Project Manager / Scrum Master Data & Technology

Best-fit profile: A hands-on Project Manager / Scrum Master who can manage delivery while also actively facilitating Agile processes and Jira-based workflow management.

Key requirements to screen for:

1. CSM certification
2. Project Management + Scrum Master experience
3. Strong Jira and Agile/Scrum experience
4. Experience supporting data-related technology teams
5. Executive reporting, stakeholder communication, and risk/blocker management
6. Ability to work hybrid in Atlanta 2 days onsite per week

Nice to have: Data Science, Data Governance, Teradata, and/or Databricks exposure.

Norfolk Southern is seeking a Project Manager / Scrum Master to support a Digital & Technology team. This role combines project management, Scrum Master responsibilities, executive-level status reporting, Jira administration, and coordination across project, product, process, and leadership teams.

The individual will be responsible for keeping project teams organized and focused on priorities while ensuring projects remain aligned with agreed-upon scope, cost, schedule, and quality expectations.

The role also includes providing program-level guidance around Agile and Jira standards and helping establish consistent practices across ITSMO Scrum teams.

A background working with data-focused teams or environments is required. Experience with Data Science, Data Governance, Teradata, and Databricks is a plus.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Delivery

• Manage project activities against agreed-upon scope, cost, schedule, and quality measures.
• Develop and maintain project plans and drive project milestones.
• Track project-level risks, issues, dependencies, and blockers.
• Ensure risks and issues are escalated to the appropriate stakeholders in a timely manner.
• Provide project status updates for executive and leadership reporting.
• Ensure alignment among stakeholders regarding project milestones, progress, priorities, and blockers.
• Establish and maintain an effective communication plan with project teams and key stakeholders.
• Support change management activities throughout the project.
• Prepare project documentation, status reports, and time-accounting information.

Scrum Master / Agile Responsibilities

• Facilitate Scrum ceremonies, including:
  • Sprint Planning
  • Daily Standups
  • Sprint Reviews
  • Story Refinement / Backlog Grooming
  • Sprint Retrospectives, as applicable
• Keep Scrum/project teams organized, on track, and focused on priorities.
• Manage stories in accordance with PMO and Program Management standards and guidelines.
• Work with Scrum and project teams to ensure Jira stories accurately reflect current status.
• Provide guidance regarding Agile and Jira standards and frameworks.
• Identify gaps in Agile practices and help establish consistent expectations and standardized practices across ITSMO Scrum teams.
• Help ensure Scrum teams remain aligned with the overall program delivery approach.

PI Planning & Backlog Support

• Assist Process Owners and Managers with coordinating content for Program Increment (PI) demos.
• Support Process/Product Owners in organizing and prioritizing the backlog.
• Help teams prepare to effectively present their plans during PI Planning.

Leadership & Stakeholder Coordination

• Act as a liaison between leadership and project teams.
• Ensure leadership priorities are clearly communicated to delivery teams.
• Maintain effective communication across project stakeholders.
• Facilitate escalation and resolution of project issues and blockers.

Required Qualifications

• Project Management and Scrum Master experience.
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification required.
• Experience working in a data-related environment.
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • Jira
  • Agile/Scrum methodologies
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
• Experience developing and maintaining Jira boards.
• Experience creating and managing project plans and milestones.
• Experience facilitating Scrum ceremonies.
• Experience managing project risks, issues, blockers, and status reporting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Strong project planning and organizational abilities.
• Demonstrated judgment, leadership, and decision-making skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Experience

Experience with any of the following is considered a plus:

• Data Science
• Data Governance
• Teradata
• Databricks

• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan