Faiz YarKhan
Chicago,IL
Summary
Experienced Program/Project Manager with over 15 years of expertise in managing Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and leading digital transformation initiatives. Skilled in defining project goals, translating business requirements into technical solutions, and ensuring end-to-end delivery of diverse Software and Infrastructure projects. Demonstrated leadership in implementing Oracle and SAP solutions, driving significant improvements in finance operations through initiatives like OLFM and S4/Hana. Collaborates effectively with Senior Leadership to devise and execute comprehensive business transformation strategies, focusing on lean portfolio practices and WSJF prioritization. Proven facilitator adept at managing project meetings and stakeholder engagements to ensure alignment and prompt issue resolution. Experienced coach and trainer in process improvement methodologies, enhancing team growth and project execution efficiency. Strong analytical thinker with a detail-oriented and multitasking approach, adept at navigating complex technical challenges and anticipating future business needs. Effective communicator with outstanding written, oral, and interpersonal skills, capable of influencing cross-functional teams in both traditional and agile environments. Self-motivated and results-driven, excelling in high-pressure environments, with a willingness to travel as needed to support project objectives.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Managing Principal – EPMO Consulting Practice
Yar Khan Consulting
11.2020 - 11.2023
- Customized delivery framework development for clients, integrating industry best practices with current processes.
- SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) implementation across Full, Portfolio, Large Solution, and Essential levels.
- Agile coaching and training in Scrum, Kanban, FDD, TDD, Paired Programming, and Dependency Management.
- Establishment of Communities of Practice (CoPs) and PMO governance, aligning with digital modernization practices.
- Process improvement through continuous improvement practices and tools.
- Portfolio, program, and project management including prioritization, ideation, budgeting, resource/capacity planning, risk assessment, and execution.
Sr. Project Manager – IT Services and Delivery
GRAINGER
11.2020 - 11.2023
- Managed and delivered multiple infrastructure projects, including Frontline Worker Kiosk (Inbound/Outbound), Avaya Decommission, Oracle 19c upgrade, Exadata X8 upgrade, IE Decommissioning, Rhel 6 Upgrade, and SAP Support Packs upgrade.
- Successfully executed responsibilities for each project, including kickoff, stakeholder alignments, resource planning and coordination, developed project playbooks and delivery plans, provided status updates to leadership and stakeholders, and managed escalations as needed.
- Led Agile transformations across Solution Delivery and Operations and formalized DevOps adoptions.
- Established Community of Practice (CoP) to standardize agile/DevOps adoption and best practices.
- Coached Senior Leadership and management on Process Improvement practices, redesigning work intake processes for all CoP member teams.
- Managed the adoption of Dora4 metrics across Solution Delivery and Operations teams.
- Mentored new team members on project execution responsibilities and managing complex technology projects with multiple dependencies.
- Created process improvement playbooks for use by all IT Services and Delivery Team members during team onboarding.
- Introduced dependency mapping to align dependencies across multiple projects and teams within BS&O.
Transformation Consultant – Infrastructure and Operations
GRAINGER
01.2020 - 11.2020
- Spearheaded process transformation initiatives for Platform Services and Orchestration teams.
- Provided coaching to team members and management on Agile and DevOps practices, conducting process improvement workshops.
- Conducted successful training sessions on process improvement and project management using Jira/ServiceNow and Confluence.
- Introduced performance metrics to Senior Leadership to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
- Restructured platform team organization to align with Scrum/Kanban frameworks.
- Coached both junior and senior engineers on structured work breakdowns, aligning daily tasks with team delivery plans for both BAU and projects.
- Facilitated team meetings and coached collaborative work methods with Senior Portfolio Managers, integrating project delivery and BAU tasks.
- Implemented capacity planning for all managers to enhance readiness for delivery expectations.
Project Manager/Lead – Ops Risk and Controls
DISCOVER FINANCIAL SERVICES
11.2016 - 11.2019
- Lead the organization through SAFe implementation, scaling SAFe to over 35 teams (Launched several ART’s)
- Defined project scope/objectives, and modeled business processes as well as work flow
- Conducted Control Design Reviews (CDR) across all critical and high rated processes within the Credit and Decision management business using lean tools such as SIPOC to identify key failure points and align with Ops risk and control framework.
