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Agile Program Manager: Essential Skills and How to Excel in Your Role

By: Hajime Estanislao, PMP, CSM; Editor: Geram Lompon; Reviewed by: Dr. Michael J. Shick, MSPM, PMP, CSM

Are you ready to enhance your leadership abilities and transition into the role of an Agile Program Manager, responsible for overseeing and coordinating large-scale Agile programs? Agile Program Managers play a crucial role in leading cross-functional teams to efficiently deliver value and drive the success of complex projects.

As an Agile Program Manager, you’ll coordinate project teams to ensure they align with business goals while adapting to changes. You’ll manage projects that require quick thinking, collaboration, and continuous improvement to meet customer demands.

The need for skilled Agile Program Managers is growing as companies look for leaders who can implement Agile principles at scale and oversee multiple teams working towards a common goal. With the right skills and certifications, you can become the go-to expert in Agile program management.

Don’t wait! Begin by mastering Agile principles, getting certified, and gaining hands-on experience. Now is the time to step into a role that will position you as a leader.

What is an Agile Program Manager?

An Agile Program Manager oversees the coordination and alignment of multiple Agile teams working on related projects within a program. Their primary focus is to help teams collaborate effectively, manage dependencies, and deliver incremental value aligned with the organizational strategic objectives.

Unlike traditional program and project managers, Agile Program Managers work in an iterative, adaptive environment that welcomes change and focuses on delivering customer value.

Agile Program Management

Agile Program Management involves managing complex, interrelated projects according to Agile principles. This approach emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Programs in Agile are broken down into smaller, manageable parts, allowing teams to work in shorter iterations, frequently adapt to changes, and focus on delivering the highest value to customers. Agile Program Management leverages frameworks like the Agile Release Train to coordinate multiple teams and ensure synchronized delivery.

Illustration of two office scenes: on the left, a team discusses project management with charts and flowers; on the right, colleagues work on agile program management with tech icons and graphs. Both teams are seated around tables with screens.

Agile Project Manager Versus Agile Program Manager

While Agile Project Managers and Agile Program Managers work within the Agile framework, their responsibilities and focus areas differ significantly.

Agile Project Manager

An Agile Project Managers work on a single project or initiative within the Agile framework. They manage day-to-day tasks like sprint planning, backlog management, and delivery of expected outcomes within the constraints of time and resources.

The Agile Project Manager facilitates communication within the project team, removes blockers, and promotes adherence to Agile practices like daily stand-ups, retrospectives, and sprint reviews.

Agile Program Manager

An Agile Program Manager coordinates multiple related Agile projects or teams contributing to a broader strategic objective. They focus on managing interdependencies across teams, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, and maintaining communication across multiple stakeholders. They use scaled Agile frameworks like SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) to synchronize multiple Agile teams, optimize organizational resources, and maintain cohesive progress.

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Reasons You Need to Know When Managing Agile Programs

Agile program management responds quickly to changing customer needs, technological advancements, and evolving market conditions. Effective management of Agile programs enables organizations to maintain flexibility, advocate collaboration, and deliver continuous value at scale. Agile Program Managers play a role in orchestrating multiple teams and coordinating cross-functional efforts while maintaining alignment with the organizational strategic goals.

Coordinate Multiple Teams

Agile programs often involve several teams working on interconnected projects, requiring skilled coordination to keep work synchronized and aligned.

Adapt to Change Quickly

Agile Program Managers help teams pivot in response to changing business needs or customer feedback without losing focus on overarching goals.

Manage Complex Dependencies

Managing dependencies across teams and ensuring smooth hand-offs are critical to keeping programs on track in large-scale Agile environments.

Deliver Customer Value Continuously

The Agile approach emphasizes frequently delivering incremental value. Agile Program Managers keep teams aligned with this goal while meeting customer needs.

Foster Collaboration Across Teams

Agile Program Managers encourage cross-team collaboration and communication so stakeholders remain informed and engaged.

