Project Manager / Scrum Master

Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies, Workers Compensation Division, has an opening for a Project Manager / Scrum Master in their Business Applications team to lead IT projects and coordinate cross-functional teams, driving the successful implementation of technology solutions. The ideal candidate should have strong experience in Agile, PMP (Project Management Professional), and RUP (Rational Unified Process) methodologies. They will bring expertise in project management, Agile coaching, and process improvement to ensure the time and high-quality delivery of initiatives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

SCRUM MASTER ROLE

• Facilitates scrum ceremonies (Daily Standups, Sprint Planning, Sprint Retrospective, and Sprint Reviews).
• Acts as a servant leader to cross-functional Agile teams, ensuring adherence to Agile principles and best practices.
• Removes impediments and fosters an environment for high-performing team dynamics, continuous improvement and productivity.
• Collaborates with Product Owners to define and prioritize the product backlog.
• Guides the team in identifying and tracking metrics to ensure continuous progress.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

• Plans, executes, and oversees IT projects from inception through delivery using PMP principles and best practices.
• Develops project plans, including scope, schedule, resource allocation, risk mitigation strategies, and budget.
• Ensures alignment of project goals with business objectives and IT strategy.
• Manages project teams, fostering communication and collaboration between developers, testers, and stakeholders.
• Reports regularly on project status, risks, and key metrics to stakeholders and senior leadership.
• Ensures proper documentation and knowledge transfer for long-term project sustainability.

METHODOLOGY EXPERTISE

• Applies a deep understanding of Agile, PMP, and RUP methodologies to tailor project management approaches as per the project's complexity and requirements.
• Provides coaching and training on Agile and hybrid methodologies to team members and stakeholders.
• Fosters a culture of continuous improvement by driving process optimization and ensuring effective use of tools (e.g., JIRA, Confluence).

PROJECT MANAGEMENT & PROBLEM SOLVING

• Proactively identifies project risks and works with stakeholders to develop mitigation strategies.
• Serves as the primary point of escalation for project issues, working to resolve conflicts and remove blockers in a timely manner.
• Manages change control processes, ensuring that project adjustments are handles efficiently without impacting quality or deadline attainment.

ON-PREMISES, HYBRID, AND CLOUD ENVIRONMENTS

• Works with business applications across various environments, including on-premises, hybrid, and cloud systems.
• Works with the infrastructure and cloud teams to ensure that application environments are stable, secure, and meet business performance expectations.
• Supports the transition of applications from on-premises environments to cloud or hybrid architectures, working closely with senior IT leadership on cloud migration strategies.

RISK & COMPLIANCE

• Ensures that all business applications comply with industry regulations and internal security standards, including SOX, PCI-DSS, and other financial sector regulations.
• Works with the Cybersecurity team to ensure applications are secured against potential threats and vulnerabilities.
• Develops and implements procedures for regular audits, risk assessments, and disaster recovery plans for critical applications.
• Ensures that QA processes adhere to relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO, GDPR, HIPAA).
• Develops and maintains test documentation, including test plans, test cases, test scripts, and test data management.
• Implements processes to ensure traceability of test cases to requirements and automated defect tracking/reporting.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business, or related field required.
• CERTIFICATIONS: PMP (Project Management Professional), CSM (Certified Scrum Master) or equivalent certification required. Advanced certifications in Scrum (e.g., Advanced Certified ScrumMaster, PMI-ACP) or PMP preferred.
• EXPERIENCE: A minimum of five (5) years of experience in IT project management, with a minimum of three (3) years in a Scrum Master or Agile Project Manager role, required. Proven experience with Agile, PMP, and RUP methodologies required. Experience in managing large-scale IT infrastructure or software development projects highly preferred. Experience working in a hybrid Agile/Waterfall environment preferred.

DESIRED TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS

• Solid understanding of software development lifecycles and IT systems.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficient in Agile tools such as JIRA, Trello, or equivalent project management software.
• Familiarity with DevOps principles and practices.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Work-Life Balance
• Work From Home Program (up to 2 days per week upon eligibility)
• Modern Office Setting
• Free On-Site Fitness Facility
• Free downtown shuttle route
• Two-minute walk from Walnut Creek BART Station
• Three-minute car ride from CA-24 and I-680
• Free On-Site Garage Parking

BENEFITS

• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Retirements Savings Match
• Group Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, and Vision)
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
• Flexible Savings Accounts
• Paid Community Volunteer Day
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Referral Program
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program

ABOUT US

With more than 50 years in business, BHHC has grown from a regional organization to a national insurance group, offering insurance products from coast to coast. Relationships are the cornerstone of our culture, and we believe in doing the right thing. That means we invest in our business in every way possible to deliver on our mission and demonstrate that people are what powers our success. Our commitment to financial strength and integrity means our customers can rest assured that we will be there when it counts.

At BHHC we embrace diversity and foster an environment where our people can be their authentic selves. Our differences make us stronger and better together, which fosters a harmonious workplace—something we truly value. We’ve created an approachable and collaborative atmosphere. Here you’ll find a welcoming workplace where everyone can feel valued, supported, and inspired to do great work. Together, we raise the bar by being curious, remaining customer-focused, and operating with integrity.