Senior Scrum Master (#439)

We are seeking a Senior Scrum Master who will serve as a true servant-leader and Agile advocate. This person will be instrumental in advancing Agile maturity, fostering high-performing teams, and driving cross-functional collaboration throughout the organization.

Key Responsibilities

1. Empower High-Performing Teams

• Cultivate a collaborative and trusting team environment.

• Coach teams toward self-organization and ownership.

• Embed Agile values and principles into daily practice.

• Encourage open discussion, psychological safety, and continuous feedback.

• Instill a Kaizen mindset and encourage a cycle of continuous learning.

2. Enable Growth & Learning

• Facilitate learning opportunities, retrospectives, and peer mentoring.

• Support the Product Owner in backlog grooming, prioritization, and stakeholder alignment.

• Help the squad deliver optimal value, iteratively and incrementally.

• Be a role model in Agile behaviors and leadership.

3. Facilitate Workshops & Collaborative Decision-Making

• Organize effective workshops (e.g., story mapping, planning, retrospectives).

• Drive alignment and clarity across teams and stakeholders.

• Mediate conflict and support constructive resolution.

4. Own & Optimize Agile Processes

• Visualize and continuously improve workflows (e.g., Kanban boards, value streams).

• Track and leverage Agile metrics to guide team performance.

• Identify blockers and actively remove impediments.

5. Promote Transparency & Agile Culture

• Share visibility into team progress using relevant Agile KPIs.

• Encourage organizational learning through shared success/failure stories.

• Participate in and contribute to internal Agile communities.

• Stay curious and explore new trends, practices, and tools.

6. Lead Agile Transformation Beyond the Squad

• Promote a culture of alignment, transparency, and collaboration across teams.

• Mentor junior Scrum Masters and contribute to their growth.

• Represent the organization in Agile communities and conferences (especially in Japan).

• Strengthen external networks and stay up-to-date on Agile innovation.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Leadership & Communication

• Proven change agent with strong persuasion skills.

• Confident communicator across various stakeholders (engineers, product managers, department heads).

• Experience mentoring or coaching other Scrum Masters or Agile team members.

Agile Mastery

• Deep knowledge of Scrum and Kanban frameworks, including facilitation of ceremonies.

• Skilled in Agile metrics and visual management (velocity, flow, value delivery).

• Proficient in coaching stances: listening, questioning, and feedback.

• Expertise in Product Management techniques: Vision, Story Mapping, Backlog Management, and Value-based Prioritization.

• Familiarity with Agile/Innovative games and workshop facilitation.

• Ability to write and refine User Stories (BDD, TDD familiarity is a plus).

Languages

• Japanese and English (Business level required in both).