Organizations are increasingly turning to Agile and Scrum methodologies to deliver high-quality technical solutions. An agile project manager is present in all the product development phases, leading cross-functional development teams using Agile practices and methods.
This article will be insightful if you have formal scrum and project management training and a few years of experience working in agile environments. We will look at the job description of an agile project manager to help you get familiar with the roles, responsibilities, skills, education, and experience required might you choose to apply for an APM job. We have also included a few resume examples and a detailed FAQs section to help you write the best resume for your job application. Let’s take an in-depth look at our subject of discussion.
Agile Project Manager Job Description
An agile project manager ensures the timely delivery of excellent technical solutions capable of driving critical business strategies. Roles include providing leadership to cross-functional development teams in compliance with Agile practices throughout the product development process, facilitating team meetings and day-to-day activities, and protecting the team from any external interferences or obstacles.
These professionals need excellent facilitation and project management processes skills to succeed. As part of the leadership responsible for process improvements, the APM should be ready to collaborate with other business professionals and executives.
Agile Project Manager Roles and Responsibilities
- Offering both active and situational leadership to project teams throughout the Software Development Process Lifecycle
- Facilitating successful team meetings and daily team activities
- Working closely with the product owner and development manager to create a positive team environment
- Creating and maintaining a project repository consisting of both former and current project data
- Facilitating all scrum ceremonies
- Working closely with the team to ensure that it remains functional, cooperative, and productive
- Presenting regular reports on overall project status to top-level executives and key stakeholders to keep them updated
- Identifying and driving the implementation of continuous improvements within the team
- Managing business relationships with external consultants and third parties
- Researching possible improvements and implementing them in the software development process
- Removing obstacles for the smooth delivery of projects
Agile Project Manager Required Knowledge and Skills
- Extensive knowledge and familiarity with several Agile and Scrum elements
- In-depth knowledge of different tracking tools such as Trello, JIRA, and Azure DevOps
- Excellent agile planning skills
- Ability to manage Agile Projects with Scrum
- Proper understanding of the Agile manifesto
- Ability to work with others and blend in well in group settings
- Ability to remain calm and thrive while under pressure
- Excellent organizational skills
- Ability to prioritize
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to collaborate with other employees and teams
- Ability to think critically and discern issues
- Excellent adaptability to change
- Ability to multi-task without compromising on the quality of work
- A desire to help in process improvement
- Excellent mentorship skills
- Situational leadership skills
- Excellent issue management skills
- Resource allocation and tracking skills
- Excellent scheduling skills
- Excellent project management skills
- In-depth knowledge of the business needs
- Ability to win and maintain customer trust and confidence
- Ability to focus on details without losing the bigger picture view
- Ability to manage competing demands
- Excellent team-building skills
- Computer and IT skills
- Outstanding analysis skills
Agile Project Manager Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field
- Formal scrum and project management training
- Extensive experience working in project teams
- Proven experience working in agile environments
- Experience using appropriate agile Project management tools such as Jira, Rally and VersionOne
- Experience using basic office and project management tools, e.g., Vision, Microsoft Project, and Office Tools
- Experience managing/overseeing multi-functional project teams
- Sufficient technical and business background
- Relevant certifications, e.g., PMP, PMI-ACP, and CSM
- Experience in blending traditional project management principles with Agile
Agile Project Manager Salary
Agile Project Managers are paid quite well, according to online sources. It is reported that the base salary for these professionals ranges from $93,000- $1125,000 yearly. The average base salary stands at roughly $109,000, which is lucrative. This may be the right time to pursue recognized Agile training and get the proper certifications.
Agile Project Manager CV Example 1
Elif Yusuf
Physical address: 365 Lafayette Avenue, Hawthorne, New Jersey (NJ), 07907
Email address: yusufueli7@gmail.com
Phone number: (805) 335- 44567
Personal Profile
Certified agile project manager with nine years of experience working in agile environments- 3 as an agile project manager. Professional team leader with extensive knowledge and familiarity with Agile and Scrum elements. Self-motivated worker ready to oversee the successful execution of agile projects.
