Agile Program Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s rapid-paced technological landscape, Agile Program Managers have become an essential part of successful businesses.

As the momentum of technological evolution increases, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can effectively manage and streamline our digital projects.

So, let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from an Agile Program Manager?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager aiming to delineate the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of Agile Program Management,

You’ve landed at the right spot.

Today, we present a versatile Agile Program Manager job description template, tailored for effortless posting on job boards or career websites.

Let’s dive straight into it.

Agile Program Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Agile Program Managers play a critical role in coordinating multiple teams to ensure the successful delivery of projects in an agile environment.

Their key focus is to guide the team in using agile methodology and principles and ensuring the creation of high-value deliverables.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Leading and managing large, complex enterprise-level projects consisting of multiple Agile teams and requiring integration with other activities outside the scope of the Agile teams
• Developing and managing a well-defined program management process and champion ongoing process improvement initiatives to implement best practices for Agile Project Management
• Maintaining dependency plan between planned sprints across all teams, and identify/mitigate risks
• Working with Agile teams and stakeholders to drive adoption and training, ensuring they are using the Agile methodologies, and helping them understand the values and principles of Agile
• Ensuring that the team is fully functional, productive, and focused on delivering quality objectives
• Monitoring project progress and performance, providing periodic project progress reports and dashboards to key stakeholders
• Managing and resolving conflicts, challenges and obstacles that may occur during the project lifecycle
• Ensuring a good relationship between the team, product owner, stakeholders, and management
• Facilitating and encouraging open communication and discussion between stakeholders
• Ensuring clear communication and organization of all strategic initiatives as well as regular, routine updates and project reports

 

Agile Program Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an experienced Agile Program Manager to oversee and guide the implementation of Agile methodologies across our company projects.

The Agile Program Manager will be responsible for planning, leading, organizing, and motivating agile project teams to achieve a high level of performance and quality in delivering agile projects that provide exceptional business value to users.

In this role, you will need to have excellent knowledge of Agile principles and the flexibility to adapt your experience to new and evolving environments.

Our ideal candidate will be an excellent leader and will have experience in managing staff of different disciplines to produce results in a timely manner.

 

Responsibilities

• Implement Agile methodologies across multiple projects, and coach team members on Agile principles
• Develop project scopes and objectives, involving all relevant stakeholders and ensuring technical feasibility
• Coordinate internal resources and third parties/vendors for the flawless execution of projects
• Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation
• Ensure all projects are delivered on-time, within scope and within budget
• Measure project performance using appropriate systems, tools and techniques
• Report and escalate issues to management as needed
• Perform risk management to minimize project risks
• Establish and maintain relationships with third parties/vendors
• Coach and mentor project teams on Agile principles and providing them with the tools needed to execute the project effectively

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as an Agile Program Manager or similar role
• Excellent knowledge of Agile techniques and principles
• Strong skills in project management and team coordination
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational and analytical abilities
• Exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, business, or a related field
• Agile certification, such as Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Certified Product Owner (CSPO), or similar is a plus

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Agile Program Manager
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Travel may be required for team meetings, trainings 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: $80,000 minimum to $150,000 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 Program Manager Do?

Agile Program Managers typically work in the software development industry, where they oversee multiple project teams or ‘Agile teams’ to ensure their efficient operation and coordination.

They are responsible for facilitating and coordinating activities which span multiple Agile teams, including resourcing, scheduling, risk management, and inter-team communications.

Agile Program Managers play a critical role in ensuring that the project goals align with the strategic direction of the business.

They work closely with stakeholders to establish the project vision and to articulate that vision to the project teams.

The Agile Program Manager also plays a key role in managing change and resolving conflicts, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and fostering an environment of cooperation, collaboration and team spirit.

They monitor and control the project progress against the project plan, identify and mitigate risks, and provide regular updates to stakeholders.

Agile Program Managers need to have a deep understanding of Agile methodologies and practices and be able to apply them effectively in a variety of situations.

They may also be responsible for coaching team members in Agile practices and helping to create an organizational culture that embraces Agile principles.

 

Agile Program Manager Qualifications and Skills

An Agile Program Manager should possess a blend of technical expertise, project management skills, and a deep understanding of Agile principles.

The required skills and qualifications include:

• Extensive knowledge of Agile methodology and frameworks like Scrum, Kanban, Lean, etc., to manage and deliver projects effectively.
• Outstanding leadership skills to guide and mentor Agile teams, ensuring they adhere to Agile values and principles.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to facilitate meetings, discussions, and conflict resolutions within the team.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to coordinate multiple projects and ensure timely delivery.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to identify, analyze and resolve any challenges that may arise during project execution.
• Technical proficiency to understand the project’s technical aspects, including software development, database management, and system integrations.
• Experience in using Agile Project Management tools such as JIRA, Trello, or Rally to monitor project progress and manage team tasks.
• Ability to create an environment that empowers team members, encourages continuous improvement, and fosters a culture of innovation and learning.

