The Global Leader of Agile and Continuous Improvement Center of Excellence will play a pivotal role in driving our organization’s agile transformation and continuous improvement initiatives. This role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, from managing training programs and engaging with IT functions to overseeing COE progress and promoting change management. The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of Agile methodologies, project management, and various tools and techniques related to process improvement.

Training and Learning Programs: Manage all training and learning programs for both Center of Excellence (COE) teams, including collaboration with external training vendors to ensure continuous skill development and alignment with industry best practices.

Portal and Communications: Maintain the COE portal and facilitate effective internal and external communications to disseminate information, best practices, and updates related to agile and continuous improvement initiatives.

Engagement with IT Functions and Leads: Collaborate closely with IT functions and leaders to ensure alignment of agile principles with organizational objectives and IT strategies.

Monitoring and Reporting: Oversee the monitoring and reporting of COE progress, providing regular updates to executive leadership and stakeholders on the status of agile and continuous improvement initiatives.

Change Management: Promote change management practices to facilitate the successful adoption of Agile and continuous improvement methodologies throughout the organization, addressing cultural and organizational challenges.

Green Belt, Black Belt, Agile Credentialing: Manage and support green belt, black belt, and agile credentialing programs, ensuring that employees receive the necessary training and recognition.

Agile Methodologies: Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of Agile methodologies such as Scrum, Kanban, Lean-Agile frameworks (e.g., SAFe), and others, and lead their application within the organization.

Project Management: Proficiency in Agile project management practices, including sprint planning, backlog management, release planning, and tracking progress with Agile metrics.

Agile Tools: Familiarity with Agile project management tools like Jira, Trello, or Azure DevOps and the ability to guide their effective usage.

User Story Writing: Skill in creating and managing user stories, acceptance criteria, and ensuring that requirements are well-defined for agile development.

Continuous Integration and Deployment: Awareness of CI/CD practices to ensure seamless software development and deployment.

Scalability: If applicable, possess knowledge of scaling Agile practices for larger organizations, as seen in frameworks like SAFe or LeSS.

Process Improvement Methodologies: A strong understanding of process improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, Total Quality Management (TQM), Kaizen, and others, depending on the organization’s focus.

Data Analysis: Proficiency in data analysis, including statistical tools and techniques, to identify trends, root causes, and areas for improvement through data analysis.

Quality Management: Knowledge of quality management principles, including standards and best practices, to ensure consistent, high-quality processes.

Process Mapping: Ability to create process maps and flowcharts to visualize and document current processes and propose improvements.

Lean Tools: Proficiency in using Lean tools like value stream mapping, 5S, and waste reduction techniques.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Masters preferred).
• Agile and Lean certifications (e.g., CSM, CSPO, SAFe) preferred.
• Proven experience in leading Agile and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong leadership and change management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Data-driven and analytical mindset.

Basic Qualifications:

Associate’s Degree and Twelve Years’ Experience OR Bachelor’s Degree and Ten Years’ Experience OR

Master’s Degree and Eight Years’ Experience