Work Experience
06/2019- 08/2022, Agile Project Manager, Laurel Tech Solutions, Hawthorne, New Jersey
- Successfully led a 25-member project management team through different stages of the software development process for the eventful delivery of 50+ products
- Contributed to the executive project management guidance repository by reviewing the existing SDLC policy and replacing it with an updated and more effective one
- Oversaw the successful completion of 25+ long and short-term projects over different software using JavaScript.NEt and SQL components
- Successfully managed projects with budgets ranging from $20,000 to $1.5M, ensuring that 98% were delivered within the allocated budget
- Built and maintained a well-updated project repository with detailed information on 100+ projects
- Ensured that significant issues were resolved as fast as possible to avoid weighing down on projects’ success by regularly reporting the overall status of projects to the five business executives and project stakeholders
- Created a positive work environment for the project team in collaboration with the development manager and product owner for the timely delivery of projects
03/2016- 05/2019, Agile Coordinator, Bravin and Co. Tech Solutions, Austin, TX
- Led and facilitated requirement gathering sessions to give development teams a clear understanding of project goals
- Collaborated with 5+ development teams within the organization to define, create and elaborate different elements for future releases
- Offered subject matter expertise on 20+ projects based on extensive research and understanding of the products under development
- Applied program knowledge and subject matter expertise to troubleshoot project issues, ensuring that 95% of projects were delivered a week before the scheduled deadline
- Ensured continued collaboration and coordination with development leads and the quality assurance team to ensure 99%+ of user requirements were met
02/2014- 02/2016, Software Engineer, Quality Software Solutions, Montclair, New Jersey
- Tested 10+ software development methodologies in an agile environment
- Worked closely with ten software and systems engineers to ensure that the company’s systems and general technology were up to the required standards
- Participated in 5+ cross-functional teams made up of business owners, data scientists, project managers, and engineers to offer technological solutions
- Named the best software engineer of the year in 2015
- Used different configuration management technologies to develop a processing platform for the organization
Education
- 03/2014- 05/2016, Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey
- 08/2008- 11/2013, Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, New Jersey
- 02/2007- 04/2008, High School Diploma, Hawthorne Senior High School, New Jersey
Skills
- Languages
- Turkish
- English
- Arabic
Technical Skills
- Situational leadership
- Team management
- Agile Project Management
- Kanban
- Scrum
- Product development
- Agile planning
- Process improvement
- Analysis
- IT
- Reporting
- Trello, JIRA
- Azure DevOps
Soft Skills
- Adaptability
- Conflict management
- Collaboration
- Ability to thrive in team settings
- Flexibility
- Decision making
- Organizational
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Mentorship
- Critical thinking
- Creativity
Certifications
- 05/2018, Certified Scrum Manager Certification
- 06/2015, PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
Agile Project Manager CV Example 2
Gabriela Mia
Physical address: 320 Jersey Avenue, Spring Lake, New Jersey, 07564
Email address: miagabriel67@gmail.com
Phone number: (802) 789- 6756
Personal Profile
Certified project management expert with six years of experience working in project management teams and three as an agile project manager. Qualified agile practitioner ready to offer both active and situational leadership to agile teams for successfully meeting project objectives. A selfless leader with excellent team motivation and management skills.
Work Experience
08/2019- 09/2022, Senior Agile Project Manager, Fon Tech, Beverly Hills, CA
- Protected the team from external interferences and successfully removed major obstacles, ensuring timely delivery of 99% of the projects
- Facilitated team meetings and spent 4hrs+ daily on activities in support of agile development teams
- Used the requirements gathered from different stakeholders to write compelling user stories
- Applied preventive maintenance and upgrades to uphold data integrity and application availability
- Built and managed excellent relationships with 10+ external consultants and third parties, ensuring that they met all their obligations
- Ensured that the team was in high spirits for increased productivity by identifying and swiftly resolving issues capable of demoralizing them
- Used iteration burn-down reports, sprint burn-down reports, and velocity target updates to regularly report project progress to all stakeholders
- Organized and facilitated four different Agile and Scrum meetings, i.e., sprint planning, sprint check-in, sprint review, and daily scrums
- Trained 28 team members on Agile fundamentals leading to a 50% increase in the number of bugs detected and fixed
- Monitored and supervised development teams to ensure the regular practice of Agile Principles
06/2016- 05/2019, Agile Project Coordinator, Locus Hill Tech Solutions, Worcester, MA
- Developed and maintained excellent relationships with 20+ internal and external clients
- Used sprint-down reports and velocity targets updated to communicate progress and milestones to all project stakeholders
- Ensured that disputed items and client concerns were resolved in less than seven days in close collaboration with the service team
- Actively provided support to the organization’s five project managers during the development and implementation of different project elements
- Coordinated adjustments to project tasks, deadlines, and aspects for the successful delivery of 30+ projects
- Ensured timely follow-up of all client issues and requests by regularly reviewing and monitoring email alerts and the Agile board
- Mentored agile development teams on agile principles and methodologies, leading to the successful delivery of 15 projects a week before the scheduled deadline
- Worked as an assistant project manager for a $500,000 project in mid-2018, which was a success
09/2012- 02/2016, Agile Software Developer, Hill Tech Solutions, Cambridge, MA
- Offered development engineering and programming support to 50+ projects
- Successfully trained seven junior developers on general programming and program coding
- Worked closely with two systems analysts, assisting in the resolution of problems related to computer programs
- Worked as part of 5 highly skilled project teams for the successful delivery of projects of up to $300,000
- Regularly interacted with users to understand and implement their needs, achieving 98% positive feedback together with the team
Education
- 05/2014- 07/2016, Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey
- 04/2008- 03/2012, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Massachusetts
- 03/2005- 05/2007, High School Diploma, Montclair Senior High School, Montclair, New Jersey
Skills
- Languages
- Italian
- English
- French
Technical Skills
- Computer skills
- Agile planning
- Product development
- Risk management
- Scrum
- Kanban
- Situational leadership
- Reporting
- Agile project management
- Reporting
Certifications
- 05/2017, PRINCE 2 Agile Project Management Certification
- 04/2014, PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) Certification
Agile Project Manager Resume Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which Certifications Should I Pursue a Better Career?
