Scrum Lead

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together

Primary Responsibilities:

• Facilitator: Facilitator for both the Product Owner and the development team. Organize and lead Scrum ceremonies such as daily stand-ups, sprint planning, sprint reviews, and retrospectives. Ensure smooth communication and to remove any impediments that the team may face during the sprint
• Coach and Mentor: Coach the team members in Agile practices and mindsets. Help everyone understand Scrum theory, practices, rules, and values. Mentor the team towards self-organization and cross-functionality, helping individuals grow within their roles
• Impediment Remover: Identify and remove impediments that may hinder the team’s progress. This involves negotiating with other teams or departments, working with external suppliers, or making changes in processes and workflows to optimize productivity
• Change Agent: Adopt Scrum and other Agile practices effectively and promote and support organizational changes required to increase the team’s productivity and effectiveness. This often involves challenging the status quo and helping everyone involved understand the benefits of these changes
• Shielding the Team: Protects the team from external interruptions and distractions and shield the team from external influences which might impede their performance and ensures that the team can fully focus on the tasks at hand during the sprint
• Stakeholder Communication: Ensure a proper flow of information between the team and its stakeholders. This includes communicating project progress, negotiating priorities, scopes, timelines, and budgets. Help manage stakeholder expectations and facilitate stakeholder engagement with the development process
• Performance Measurement: Responsible for tracking and reporting the team’s performance. Use various metrics like velocity, sprint burndown charts, and other Agile metrics to monitor the team’s efficiency and effectiveness. Guide the team in understanding these metrics and using them to improve their work processes
• Comply with the terms and conditions of the employment contract, company policies and procedures, and any and all directives (such as, but not limited to, transfer and/or re-assignment to different work locations, change in teams and/or work shifts, policies in regards to flexibility of work benefits and/or work environment, alternative work arrangements, and other decisions that may arise due to the changing business environment). The Company may adopt, vary or rescind these policies and directives in its absolute discretion and without any limitation (implied or otherwise) on its ability to do so

Required Qualifications:

• Educational Background:
• Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field is typically required
• Certifications:
  • Certified ScrumMaster (CSM): A certification from the Scrum Alliance or equivalent organization
  • Professional Scrum Master (PSM): A certification from Scrum.org
  • Advanced Certifications (Optional): Certifications such as Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM), Certified Scrum
• Experience:
  • Work Experience: Several years of experience working as a Scrum Master or in a similar Agile role
  • Industry Experience: Experience in the health insurance industry or a related healthcare field is highly desirable, as it helps in understanding industry-specific challenges and regulations
• Technical Background: Familiarity with software development processes and technologies used in health insurance tech solutions
•  Skills:
• Agile Methodologies: Deep understanding of Agile principles and practices, including Scrum, Kanban, and other Agile frameworks
• Facilitation Skills: Ability to effectively facilitate meetings, workshops, and discussions
• Communication Skills: Solid verbal and written communication skills to interact with team members, stakeholders, and executives
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to identify problems, analyze options, and implement effective solutions
• Leadership and Coaching: Solid leadership skills to guide, mentor, and motivate the team
• Conflict Resolution: Ability to manage and resolve conflicts within the team and with external stakeholders
• Project Management: Understanding of project management principles and tools, including experience with Agile project management software like Jira, Trello, or Azure DevOps
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with health insurance regulations and standards, such as HIPAA, and an understanding of compliance requirements
• Personal Attributes:
  • Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and pivot as necessary
  • Empathy: Ability to understand and address team members’ needs and concerns
  • Proactivity: Proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues before they become major problems
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure that all aspects of the project are considered and managed effectively

Preferred Qualification:

• Professional (CSP), or SAFe Scrum Master

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone – of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income – deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes – an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.