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Improve Resource Allocation

With multiple teams and projects in play, Agile Program Managers optimize resource management and allocation to efficiently use organizational resources.

Facilitate Long-Term Strategic Alignment

Agile Program Managers help implement agile program management to align the teams’ efforts with broader business objectives.

Handle Complexity at Scale

Agile programs often operate at a large scale, involving numerous teams, products, and services. Effective management prevents this complexity from becoming overwhelming.

Enhance Continuous Improvement

Agile Program Managers promote continuous improvement, where processes are regularly reviewed and refined to increase efficiency and effectiveness.

Track Performance Metrics

Agile programs require ongoing monitoring of key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess progress and make necessary adjustments. Agile Program Managers track and report performance accurately.

Illustration of a man in a suit climbing stairs labeled with steps to becoming an Agile Program Manager, including mastering management, tools, experience, knowledge, development, and certification, with related icons and graphs.

Step-by-Step to Becoming an Agile Program Manager

Transitioning into an Agile Program Manager role requires Agile knowledge, leadership skills, and hands-on experience managing complex programs. By following a structured path, you will develop the expertise needed to excel. Below is a guide to understanding Agile fundamentals to leading large-scale Agile programs.

  1. Master the Agile Basics
  2. Get Certified in Agile Program Management
  3. Gain Hands-on Experience with Agile Teams
  4. Build Leadership and Collaboration Skills
  5. Learn to Manage Multiple Teams and Programs

1. Master the Agile Basics

The initial step in becoming an Agile Program Manager is understanding the Agile principles, methodologies, and frameworks. It includes familiarizing yourself with Scrum, Kanban, and the Scaled Agile Framework. Agile Program Managers need a deep understanding of how Agile works at the team level and in larger-scale environments like programs and portfolios.

Start by reading texts like the Agile Manifesto and taking introductory courses on Agile project management. Participate in Agile training or workshops to better understand Agile ceremonies (sprints, daily stand-ups, retrospectives) and tools like JIRA or Trello.

2. Get Certified in Agile Program Management

Certification demonstrates your knowledge and skills in Agile program management. Several recognized certifications are available: SAFe Program Consultant, Agile Certified Practitioner, or Certified Scrum Master. These credentials validate your expertise and help you stand out.

Research the certification paths aligned with your career goals. For example, consider pursuing the SAFe Agilist or SAFe Program Consultant certifications when working with large Agile organizations. These certifications will teach you to implement scaled Agile practices, lead Agile Release Trains, and manage program increments.

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3. Gain Hands-on Experience with Agile Teams

Before managing multiple teams, it is essential to have hands-on experience working within an Agile team. This step is required so you understand the teams’ daily challenges and how Agile principles are applied in real-world scenarios.

Seek roles as an Agile Coach, Scrum Master, or Agile Project Manager where you can guide a team through Agile processes. These roles focus on facilitating sprints, removing impediments, and ensuring teams deliver value iteratively. The more experience you have working directly with Agile teams, the better prepared you will be to manage multiple teams.

4. Build Leadership and Collaboration Skills

The Agile Program Managers are excellent leaders and communicators. They can manage dependencies across teams and maintain alignment with business objectives. Leadership skills are essential for managing stakeholders, coordinating cross-functional teams, and advocating collaboration.

Focus on building soft skills like communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution. Attend leadership workshops or take courses on team collaboration and facilitation. Agile Program Managers are facilitators, ensuring teams work together.

5. Learn to Manage Multiple Teams and Programs

Once you have mastered the Agile basics, obtained certifications, gained team experience, and built your leadership skills, the next step is learning to manage multiple teams and projects within a program. Agile Program Managers coordinate multiple teams through techniques such as Agile Release Trains and Program Increment Planning.

Start by leading smaller Agile programs or initiatives where you manage multiple teams. As you gain experience, take on complex programs. Familiarize yourself with tools like Scaled Agile Framework and lean Portfolio Management to manage Agile teams working in parallel.