Getting proper industry-specific certifications will help your career. You will not only prove additional skills but also appeal more to hiring managers. Here are some you should consider going for:
- PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) – This is perhaps the most common certification for agile project managers. It validates your knowledge and skills in Agile methodologies, principles, and techniques. It covers Scrum, Extreme Programming, and Kanban- the most recognized Agile approaches worldwide. However, note that it comes with a requirement. You have to earn at least 30 professional development units every three years
- PRINCE2 Agile Project Management Certification– This verification covers the Agile methodology and projects in controlled environments 2, allowing you to successfully manage projects in an Agile environment. It has two levels: the PRINCE2 Agile Foundation, which covers applicable frameworks and techniques, and PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner, where you learn how to use Agile methodology and techniques in project governance, structure, and control.
- Certified Scrum Manager (CSM)- Third in line is the CMS certification which applies to scrum masters. You learn about the scrum framework, which consists of several artifacts, events, and project team roles. It is offered by the Scrum Alliance and costs $1000-$1400
- Professional Scrum Master Certification (PSM)- This certification comes in three levels. You will become a professional Scrum master I, validating your knowledge of the Scrum framework and its diverse applications and a Professional Scrum Master II, which teaches the real-world application of the Scrum framework, and Professional Scrum Master III, which can only be unlocked once you are done with the first and second levels.
Other certifications worth pursuing include Certified Agile Project Manager (IAPM), ICAgile Certified Professional- Agile Certified Coaching (ICP-ACC), and Certified SAFe Agilist certification, also known as Scaled Agile.
2. Why Do I Need to Include Certifications in My Agile Project Management Resume?
There are three main reasons why certifications are needed in any resume, not just agile project management. First, they prove skill enhancement, giving you an advantage over other applicants. For example, agile management certifications cover agile values documented in the Agile manifesto, agile artifacts and ceremonies, and agile coach responsibilities that you need to manage Agile projects. Other reasons you need certifications are to show dedication towards your role and learn how to handle the duties associated with your position easily.
However, note that these certifications vary depending on your career path, although certifications such as PMP and CSM can apply in several positions. Therefore, research extensively before going for a certificate.
3. Which Technical Skills Should I Include in My Agile Project Manager Resume?
Every agile team member requires technical skills to thrive. These role-specific skills differentiate high achievers and low performers and can be learned and sharpened over time. They include excellent computer skills, situational leadership, outstanding agile planning, Information and Technology (IT), project management, analysis, process improvement, risk management, and an in-depth understanding of Agile principles and methodologies.
Additional technical skills include excellent product development, outstanding reporting, team management, Scrum, Kanban, and understanding of programs such as JIRA, Trello, and Azure DevOps. Make sure that you review the job posting to know precisely what the interviewer wants before writing these skills in your resume. We also urge you to use the exact wording in the job posting when writing your resume.
4. Which Keywords Do I Need in My Agile Project Manager Resume?
Specific skills and terminologies often referred to as keywords, should be mentioned in an Agile Project Manager resume. They will help you get past the Applicant Tracking Systems used by hiring managers. Here are a few good recommendations: project management, Agile, Scrum, Kanban, Methodologies, confluence, project planning, facilitation, analysis, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Microsoft Project, JIRA, collaboration, auto delivery, innovation, communication skills, consulting experience, reporting, process improvement, vendor management, business analyst, Microsoft Visio, SharePoint, mentoring, proactive, continual process improvement and information technology.
5. How Should I Showcase My Skillset in My Resume?
There are two main ways of showcasing your skills to the hiring manager or interviewer. Have a skill section subdivided into sub-sections and highlight your skills in the work experience section, which is often written in ‘achievement form.’ However, do not lie in your resume. You should only mention the skills that you possess. Remember, you still have to face the hiring manager/ interview panel after getting past the applicant tracking software.