Agility Lead

Role Overview:

We are looking to hire an Agility Lead to join our team, in this role you will be a key member of the Portfolio Management team within Global IT, responsible for training and coaching delivery teams across Genus in Lean and Agile methodologies and thinking.

You will also extend training and coaching support to other functions collaborating with IT, such as Finance, PIC, ABS, and the Executive Leadership Team. 

You will play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of continuous improvement across IT, embedding a mindset of innovation and efficiency throughout the organization.

You will guide teams in embracing the Core Values of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), applying its principles, and implementing its practices.

Acting as a facilitator, you will challenge traditional development approaches to enhance performance in quality, predictability, workflow, and delivery speed. Additionally, you will integrate Lean Portfolio Management and take on a significant role as the Scrum Master for the Lean and Agile Centre of Excellence (LACE).

This role is remote first so there is no direct requirement to be in the office in Stapeley but with travel there on an ad-hoc basis

Key Responsibilities

• Agile Transformation:
• Guide delivery teams on their agile journey, helping them grow in maturity across the seven key competencies of Business Agility.
• Coach value streams and business leaders to adopt agile principles effectively.
• Training and Standards:
• Design and deliver a comprehensive SAFe training curriculum for IT and business teams.
• Maintain and refine standards and playbooks for agile ceremonies and practices, such as PI Planning, ART launches, and Portfolio Syncs.
• Facilitation and Leadership:
• Act as a Scrum Master for LACE, ensuring seamless agile operations.
• Contribute significantly to pre-, during, and post-PI Planning activities.
• Lead Kaizen events to improve internal IT processes and guide Product Owners in applying lean principles, including Six Sigma.
• Knowledge Sharing and Best Practices:
• Facilitate the sharing of best practices across the organization, making them accessible and actionable for teams.
• Contribute to Communities of Practice, fostering a collaborative environment.
• Agility and Performance Assessments:
• Conduct routine SAFe agility assessments and develop improvement plans for areas needing growth.
• Facilitate data-driven evaluations of agile maturity and delivery performance.
• Lean Portfolio Management:
• Support the implementation of Lean Portfolio Management across the organization and embed its principles into day-to-day operations.
• Risk and Issue Management:
• Identify and communicate risks and issues related to agile transformation.
• Continuous Learning:
• Stay up to date with agile methodologies, tools, and best practices to ensure continuous improvement.

Qualifications and Experience (Must Have)

• Demonstrated experience in coaching and leading teams to adopt agile methodologies.
• In-depth knowledge of SAFe principles and practices.
• Hands-on experience in coaching technical teams on agile software engineering practices, including DevOps and continuous delivery.
• Proven ability to inspire, coach, and motivate distributed and multinational teams.
• Relevant degree in STEM, business, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Practical experience in roles such as Scrum Master, Product Owner, Agile Project Manager, Release Train Engineer, or Agile Coach.
• Expertise in Lean Portfolio Management

Qualifications and Experience (Desirable - if you don't have these, please still apply)

• Certification as a SAFe Practice Consultant (SPC) - we can help you get certified
• Strong understanding of complex business change processes, data governance, and workflow optimization.
• Familiarity with working in a LACE structure and driving business agility in large organizations.
• Facilitation of Kaizen events

Genus is an agricultural biotechnology pioneer. We are a global FTSE 250 company, headquartered in the UK, and listed on the London Stock Exchange. Genus PLC has a presence in over 70 countries and a global workforce of over 3,000 employees and growing.  We are a worldwide leader in porcine and bovine animal genetics, partnering with farmers to transform how we nourish the world – a mission that is important to a sustainable future. 

Our vision is clear: Pioneering animal genetic improvement to sustainably nourish the world.

Our Values

• Collaborate as One Team
• Create Value for Customers
• Innovate with Purpose
• Never stop improving

DEI

Genus is a place where you can be yourself and be part of a growing global team. We have a culture of respect, openness and fairness for all. Whatever your background, your role or your area of work, you will have the chance to thrive in an environment that inspires, challenges and supports you to succeed.

• Performance related bonus
• 25 days holidays + Bank Holidays 
• NFU Pension (7.5% employer contribution)
• Health Cash back scheme 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Employee share plan 
• Hybrid working with a blend of office and home work - 2 days per week in the office (Usually Tuesday and Wednesday)
• Flexible Working Policy (Where appropriate/practicable) 
• Enhanced maternity leave 12 weeks at full pay followed by 4 weeks at 50% followed by SMP
• Comprehensive L&D program including career development programs, access to Genus University and Mango (languages) 

Genus is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti-discrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates. Genus prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Genus conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.

Genus plc will never ask you to provide fees or payment for computer, software, or other equipment or supplies during the recruitment and/or onboarding process. If you have any questions about your individual application, please contact the Genus Talent Acquisition team at recruiting@genusplc.com.