Principal, Agile Delivery Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is a pioneering international organization established to support the development of market economies and promote private and entrepreneurial initiatives in countries transitioning to market economies. Founded in 1991, the EBRD operates in over 30 countries across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, employing thousands of professionals dedicated to fostering sustainable growth and development. The EBRD's mission is to promote the transition to open market-oriented economies and to support the private sector in these regions, thereby enhancing the quality of life for people living in these areas. The organization is committed to inclusiveness, innovation, trust, and responsibility, which are reflected in its workplace culture and operational practices.

Job Overview:
The Principal, Agile Delivery Manager is a pivotal role within the EBRD's Information Technology division, responsible for leading and coordinating up to three agile teams in a specific Capability area. This position is designed to ensure the delivery of high-quality value in alignment with established standards and practices. The Agile Delivery Manager will not only oversee the delivery of projects but will also actively participate in the community of practice established by the Agile Delivery Manager (AD). The role requires a strong focus on delivery governance, including managing budgets, financial controls, and ensuring that all project artifacts meet governance criteria. The Agile Delivery Manager will work closely with Scrum team Product Owners to develop a clear roadmap for delivery, ensuring that initiatives are appropriately resourced and aligned with the needs of the organization. This position emphasizes the importance of agile methodologies and the continuous improvement of delivery practices across teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and effective communication.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Principal, Agile Delivery Manager include: aligning all aspects of delivery governance, including stage gates and financial controls; collaborating with Product Owners to create a clear delivery roadmap; managing day-to-day delivery activities to ensure incremental and iterative value delivery; facilitating cross-functional groups to plan and execute initiatives; ensuring that initiatives are adequately resourced; coordinating multiple initiatives simultaneously to maintain a clear pipeline of work; capturing and mitigating delivery risks and issues; reporting progress status as required by the Project Management Office (PMO); ensuring all project artifacts are completed to a high standard; making delivery metrics visible to the teams; collaborating with peers and heads of practice to align with departmental standards; determining the appropriate methodology for successful delivery; engaging with project sponsors and stakeholders to drive desired outcomes; preparing business cases when necessary; enhancing agile delivery methodologies; and contributing to the Agile Delivery Managers' community of practice.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Principal, Agile Delivery Manager position should possess significant experience in managing multi-team agile development initiatives. A Bachelor's or Master's degree in an IT discipline or a related field, or equivalent work experience, is required. Candidates should have a strong practitioner knowledge of Scrum, Kanban, and lean methodologies, along with a practical understanding of agile principles and effective product delivery processes. Effective communication skills are essential, particularly the ability to convey technical details in a non-technical manner. Experience in servant leadership, whether from an Agile PM, Agile Delivery, or Scrum Master background, is crucial. Candidates should demonstrate resilience and a proven track record of delivering continuous value within agreed constraints, having successfully delivered at least two agile programs with budgets of £5M or more. Experience managing dispersed teams and a good understanding of the procurement process, including negotiation with third parties, is also required. Familiarity with commercial arrangements, such as preparing Statements of Work, is beneficial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Principal, Agile Delivery Manager position includes a Bachelor's or Master's degree in an IT discipline or a related field. Equivalent work experience may also be considered in lieu of formal education. The emphasis is on having a solid foundation in IT principles and practices, particularly those related to agile methodologies and project management.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in managing agile development initiatives across multiple teams. This includes a proven track record of delivering complex projects within budget and time constraints. Candidates should have experience in leading agile teams, facilitating cross-functional collaboration, and managing stakeholder relationships. Prior experience in developing greenfield projects, particularly in Java on a cloud environment, is preferable, as it demonstrates the ability to handle innovative and challenging projects.

Languages:
The position requires proficiency in English, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization. Additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly those relevant to the regions in which the EBRD operates, but English fluency is mandatory for effective collaboration and communication.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a fixed-term contract lasting for two years. The EBRD promotes a hybrid workplace model that offers flexibility to teams and individuals, emphasizing trust and connectedness. The organization values diversity and encourages applications from qualified candidates who are nationals of EBRD member countries, regardless of their background. The EBRD is committed to employee wellbeing and offers a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits to its staff.