At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead agile teams to deliver value through effective Scrum practices and continuous improvement.
- Company: Join a top global consulting firm transforming industries with digital solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Be a key player in driving agile success and making a real impact on team performance.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Scrum Master and strong knowledge of agile methodologies required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
About the Client
Our client is a leading global consulting organisation delivering complex digital, data, cloud, and infrastructure programmes across multiple industries.
The client is committed to building high-performing agile delivery teams that consistently deliver value predictably and sustainably, powered by Scrum, SAFe, and Lean ways of working.
Role Purpose
The Scrum Master enables one or more cross-functional teams to deliver valuable outcomes predictably and sustainably.
Acting as a servant leader, facilitator, and agile coach, the role establishes effective Scrum and SAFe ways of working, removes impediments, strengthens collaboration, and helps teams become self-managing and continuously improve.
- Key Accountabilities
- The Scrum Master will take ownership of team facilitation, leading effective Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, Retrospective, and backlog refinement sessions.
They will ensure each event remains focused, inclusive, timeboxed, and outcome-led, driving disciplined agile ceremonies that deliver measurable value.
- A key aspect of the role will be Program Increment (PI) Planning.
The Scrum Master will prepare teams for PI Planning, facilitate team breakouts, support the creation of clear PI objectives, and coordinate plans, risks, and dependencies across the Agile Release Train.
- The role also includes shaping delivery flow - helping teams establish realistic Sprint Goals, manage work in progress, improve predictability, and maintain focus on delivering value that meets the agreed Definition of Done.
- Impediment management is central to the role.
The Scrum Master will identify, track, and remove delivery blockers, escalating systemic issues promptly and coordinating resolution with the Release Train Engineer, Product Owner, architects, and other teams.
- Through agile coaching, the Scrum Master will coach team members and the client's stakeholders in Scrum, SAFe, Lean, and agile principles - building capability in self-management, cross-functionality, transparency, inspection, and adaptation.
- A strong product partnership with the Product Owner is essential.
The Scrum Master will work closely with the Product Owner to maintain a clear, prioritised, and ready backlog, improve story quality, and align delivery with product goals and business value.
- The Scrum Master will drive continuous improvement by translating retrospective insights and delivery data into practical improvements, tracking agreed actions, and embedding learning across future iterations.
- Dependency and risk management will require the Scrum Master to make cross-team dependencies, risks, and assumptions visible, and drive timely actions with clear ownership.
- Through stakeholder engagement, the Scrum Master will provide concise and transparent updates on progress, outcomes, risks, and delivery confidence - without creating unnecessary administration for the team.
- Finally, the Scrum Master will champion engineering excellence, promoting quality, Dev Ops practices, automation, and movement towards a reliable Continuous Delivery Pipeline.
Essential Skills and Experience
- Proven experience as a Scrum Master supporting one or more multidisciplinary delivery teams.
- Strong practical knowledge of Scrum, agile, and Lean principles, with experience working in a SAFe or other scaled agile environment.
- Demonstrated ability to facilitate complex discussions, resolve conflict, and influence without formal authority.
- Experience preparing teams for PI Planning and managing risks, dependencies, and objectives across an Agile Release Train.
- Strong coaching skills and a track record of improving team maturity, accountability, and delivery flow.
- Experience using Jira, Azure Dev Ops, or equivalent tools for backlog management, delivery tracking, and reporting.
- Ability to interpret delivery measures such as throughput, cycle time, velocity, predictability, and cumulative flow - without using metrics to assess individuals.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Experience working with distributed, offshore, or multi-vendor teams.
Desirable Qualifications
- Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Professional Scrum Master (PSM), or equivalent certification.
- SAFe Scrum Master, SAFe Advanced Scrum Master, or SAFe Agilist certification.
- Experience in digital, data, cloud, infrastructure, or regulated industry delivery.
- Working knowledge of Kanban, Dev Ops, continuous integration, and continuous delivery.
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant professional experience.
- Key Behaviours
- Servant leadership and a team-first mindset.
- Calm, pragmatic, and confident in ambiguous environments.
- Curious, objective, and willing to challenge constructively.
- Inclusive and skilled at creating psychological safety.
- Outcome-focused, organised, and accountable for follow-through.
- Measures of Success
- Teams consistently achieve clear Sprint and PI objectives with improving delivery confidence.
- Impediments and dependencies are visible, owned, and resolved promptly.
- Agile events produce decisions, alignment, and actionable outcomes.
- Quality, flow, and predictability improve over time.
- Teams demonstrate stronger self-management, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Product Owners and the client's stakeholders have clear visibility of value, progress, and risk.
- Cog WW901
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Scrum Master in London employer: Cognizant
Cognizant is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking to excel in their careers. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, you will have access to mentorship opportunities and the chance to lead transformative projects in a dynamic environment. Located in a vibrant area, Cognizant offers unique advantages such as a diverse team and a commitment to work-life balance, ensuring that your contributions are both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Scrum Master in London
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Scrum Master at Cognizant!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Cognizant or be willing to refer you for that Scrum Master position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Cognizant who’s on the lookout for their next Scrum Master star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Scrum Master role at Cognizant!
We think you need these skills to ace Scrum Master in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Cognizant. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognizant
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Cognizant. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