 

Agile Program Manager Experience Requirements

Candidates for the position of Agile Program Manager typically require at least 5 years of experience in software development, IT project management, or a related field.

This experience should involve working with Agile methodologies such as Scrum, Kanban, Lean, or XP.

Entry-level Agile Program Managers may have 3 to 5 years of experience, often through roles such as Software Developer, IT Project Manager, or Scrum Master.

This experience should include exposure to Agile principles and practices, as well as practical application of these practices in a professional setting.

Candidates with 5 to 10 years of experience often have a thorough understanding of Agile methodologies and have led Agile teams through the complete project life cycle.

They may have gained this experience in roles such as Agile Coach, Agile Project Manager, or Senior Software Developer.

Candidates with more than 10 years of experience often have a comprehensive grasp of Agile frameworks and have led multiple Agile teams in a large-scale, complex project environment.

They may be ready for the responsibility of overseeing an entire Agile program, involving several projects, teams, and stakeholders.

Such candidates may have experience in roles such as Senior Agile Coach, Agile Program Director, or Agile Portfolio Manager.

 

Agile Program Manager Education and Training Requirements

Agile Program Managers typically require a bachelor’s degree in business, computer science, IT or a related field.

They need to have a solid understanding of Agile principles and methodologies, as well as experience with Agile project management tools like JIRA or Trello.

In-depth knowledge in areas such as Scrum, Lean, Kanban, XP (Extreme Programming), and SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) is also essential.

For this, many professionals earn certifications such as Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Certified Product Owner (CPO), or SAFe Agilist.

Some positions may require Agile Program Managers to have a master’s degree in business administration or project management.

Additionally, prior work experience in Agile environments, often as a Scrum Master or Product Owner, is usually required.

To keep up with the ever-evolving Agile methodologies, it’s recommended for Agile Program Managers to participate in regular training programs and workshops.

This continuous learning enables them to stay updated with the latest trends and strategies in Agile project management.

Lastly, excellent communication and leadership skills are crucial for this role, as Agile Program Managers need to coordinate with various teams and stakeholders, and guide them in the Agile transformation process.

 

Agile Program Manager Salary Expectations

The average salary for an Agile Program Manager is $124,485 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can vary significantly based on factors such as the level of experience, industry, and the geographical location of the job.

 

Agile Program Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Agile Program Manager need?

Agile Program Managers should have strong leadership and communication skills to effectively manage teams and coordinate with different departments.

They should be knowledgeable about Agile principles and methodologies and be able to implement them effectively.

Problem-solving, strategic planning, and adaptability are also key skills, as they often need to adjust plans based on changes in project scope or unexpected obstacles.

 

Do Agile Program Managers need a degree?

Most Agile Program Managers have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Business Management, or a related field.

While a degree is often required, hands-on experience with Agile methodologies and managing large-scale projects is more valuable.

Certifications such as Certified Scrum Master (CSM) or SAFe Program Consultant (SPC) are also often preferred.

 

What should you look for in an Agile Program Manager’s resume?

Look for a demonstrated understanding of Agile principles and methodologies, and a history of successful project management.

Certifications related to Agile or Scrum are a plus.

Experience in your industry or with the specific type of projects your company handles can also be beneficial.

Leadership experience, particularly with cross-functional teams, is also an asset.

 

What qualities make a good Agile Program Manager?

A good Agile Program Manager is adaptable, able to change strategies as the project evolves or if obstacles arise.

They’re also excellent communicators, able to clearly convey information to team members, stakeholders, and other departments.

They should be decisive, capable of making tough decisions quickly, and have excellent problem-solving skills.

A good Agile Program Manager is also a strong leader, able to motivate and guide their team to meet project goals.

 

Is it difficult to hire Agile Program Managers?

Finding the right Agile Program Manager can be challenging due to the high demand for these roles and the specific skill set required.

It’s important to look for individuals who have a strong understanding of Agile methodologies, a track record of successful project management, and excellent leadership skills.

Offering competitive salaries and a supportive work environment can also help attract top candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the real essence of being an Agile Program Manager.

Surprised?

It’s not just about managing tasks.

It’s about orchestrating the symphony of progress, one agile sprint at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive Agile Program Manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re equipped to take the next leap.

But why halt your journey here?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your secret weapon for creating meticulously tailored job listings or honing your resume to absolute precision.

Remember:

Every agile sprint leads to the grand vision.

Let’s navigate this journey of progress. Together.

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