VENKAJI DHERAM, Safe Scrum Master & Agilist, PSM
Chesterfield, NJ 08515 • 609-***-**** • ********@*****.*** • LinkedIn: Venkaji-Dheram Exceptional record of achievement managing complex, enterprise-level technology programs and projects for Fortune 500 organizations. Consistent history of delivering innovative solutions to drive growth, enable new capabilities, enhance user experience (UX), and maximize efficiency while simultaneously controlling costs. Scrum/Agile specialists with proven expertise directing the development of cloud-based applications, financial and eCommerce tools, IT roadmaps and strategic plans, digital solutions and platforms, and commercial websites. Highly adept at building, training, and leading top-performing teams, including offshore resources. Experienced at establishing and managing project management offices (PMOs). PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
FIRST CITIZENS BANK, Raleigh, NC 2023 - Current
Technical Program Manager / SAFe Scrum Master
Key Accomplishments:
● Managed a team of 30+ technical members across cross functional teams and execution of 10+ IT projects with over 90% meeting defined scope and timelines resulted in savings of more than $10M in annual licensing and BI platform maintenance cost.
● Implemented Agile methodologies and improved project deliverability by over 40% within a span of one year.
● Partnered with multiple stakeholders from business & operations leadership team and data scientists/analysts to build more effective & efficient usage of BI Platform from operations and execution aspect, resulting in saving of more than 100 hours of work each week.
● Orchestrated scope definition, architecture, security, and infrastructure reviews obtaining Permit to Build; leading the multi- disciplinary teams thru Permit to Operate hosting the Microsoft Fabric (One lake, Azure Data Factory and PowerBI Cloud Platform).
● Led the initiation, planning and execution of DCM related infrastructure projects including discovery, architecture, design, build, migration and decommission activities for multiple BI and Data Analytics platforms (PowerBI, SAP Business Objects, Tableau. OBIEE, Alteryx and QlikView).
● Responsible for managing a data center relocation project from end to end including migrating the entire Infrastructure, Applications, Servers, and User accounts.
PUBLICIS SAPIENT CONSULTING, New York, NY 2013 - 2023 Technical Program Manager / SAFe Scrum Master / Agile Scrum Master Specializing in IT Operations, IT Strategy, Technology Development, Cloud Solutions, and Enterprise Deployments, Technical Program Manager – Project Manager
Key Skills:
Technical Program Management - Program Management – Project Management – Strategic Planning & Problem Solving – Agile / Scrum Methodologies – Cloud Services Budget Management – Quality Assurance – Application Development – Customer Engagement Process Improvement – Innovation – Relationship Management – IT Operations – Key Performance Indicators Development and Implementation – Web Development – Cross Functional Team Management Managed complex business intelligence and data analytics programs/projects for First Citizens bank M&A with CIT and Silicon Valley Banks. Involved in driving project delivery from inception to production release including scope definition, goals, requirements, development, user testing and release phases. Managed multiple projects simultaneously; provided high level executive reports and detailed updates on a continuous basis for all projects. Coordinated with internal resources and vendors
(offshore & onshore) for flawless execution of projects. Plan and direct complex, enterprise-level development, design, implementation, and improvement initiatives for large corporations and government entities such as Everest Reinsurance, Morgan Stanley, ManuLife/John Hancock, FirstNet (under Commerce dept), Fed Philly, bareMinerals and UHC/Optum. Manage IT operations, web development, application support, help desk, and customer feedback programs for clients. Serve as an Agile Coach and facilitator for Scrum teams. Coach and mentor project managers. Oversee multiple projects simultaneously. Administer project budgets up to $10M. Provide reports for senior stakeholders. Supervise up to 20+ developers, QA specialists, architects, and creative design professionals per project. VENKAJI DHERAM, SAFe Scrum Master, SAFe Agilist, PSM Page 2 Key Accomplishments:
● Spearheaded the Implementation of Data Lake design and implementation projects for Reinsurance and Insurance business in Microsoft Azure (Azure Data Lake Analytics, Azure Data Lake Storage, ADF & Data Enrichment and Data Integrations) leading to more than 20% increase in development speed and productivity.
