Scrum Master

We are seeking a highly skilled Contract Scrum Master to join our client’s Agile delivery function within the Financial Services sector. This role is ideal for a Scrum Master who thrives in regulated, fast-paced environments and can confidently guide teams through complex digital and operational change. The successful candidate will enable high-performing Agile teams, support strong delivery outcomes, and ensure alignment with financial services governance and compliance practices.

Initial contract term: 6 months, with potential for extension.

Key Responsibilities

Agile Delivery & Team Facilitation

• Lead and facilitate all core Scrum ceremonies: Sprint Planning, Daily Stand-ups, Backlog Refinement, Sprint Reviews, and Retrospectives.
• Coach teams on Agile principles, fostering a culture of ownership, transparency, and continuous improvement.
• Work with the Product Owner to maintain a clear, prioritised backlog that aligns with business strategy and regulatory requirements.
• Support accurate capacity planning, forecasting, and sprint delivery commitments.

Risk, Compliance & Governance

• Ensure Agile delivery approaches adhere to financial services governance standards, including risk management, audit readiness, and traceability.
• Identify and communicate risks, issues, and dependencies early, maintaining strong documentation and reporting.
• Help teams understand the impact of regulatory changes and support compliant, well-controlled delivery processes.

Impediment Removal & Continuous Improvement

• Proactively identify and remove blockers that could hinder delivery progress.
• Promote a mindset of learning, experimentation, and process optimisation.
• Implement improvements in Agile ceremonies, team communication, work planning, and tooling.

Stakeholder Management & Communication

• Act as a key liaison between delivery teams, Product Owners, business stakeholders, and programme leadership.
• Provide clear updates on sprint progress, metrics, challenges, and overall team health.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships across technology, operations, and regulatory functions.

Required Skills & Experience

• 3+ years’ experience working as a Scrum Master in Agile delivery environments.
• Financial services experience is essential, ideally within banking, payments, insurance, or another regulated domain.
• Strong working knowledge of Scrum, Kanban, Agile delivery frameworks, and practical coaching techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate governance, risk, and compliance requirements.
• Hands-on experience with Agile tools such as Jira, Azure DevOps, Confluence, or similar.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, conflict resolution, and stakeholder management skills.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CSM, PSM I/II, SAFe) are highly desirable.