Agile Portfolio Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the fast-paced world of project management, the importance of agile portfolio managers is increasingly recognized.

As technology continues to advance, the demand for skillful professionals capable of orchestrating, enhancing, and protecting our project portfolios steadily grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an agile portfolio manager?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager designing the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricate world of agile portfolio management,

You’ve arrived at the right place.

Today, we present a customizable agile portfolio manager job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Agile Portfolio Manager Duties and Responsibilities

An Agile Portfolio Manager oversees the effective implementation and execution of Agile methodologies across a portfolio of projects within an organization.

They are responsible for the overall project portfolio management strategy, focusing on aligning projects with the company’s business strategy and delivering value.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Implement and oversee Agile practices, principles, and frameworks across multiple teams or departments.
• Establish and maintain Agile project portfolio management methodologies, standards, and guidelines.
• Manage the portfolio budget, providing regular updates on cost forecasting and actual spend.
• Coordinate with project managers, scrum masters, and team leads to ensure project alignment with portfolio strategy and objectives.
• Monitor portfolio performance and implement necessary changes to meet the portfolio objectives.
• Facilitate project prioritization and selection based on strategic objectives and ROI.
• Manage risks and resolve issues that affect release scope, schedule, and quality.
• Conduct regular portfolio reviews and audits to ensure all projects are on track.
• Provide coaching and mentoring on Agile practices to project teams.
• Communicate with stakeholders, providing regular updates on the portfolio status.

 

Agile Portfolio Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Agile Portfolio Manager to streamline our project management processes and enhance productivity.

You will be responsible for managing and optimizing portfolios of agile projects, aligning with the company’s strategic objectives.

The ideal candidate should have a proven track record in project management, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of Agile methodologies.

The ultimate goal is to ensure that all projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet high quality standards.

 

Responsibilities

• Manage and optimize portfolios of agile projects
• Align projects with strategic business objectives
• Collaborate with different teams to define project scope and objectives
• Ensure resource availability and allocation
• Develop detailed project plans and monitor progress
• Deliver projects on time ensuring quality standards are met
• Develop support documentation including risk logs and requirement specifications
• Monitor and report on project performance
• Analyze risks and opportunities
• Oversee portfolio budget and vendor relationships

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Portfolio Manager or similar role
• Strong knowledge of Agile methodologies
• Hands-on experience with project management tools (e.g. Trello or Slack)
• Excellent leadership and decision-making skills
• Familiarity with risk management and quality assurance control
• Strong problem-solving and negotiation skills
• Excellent communication skills
• BSc degree in Business Administration or related field
• Certification in project management is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Agile Portfolio Manager
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for team meetings or client consultations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Project Management.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $105,000 minimum to $180,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Agile Portfolio Manager Do?

An Agile Portfolio Manager plays a vital role in organizations that follow the Agile methodology for their project management.

They are responsible for managing a portfolio of projects, typically in a software development or IT environment, to ensure that the company’s resources are allocated in the most beneficial way.

This can include determining which projects to undertake, which to pause, and which to stop, based on business value and strategic objectives.

Agile Portfolio Managers work closely with project managers, business leaders, and stakeholders to determine the strategic direction of the portfolio.

They also monitor the progress of projects within the portfolio, ensuring they are on track to meet their objectives and deliver value to the organization.

They often have the responsibility of setting up and maintaining Agile tools and processes, such as Kanban boards or Scrum meetings, to facilitate effective project management.

They also frequently coach and mentor others in the organization in Agile methodologies and best practices.

In addition, Agile Portfolio Managers play a significant role in risk management.

They identify potential risks across the portfolio and develop strategies to mitigate those risks, ensuring the smooth delivery of projects.

They are also involved in financial management, helping to set budgets for projects and tracking expenditure against these budgets to ensure cost-effectiveness.

They may be involved in procurement and contract management, particularly in environments where external suppliers are used.

Lastly, they often report to senior management, providing updates on the portfolio’s progress and performance, and making recommendations for improvements.

 

Agile Portfolio Manager Qualifications and Skills

The role of an Agile Portfolio Manager requires a unique blend of skills and qualifications, including:

• Comprehensive understanding of Agile methodologies and principles, and the ability to apply them to project management scenarios.
• Strong leadership skills to guide, motivate, and inspire teams towards achieving their goals in line with the company’s strategic objectives.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to effectively liaise between stakeholders, technical teams, and senior management.
• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities to evaluate project performance and make decisions that drive value.
• Knowledge of project management tools and software to monitor project progress and manage resources efficiently.
• Attention to detail and strong organisational skills to manage multiple projects and teams simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining quality.
• Problem-solving skills to identify, analyse and address any issues that may arise during the project lifecycle.
• Ability to anticipate and manage risk, as well as plan for contingencies.