● Built KPIs around inefficiency and transparency of product development process allowing for identification and improvement of inefficiencies leading to an increase in time to deliver new features by an average of over 20%.
● Reduced cost for Everest and John Hancock by modifying the existing tech implementation schedule.
• Formed and managed DevOps & Release Management teams; brought down Engineering Team release cycle from less-than-monthly to biweekly production releases.
● Reduced trade order entry time 300% for Morgan Stanley by taking over and turning around a faltering trade origination system development project and delivering the final product in less than 1 year.
● Enhanced business operations for multiple clients by guiding the development/customization/deployment of Azure, AWS, and Salesforce cloud-based platforms.
● Led a high-profile project to produce 6 open and secure websites for the US Department of Commerce and to produce the next generation of critical communication capabilities for the nation’s public safety entities. Held responsibility for system configuration, hardware upgrades, security, monthly releases, testing, mobile configuration, and more.
● Directed the complete redesign and relaunch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s public-facing website and created a best-in-class digital presence for the bank.
● Remove impediments and coach the team to remove impediments. Build and maintain a high performing team by improving team dynamics and coaching the team in self-management.
● Support the Product Owner & Product Manager in managing the backlog and foster a healthy team dynamic with respect to priorities and scope. Facilitate discussion, decision making, and conflict resolution.
● Improved efficiency and quality by conducting Agile and Scrum training and coaching for internal teams. BANK OF AMERICA MERRILL LYNCH, Lawrenceville, NJ 2010 – 2013 Vice President & Program Manager
Key Accomplishments:
● Enabled $3M in annual revenue while improving platform security and efficiency for clients.
● Partnered with portfolio managers on product specifications and to establish tracking mechanisms and align the portfolio roadmap with program planning to maximize resource allocations and profitability.
● Led the technology aspects of 2 major partner integrations involving multiple systems. WIPRO TECHNOLOGIES, Buffalo/New York, NY 2003 - 2010 Senior IT Project Manager
Key Accomplishments:
● Directed several merger and integration projects that prevented regulatory penalties by ensuring compliance with government regulations relating to financial marketing and treasury systems.
● Dramatically improved efficiency and quality by establishing standard project management processes based on RUP and Agile methodologies.
● Streamlined workflows and increased productivity by instituting a Project Management Office (PMO) with standardized reporting, proposal processes, and pipeline management. CAREER NOTES: Previously held the positions of Senior Consultant, Technical Lead, and Programmer Analyst with CAI INC./COMSYS. Prepared and conducted large system conversion projects. Maintained credit card processing systems. Tuned banking applications. Clients included BankOne and Capital One. Managed the development and deployment of a $10M integration platform that enabled access to US trading, ETF, mutual fund, and other investment product markets for international clients. Oversaw and executed complex technology projects for clients such as Key Bank and Bank of NY Mellon. Supervised project teams, including offshore resources. Managed 24x7 support for a customer-facing credit process application. Developed policies and procedures to enhance performance and quality. Prepared project schedules, conducted risk evaluations, and identified and resolved issues. Conducted training for project managers and technical resources. Prepared project estimates. VENKAJI DHERAM, SAFe Scrum Master, SAFe Agilist, PSM Page 3 CERTIFICATIONS
Agile Scrum Master
SAFe 5 Agilist
Safe 5 Scrum Master
Scrum PSM
TRAINING
Azure and AWS Infrastructure Management
Drupal Content Management
Agile Methodologies
Digital Business Transformation
TECHNICAL SKILLS
MS Office 365, MS Project, JIRA, Confluence, AWS, Azure, Oracle ERP, Drupal, Clarity, BI Platform and Tools EDUCATION
Master of Technology in Engineering, Indore University, India Bachelors in engineering, Nagpur University, India