Vanessa van Tonder
Scrum Master | Agile Coach | Product Delivery | Operations
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About
Experienced Scrum Master and Agile Coach with 7+ years in Agile environments, specializing in facilitating high-performing teams and delivering customer-focused solutions. Skilled in coaching teams on Scrum best practices, removing impediments, and driving continuous improvement. Strong communicator with a proven ability to align stakeholders, manage competing priorities, and foster collaborative, accountable team cultures, while leveraging AI tools to enhance team efficiency, insights, and delivery outcomes.
Experience
Scrum Master | Agile Coach at xneelo (2023-01 – Present)
- Coordinate cross-functional workflows across engineering, QA, product, and business teams in a fast-paced remote environment
- Lead project planning, delivery tracking, and team coordination to ensure smooth execution across multiple concurrent initiatives
- Partner closely with Product Owners and stakeholders to prioritize work, manage dependencies, and maintain delivery alignment
- Proactively identify and resolve blockers, risks, and process bottlenecks to support team productivity and delivery timelines
- Track and communicate project progress, delivery metrics, and team updates to improve visibility and stakeholder alignment
- Develop and improve operational processes, workflows, and team practices to support continuous improvement and scalability
- Facilitate collaborative team discussions, retrospectives, and planning sessions that drive accountability and actionable outcomes
- Support onboarding, team enablement, and Agile best practices across multiple squads
- Leverage AI tools to streamline workflows, improve reporting, and increase operational efficiency
- Foster strong cross-functional relationships through clear communication, organization, and proactive support
Scrum Master at 4C Group (2021-06 – 2022-12)
- Coordinated project delivery and team workflows across cross-functional stakeholders in a remote Agile environment
- Facilitated planning sessions, progress tracking, and team collaboration to support successful delivery outcomes
- Managed dependencies, identified delivery risks, and removed operational blockers to maintain project momentum
- Partnered with Product Owners to maintain organized, prioritized backlogs aligned to business goals and delivery timelines
- Tracked delivery metrics and team performance indicators to improve workflow efficiency and predictability
- Acted as a key communication bridge between stakeholders and development teams, ensuring alignment and transparency across projects
- Supported process improvement initiatives and Agile adoption across teams to enhance collaboration and operational effectiveness
- Built strong stakeholder relationships through proactive communication, organization, and follow-through
Project Coordinator → Scrum Master (Promotion) at 4C Group (2019-06 – 2021-06)
- Managed full project lifecycle from initiation to delivery across multiple workstreams
- Developed and maintained project plans and tracked deliverables
- Facilitated regular stakeholder meetings and provided status reporting
- Mentored junior team members and supported Agile adoption within the team
- Transitioned into Scrum Master role, supporting Agile transformation initiatives
Project Coordinator and Scrum Master at Full Facing (2018-05 – 2019-06)
- Managed product backlog tracking and prioritization in collaboration with stakeholders
- Monitored sprint cycles, team velocity, and delivery risks
- Facilitated Scrum ceremonies and ensured team adherence to Agile practices
- Coordinated cross-functional teams including UX, design, and development
- Delivered regular reporting and communicated progress to stakeholders
Head of Media & Communication at Living Word Church (Durbanville) (2017-06 – 2018-05)
- Led communications strategy, social media, and team coordination
- Managed events, marketing initiatives, and internal communications
- Supported leadership team with scheduling and operational coordination
HR Assistant (Contract) at ADP Projects (2014 – 2016)
- Supported HR processes including payroll, recruitment, and administration
Education
Professional Scrum Master (PSM) in Agile Methodologies – Scrum.org (2024)
Certified Scrum Master (CSM) in Agile Methodologies – Scrum Alliance (2021)
Certified SAFe Scrum Master (SSM) in Agile Methodologies – Scaled Agile (2021)
Diploma in Marketing Management in Marketing Management – IMM Graduate School (2015)