 

Agile Portfolio Manager Experience Requirements

To qualify for the role of an Agile Portfolio Manager, candidates are typically required to have a minimum of 5-7 years of professional experience in managing multiple complex projects in an agile environment.

This includes experience with Agile methodologies such as Scrum, Kanban, Lean, or XP.

Entry-level roles that may lead to this position include Project Coordinator, Junior Project Manager, or Agile Team Member.

Candidates usually gain foundational knowledge in these roles, including experience in facilitating communication between teams, planning and managing resources, and implementing Agile principles.

Intermediate roles such as Agile Project Manager or Scrum Master often require candidates to have 3-5 years of experience.

In these roles, candidates gain hands-on experience in leading Agile teams, coaching team members on Agile practices, managing risks, and resolving conflicts.

For Agile Portfolio Manager roles, candidates are usually expected to have a deep understanding of portfolio, program, and project management in an Agile context.

They should also have proven experience in strategic planning, risk management, and change management.

Candidates with more than 7 years of experience, especially those who have led large-scale agile transformations or managed a portfolio of Agile projects, are usually considered for senior roles.

They might have some leadership experience, including managing multiple teams or mentoring junior Agile practitioners.

Some organizations may also require Agile Portfolio Managers to have professional certifications, such as Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Project Management Professional (PMP), or SAFe Program Consultant (SPC).

 

Agile Portfolio Manager Education and Training Requirements

Agile Portfolio Managers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in business, information technology, or a related field.

They require a deep understanding of project management methodologies, particularly Agile and Scrum, and should have extensive experience in managing complex projects.

Master’s degrees in business administration or project management can be beneficial, especially for those aspiring for senior roles.

Many employers also prefer Agile Portfolio Managers to hold relevant certifications such as Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), Project Management Professional (PMP), or SAFe Agilest certification.

Additionally, knowledge of Agile software, such as Jira or Agile Central, is often a necessity.

Continued learning and training are essential in this role, as it requires staying current with industry trends and advancements in project management tools and techniques.

A successful Agile Portfolio Manager should also have strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

 

Agile Portfolio Manager Salary Expectations

An Agile Portfolio Manager can expect to earn an average salary of $120,456 (USD) per year.

This salary can fluctuate depending on factors such as the individual’s level of experience, their educational background, and the geographical location of their employment.

The specific sector and size of the employing company may also influence this salary range.

 

Agile Portfolio Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Agile Portfolio Manager need?

An Agile Portfolio Manager should have strong communication and leadership skills, along with the ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously.

They should also have an understanding of Agile methodologies and principles, and be able to apply them to portfolio management.

A background in project management, business analysis, or a related field is also beneficial.

 

Do Agile Portfolio Managers need a degree?

Yes, most Agile Portfolio Managers need a bachelor’s degree in a field related to project management, business, or IT.

Some organizations may prefer candidates with a master’s degree.

Certifications such as Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) can also be advantageous.

 

What should you look for in an Agile Portfolio Manager resume?

When reviewing an Agile Portfolio Manager resume, look for experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously, preferably in an Agile environment.

Check for knowledge of Agile methodologies and tools, and any certifications they may have.

Also, look for strong leadership skills and the ability to work cross-functionally with different teams.

 

What qualities make a good Agile Portfolio Manager?

A good Agile Portfolio Manager is highly organized and able to manage multiple projects at once.

They have a strong understanding of Agile methodologies and how to apply them to portfolio management.

They’re also excellent communicators, able to articulate project goals and progress clearly to all stakeholders.

A good Agile Portfolio Manager also has strong leadership skills and is able to motivate their team to meet project goals.

 

Is it challenging to hire Agile Portfolio Managers?

Yes, hiring Agile Portfolio Managers can be a challenge due to the specialized skills and experience required for the role.

However, offering competitive salaries, opportunities for professional development, and a supportive, collaborative work environment can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the dynamic world of an Agile Portfolio Manager.

Surprised?

It’s not just about managing projects.

It’s about steering the course of progress, one agile strategy at a time.

With our detailed Agile Portfolio Manager job description template and practical examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why end your journey there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool to create razor-sharp job listings or refine your resume to absolute precision.

Always remember:

Each agile strategy forms a part of the larger blueprint.

Let’s shape the future of business. Together.

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