- Coached executives on Project Management practices and workflows for roadmap planning
- Formulated and defined system scope and objectives based on both user needs and understanding of information technology, business processes, and industry requirements
- Facilitated all Agile ceremonies including stand up meeting, sprint planning and tracking project progress using various agile techniques
- Launched first Pilot Project for building a new Loan origin system for the Home Equity product utilizing multiple infrastructure, security and development teams
- Responsible for training and coaching programs for teams to facilitate change management and agile adoption
- Facilitated and participated in multiple dependency mapping and portfolio planning events
- Provided cost breakdowns for various teams while conducting capacity planning
- Facilitated sizing of deliverables, implemented use of burndown charts, and managed backlog
- Facilitated Daily stand up meetings and removed impediments for team members
- Conducted Project kickoff/status updates and roadmap planning workshops to implement best practice
Sr. Scrum Master
ADVOCATE HEALTH CARE
09.2015 - 05.2016
- Functioned as Scrum Master, collaborating with the team to provide accurate estimates for product backlog items, resolving impediments, and ensuring timely sprint completion.
- Facilitated Sprint planning, Sprint retrospective, Sprint review, and Sprint demo sessions for stakeholders.
- Empowered teams to self-organize and make decisions during sprint planning, ensuring commitments align with Scrum principles.
- Cultivated an interactive environment where team members suggest ideas and collectively solve problems.
- Shielded the team from external distractions, removed impediments, and fostered a cohesive team delivery approach.
- Coached team members and conducted training on agile processes and frameworks.
- Engaged actively in the Agile/Scrum Community to enhance agile practices within the organization.
- Tracked metrics such as Sprint burndown, Velocity, Release burndown, and other indicators to gauge overall team progress.
- Collaborated closely with the Product Owner to understand business priorities for upcoming sprints, influencing outcomes beyond immediate responsibilities.
Sr. Business Analyst/Scrum Master
LUXOTTICA
08.2012 - 09.2015
- Led requirements gathering, product/team management, and Scrum process training.
- Developed and monitored resource plans, contingency plans, project charters, and project statuses, proposing process flow improvements for big data.
- Organized client meetings to devise project management strategies and mitigate risks associated with deploying subsequent releases and builds into production.
- Conducted successful JAD (Joint Application Development) and JAR (Joint Application Requirements) sessions to advance SDLC development phases, providing ongoing support for inquiries.
- Oversaw sprint planning, sprint demos, and sprint retrospectives.
- Spearheaded the creation and implementation of key IT strategic initiatives, including company guidelines, domestic and international network enhancements, legacy technology retirement, and master contract negotiations with external vendors.
- Collaborated with executive sponsors and business stakeholders to identify issues and drive process enhancements, engaging vendors to implement commercially available products.
Business Analyst
HYATT INTERNATIONAL
01.2009 - 04.2011
- Gathered and documented comprehensive business requirements and process flows, adhering to established templates. This included specifying assumptions, constraints, scope, features, data flow diagrams, and screen mock-ups.
- Supported backend system implementations by integrating audit systems and billing accounts.
- Conducted audits of business requirements based on operational manager guidance and customer feedback.
- Enhanced the automated telephone answering process through a dedicated project for the Park Hyatt brand.
Education
Master of Science - Corporate Finance
University of Aberdeen
Bachelor of Arts - Hospitality Business
Kendall College
Chicago, ILSkills
- Agile Coaching
- DevOps Coaching
- Agile Budgeting
- Business Requirements
- Confluence
- Jira
- MS Office
- Process Documentation
- Project Management
- Risk Management
- SDLC
- Service Now
- Test Plans
- ZenDesk
- Use Cases/BRD/Project Charter
- Client Relationship Management
- Business Relationship Management
- Process Implementation
- Financial Reporting
- Internal Controls and Reporting Systems
- Budget Forecasting
- CRM Tracking
Accomplishments
- Certified SAFe® 5 Program Consultant (SPC 5), Scaled Agile
- Certified Devops Coach, Lean Agile Institute
- Scrum Master Accredited Certification, International Scrum Institute
Certification
- Certified SAFe 5 Program Consultant (SPC 5), Scaled Agile
- Certified Devops Coach, Lean Agile Institute
- Scrum Master Accredited Certification, International Scrum Institute
Timeline
Managing Principal – EPMO Consulting Practice
Yar Khan Consulting
11.2020 - 11.2023
Sr. Project Manager – IT Services and Delivery
GRAINGER
11.2020 - 11.2023
Transformation Consultant – Infrastructure and Operations
GRAINGER
01.2020 - 11.2020
Project Manager/Lead – Ops Risk and Controls
DISCOVER FINANCIAL SERVICES
11.2016 - 11.2019
Sr. Scrum Master
ADVOCATE HEALTH CARE
09.2015 - 05.2016
Sr. Business Analyst/Scrum Master
LUXOTTICA
08.2012 - 09.2015
Business Analyst
HYATT INTERNATIONAL
01.2009 - 04.2011
Master of Science - Corporate Finance
University of Aberdeen
Bachelor of Arts - Hospitality Business
Kendall College
- Certified SAFe 5 Program Consultant (SPC 5), Scaled Agile
- Certified Devops Coach, Lean Agile Institute
- Scrum Master Accredited Certification, International Scrum Institute
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