ld Scrum Master and performing duties through that partnership. 
• Knowledge of Agile, which includes developing experience with estimating, developing iteration plans as well as PI plans for the team, support and facilitate agile activities and meetings/stand-ups, conducting iteration reviews and demos as well as retrospective meetings, supporting the team through change with effective communication, influence, and a proactive approach, supporting teams through to successful delivery. 
• Exposure to agile business analysis, including documentation of user stories and test requirements, process documentation. Experience working with Agile tools and/or project management software (i.e., Azure Dev Ops, etc.). Technical aptitude to learn new software quickly. 
• Agile/lean mindset of adding value and eliminating waste. 
• Ability to work well in a team environment and be capable of building and maintaining positive relationships with other staff, departments, and customers. 
• Ability to adapt and be flexible to change. 
• Ability to identify approaches, risks, mitigation strategies to meet requirements. 
• Consulting skills required with excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills. Proficient Microsoft Excel, Visio, PowerPoint, Project skills, SharePoint. 

Preferred: 

• Prior experience working with Data Products
• Experience working in the AWS cloud ecosystem 
• Technical acumen, prior experience supporting a shared services team .
• Experience in a SAFe Agile environment / working in a product-oriented organization 
• Experience using agile work management tools like Azure DevOps 
• Experience partnering with global staff to deliver business value
• Certified Scrum Master (CSM), SAFe Scrum Master (SSM), Professional Scrum Master (PSM), or equivalent certification.

Additional Information

a. Assist with all agile events including iteration planning, daily sync, iteration review and iteration retrospective. Lead these events along with PI planning for the agile team in partnership with the Sr Scrum Master or Lead Scrum Master. 

b. Responsible for helping to ensure scrum is understood, and the team adheres to scrum theory, practice, and guidelines as stated in the Wellmark standards and practices. Provide support to the Product Owner in product backlog management. 

c. Ensure everyone has a voice, inviting participation from all. Seek to understand the root causes of issues and tackle them, rather than just the symptoms. Initiate open and honest coaching conversations at all levels and move easily between big picture thinking and managing relevant detail. 

d. Responsible for getting teams to a high performing level under the guidance of a Sr Scrum Master or Lead Scrum Master by recognizing areas of strength and improvement and employing appropriate coaching/development techniques. Work with team to resolve team impediments. Work with other teams, stakeholders, and other Scrum Masters to grow within the role. Keep track of relevant metrics to provide visibility into team performance. 

e. Participate in and promote the advancement and improvement of agile practices within the organization. 

f. Work with the Product Manager, Product Owner, and other stakeholders to provide feedback and escalate team impediments, assisting with resource activities (e.g., infrastructure support, licensing, etc.) and team growth. 

g. Assist with internal communications (to other teams, stakeholders, governance, and leadership) and external communications (including vendors) to provide transparency. 

h. Collaborate with other teams, stakeholders, managers and vendors on planning and delivery alignment as needed. 

i. Exemplify and promote agile values and principles. Guide and coach teams in self-organization and cross-functional skillset and domain knowledge. 

j. Other duties as assigned. 

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

The policy of Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is to recruit, hire, train and promote individuals in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation due to a disability at any stage of the employment application process should contact us at [email protected]

Please inform us if you meet the definition of a "Covered DoD official".