At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Agile ceremonies and foster a collaborative team culture to deliver high-quality digital products.
- Company: Join National Grid, a leader in energy transition with a focus on employee empowerment.
- Benefits: Flexible work location, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while championing Agile principles.
- Qualifications: Experience in Agile methodologies and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
At National Grid, we keep people connected and society moving. National Grid provides the environment for our teams to thrive and make a real impact. As we drive momentum in the energy transition for all, we are committed to ensuring that every employee feels empowered and engaged.
National Grid is hiring a Scrum Master for our Electricity Distribution (NGED) department. We offer flexibility regarding your location; however, you will need to be onsite at either our Bristol, Warwick or Plymouth office for our quarterly planning meetings.
About the Role
Reporting to the Head of Agile Delivery, the Scrum Master is responsible for embedding and facilitating the effective implementation of agile principles and practices across teams, fostering a collaborative environment that enables self-organising and cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality digital products at pace. This role champions Agile frameworks including Scrum and Kanban, ensuring the team adheres to Agile values and processes. The Scrum Master also acts as a coach and mentor to teams and stakeholders, promoting continuous improvement, agile mindset, and adaptive planning throughout the product lifecycle.
Operating in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, this role demands exceptional ownership and accountability for delivery outcomes within the scrum team. The Scrum Master must navigate competing priorities, tight deadlines, and evolving requirements while maintaining team momentum and stakeholder confidence through clear, executive-level communication. This role is also expected to be a subject matter expert in their respective discipline, fostering collaboration, continuous improvement, and adaptability within the organisation, as a facilitator, mentor, and enabler of Agile principles.
A person who advocates for a culture of agility, encouraging all to embrace Agile values and practices. The role also has accountability to deputise for their line manager (whenever necessary) and is expected to support the Scrum Master community while also driving a positive culture across the Technology department and wider business.
What You’ll Do
- Lead Agile ceremonies including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and retrospectives and implement Agile best practices and frameworks, ensuring an incremental, iterative delivery approach.
- Support the development team in refining and improving estimation and planning practices, such as user story sizing and sprint forecasting.
- Lead and support the development team to remove risks, impediments and manage dependencies associated with delivery timelines and product quality, driving a balance between rapid iteration and long-term product sustainability.
- Support the product owner in maintaining a well-organised product backlog.
- Ensure the development team is clear on priorities, the definition of 'done' and alignment between teams and stakeholders.
- Embed agile tooling best practices and instill this discipline within teams for enhanced efficiency, effectiveness and performance analytics.
- Monitor and track team performance, sprint progress, and velocity to provide transparent updates to stakeholders and improve development team performance and delivery.
- Foster a collaborative and self-organising team culture, encouraging team members to take ownership of their work.
- Foster strong collaboration and communication with stakeholders, from development team members to leaders, through clear and tailored messaging that adapts to the audience.
- Regularly present sprint outcomes, delivery metrics, and strategic roadmaps to senior stakeholders and executive leadership, translating technical progress into business value and managing expectations in high-stakes environments.
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement by organising retrospectives and promoting actionable insights across IT.
Scrum Master employer: National Grid plc
At National Grid, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where our employees can truly thrive. As a Scrum Master in our Electricity Distribution department, you will benefit from flexible working arrangements while being part of a collaborative culture that champions Agile principles. With ample opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to employee engagement, National Grid is an excellent employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the energy sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Scrum Master
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend meetups, webinars, or even local Agile events. You never know who might have a lead on that Scrum Master role you’re after!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your Agile skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share specific examples of how you've implemented Scrum or Kanban in past roles. This will help them see you as the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up! After interviews or networking events, drop a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your interest in the Scrum Master position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest job openings, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the National Grid team!
We think you need these skills to ace Scrum Master
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Agile Spirit:When you're writing your application, let your passion for Agile principles shine through. We want to see how you embody the values of Scrum and Kanban in your work. Share specific examples of how you've fostered collaboration and self-organisation in your teams.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Scrum Master role. Highlight your experience with Agile frameworks and any relevant certifications. We love seeing how you've led Agile ceremonies and supported teams in delivering high-quality products at pace.
Be Clear and Concise:In your written application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at National Grid!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid plc
✨Know Your Agile Frameworks
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Agile methodologies, especially Scrum and Kanban. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these frameworks in past roles and how they can benefit the team at National Grid.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Skills
As a Scrum Master, you'll be expected to mentor and coach teams. Prepare examples of how you've fostered collaboration and self-organisation in previous positions. Highlight any specific techniques or tools you've used to promote an agile mindset.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since this role involves regular communication with stakeholders, practice articulating complex ideas in a simple way. Think about how you can translate technical progress into business value, as this will be crucial during your interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations. Think of examples where you've successfully navigated competing priorities or removed impediments for your team, and be ready to share those stories.