Scrum Master (12 month contract)

Job Description:

Here at Rakuten Kobo Inc. we offer a casual working start-up environment and a group of friendly and talented individuals. Our employees rank us highly in terms of commitment to work/life balance. We realize that for our people to be innovative, creative and passionate they need to feel valued and supported.

If you’re looking for a company that inspires passion, personal, and professional growth – join Kobo and come help us on our mission of making reading lives better.

The Role:
Data Science and Engineering team at Rakuten Kobo is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Scrum Master to join our dynamic team of data engineers, business analysts, data scientists and developers. In this role, you will be acting as an agile coach and the scrum master across multiple teams to support development of data, visualization and AI solutions based on agile methodology. Your role is pivotal in the successful implementation of the Scrum framework within a team. Here are the key responsibilities and functions that define this role:

Key Responsibilities:

• Conducts effective Scrum events (sprint planning, daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, retrospectives).
• Ensures team focus and productive discussions.
• Increased number of completed tasks every sprint.
• Removes impediments and fosters a collaborative environment.
• Prioritizes team needs and supports objectives.
• Resolved blocked tickets and API issues by escalating to the ops team.
• Creates timelines for product releases and ensures resource availability.
• Coaches team on Scrum principles and practices. (FAQ and KT sessions)
• Encourages team reflection and process enhancement.
• Implements changes based on retrospective feedback.

The Skillset:

• Scrum Mastery: Proven expertise and track record of applying Scrum principles, practices, and frameworks within data and AI team environments (3–5 years’ experience).
• Facilitation: Advanced skills in conducting effective meetings, fostering collaboration, and maintaining focus in discussions.
• Servant Leadership: Ability to inspire and guide teams through servant leadership, promoting self-organization and accountability.
• Team Oversight: Proficient in tracking and monitoring team performance to ensure alignment with goals.
• Conflict Avoidance & Resolution: Strong conflict management skills to address and resolve team dynamics constructively.
• Analytical Thinking: Exceptional ability to analyze and solve complex challenges, ensuring progress and efficiency. You need to have a sharp eyes on the value of the work team is working on and always ensure consistency across sprint goal and stories
• Continuous Improvement: Deep commitment to fostering a culture of iterative growth and practice enhancement within teams and organizations.

Nice to Haves:

• Scrum Master Certification
• Experience with ClickUp

About Rakuten Kobo Inc.

Owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten and headquartered in Toronto, Rakuten Kobo Inc. is one of the most advanced global ecommerce companies, with the world’s most innovative eReading services offering more than 6 million eBooks and audiobooks to 30 million + customers in 190 countries. Kobo delivers the best digital reading experience through creative innovation, award-winning eReaders, and top-ranking mobile apps. Kobo is a part of the Rakuten group of companies.

Rakuten Kobo Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations for candidates with disabilities participating in the selection process are available on request. Any information received related to accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed confidentially.

Rakuten Kobo would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this role however only qualified candidates will be shortlisted.