A wheel titled "Agile Program Managing" features gears and icons representing collaboration, feedback, and planning. Surrounding elements highlight concepts like aligning, business value, and predictive graphs, all with a tech-themed blue background.

Considerations For Successfully Managing Agile Programs

When managing Agile programs, one consideration is maintaining alignment between teams and the strategic goals. It requires communication and collaboration across teams, especially during large-scale planning like Program Increment Planning, where teams must align their objectives for the next development cycle. Regular check-ins and cross-team collaboration meetings help everyone stay focused on the delivery.

Agile Program Managers should understand dependency management tools and techniques so teams can work independently and coordinate effectively when roadblocks arise. It is important in Agile programs where multiple teams work on different aspects of the same product or value stream.

Measuring performance through Agile metrics such as velocity, cycle time, and value delivered is foundational for tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement in scaling Agile.

Alternatives: Program Management

While Agile project and program management is increasingly popular, the standard program management defined by the Project Management Institute remains an alternative.

The standard approach follows the traditional project management model, using a waterfall methodology where planning, execution, and delivery are completed sequentially. It suits projects with defined requirements and timelines, minimal changes, and high predictability. There is a heavy focus on comprehensive documentation, risk management, and stringent control of scope, cost, and time, aspects beneficial for industries like construction, manufacturing, or aerospace.

Lean Program Management is an alternative that optimizes resources and reduces waste throughout the lifecycle. It proves beneficial in environments where operational efficiency is a priority. Lean methodology prioritizes value-stream mapping, continuous improvement, and enhancing workflow. It helps companies refine processes and eliminate team bottlenecks.

Hybrid program management offers a solution for organizations that need agility and structured management. This approach merges Agile and waterfall methodologies. It allows teams to apply Agile to development while adhering to stricter governance and documentation standards at the project and program levels. It is particularly advantageous in regulated sectors where flexibility is necessary but compliance cannot be compromised.

Illustration of a person standing on a winding path leading towards a bright light. Surrounding them are various terms like "Project Management," "Agile," "Strategy," "Leadership," and icons related to these concepts. The text at the top reads "Final Thoughts.

Final Thoughts: Program Management is Next

As Agile revolutionizes how organizations manage complex programs, becoming an Agile Program Manager presents a valuable opportunity for anyone looking to advance their career.

If you are an Agile project manager or new to program management, learning the necessary skills for this role will prepare you to oversee large, cross-functional teams, provide ongoing value, and coordinate multiple initiatives with business objectives.

Now is the time to invest in your growth by learning the essential tools, obtaining certifications, and gaining experience with Agile teams. As more organizations scale Agile practices, the demand for skilled Agile Program Managers will continue to rise.

References

Appelbaum, B. (2024). What is agile program management? Planview. Retrieved September 2024, from https://www.planview.com/resources/guide/what-is-agile-program-management/

Atlassian. (2022, May 11). Everything you need to know about agile program management. Atlassian Community. https://community.atlassian.com/t5/App-Central-articles/Everything-you-need-to-know-about-Agile-Program-Management/ba-p/2025301

Eby, K. (2022, April). The complete guide to agile program management. Smartsheet. https://www.smartsheet.com/content/agile-program-management

Luenendonk, M. (2022, December 5). What is agile program management? FounderJar. https://www.founderjar.com/agile-program-management/

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A group of five people are gathered in a conference room. One person stands at a whiteboard, presenting. Four others are seated around a table, taking notes and engaging. A large screen and various office supplies are in the background.
Two professionals, a man in a blue suit and red tie, and a woman in a light grey outfit, smile confidently in a modern office with large windows and natural light. The atmosphere appears bright and welcoming.
Two women sit closely together at a table, engaged in discussion while looking at a laptop screen. One woman, wearing a headscarf and denim jacket, points at the screen, while the other woman, in a black top, gestures towards the laptop.
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