The SAFe Framework has become one of the go to framework for implementing agile practices at large organizations. As organisations increasingly adopt SAFe Framework to streamline their processes and improve efficiency, the demand for certified SAFe Practice Consultants (SPCs) is rapidly increasing. These certified professionals play an important role in guiding organizations through their agile transformation, helping them achieve better outcomes and foster a culture of continuous improvement. In this blog, let's explore the career opportunities for certified SPCs, value of SPC certification, roles and responsibilities of Certified SPCs.
Who is a SAFe® Practice Consultant?
A SAFe Practice Consultant acts as the change agent trained to implement SAFe practices and lead across the organization. These certified professionals play a crucial role in improving the Lean-Agile transformations, train Agile teams, and drive continuous improvement. They are also responsible for implementing SAFe practices, ensuring alignment, collaboration, and value delivery at scale. Their expertise empowers organisations to thrive in a dynamic, competitive landscape.
Why is the SPC Certification Valuable?
As the demand for SPCs is growing businesses across organisations recognize the importance of enterprise agility. Here are some of the key factors why is the spc certification valuable:
- In-Demand Expertise: As many organizations are seeking certified SPCs to lead their Agile transformations and align with business goals within the Lean-Agile practices.
- Leadership Role: certified SPCs not only acts as coaches, but also acts as leaders who influence organizational strategy and execution.
- Global Recognition: The SPC certification from Scaled Agile, Inc. is globally recognized, offering professionals opportunities to work with leading organisations worldwide.
- Career Advancement: These certified professionals can work in various roles, including consultants, Agile coaches, transformation leaders, and portfolio managers.
Also, check:Certified SAFe Practice Consultant Salary
Career Opportunities for Certified SPCs
These certified professionals play a pivotal role in driving agile transformation across organizations. Their deep understanding of SAFe principles allows them to guide and assist with large-scale agile projects. As an SPC, you can take on various roles such as:
1. Agile Transformation Lead
An Agile Transformation lead, mainly responsible for organisational change to adopt agile practices, collaboration, innovation, and efficiency. They are also responsible for Agile frameworks, coach teams, and align leadership with transformation goals to ensure successful implementation.
Salary & Growth potential
As growing demand for Agile practices across organisations, this role offers significant growth potential, especially in tech, finance, and consulting sectors. The annual pay of these certified professionals is as follow:
Country | Annual Pay for the Change Agents |
India | ₹22.1 lakhs to ₹42.2 lakhs |
USA | $107,647 to $207,102 |
Canada | $87,750 to $124,430 |
United Kingdom | £45,000 to £62,500 |
Australia | $160,000 to $200,000 |
Note: The annual pay of the role varies based on the experience they have, industry they choose, and location.
2. Change Agent
Change Agent acts as a leader for driving organizational transformation by implementing strategies that improve processes, culture, and efficiency. They collaborate with various teams to manage changes, employee adoption, and align changes with business goals.
Salary & Growth potential
As the demand for Change Agent is high, due to increasing need for agility and innovation in rapidly evolving business landscapes. The annual pay of these role is as follows:
Country | Annual Pay for the Change Agents |
India | ₹17.0lakhs to ₹50.0lakhs |
USA | $48,000 to $80,000 |
Canada | $85,000 to $145,658 |
United Kingdom | £32,501 to £77,500 |
Australia | $108,750 to $150,050 |
Note: The annual pay of the role varies based on the experience they have, industry they choose, and location.
3. Agile Coach
Certified SPCs are ideal candidates for Agile coaches, as they guide teams and lead through Agile practices. They mainly focus on building Agile capabilities and Lean Agile principles at all the organization's levels.
Salary & Growth potential
The role of Agile Coach offers significant growth opportunities in consulting and leadership. The annual salary of these professionals is as follows:
Country | Annual pay of Agile Coach |
India | ₹23,90,500 to ₹28,00,000 |
USA | $130,062 to $152,000 |
Canada | $137,018 to $191,370 |
United Kingdom | £50,000 to £80,000 |
Australia | $149,588 to $185,000 |
Note: The annual pay of the role varies based on the experience they have, industry they choose, and location.
4. Program Manager
The role of Program Manger is to make sure that they are aligned with organizational goals. They are mainly responsible for managing timelines, resources, budgets, and risks.
Salary & Growth potential
Growth of the Program Manager is strong, as their demand is increasing day by day due to the need for skilled leaders to manage complex programs, particularly in tech and healthcare industries. The annual salary of the Program manager is as follows:
Country | Annual pay of Program Manager |
India | ₹14 to ₹35 lakhs |
USA | $107,460 to $127,517 |
Canada | $88,292 to $134,255 |
United Kingdom | £43,000 to £72,000 |
Australia | $115,000 to $178,750 |
Note: The annual pay of the role varies based on the experience they have, industry they choose, and location.
5. Portfolio Manager
A Portfolio Manager is responsible for managing the collections of projects that are aligned with the business goals and strategies. They make sure that there is a balance between risk, return, and strategic objectives.
Salary & Growth potential
The growth of the Portfolio manager is in sectors like finance, technology, and healthcare. The annual salary of the portfolio manager is:
Country | Annual pay of Portfolio Manager |
India | ₹20.9 lakhs to ₹98.4 lakhs |
USA | $107,460 to $123,499 |
Canada | $75,000 to $154,946 |
United Kingdom | £62,152 to £72,500 |
Australia | $115,000 to $178,750 |
Note: The annual pay of the role varies based on the experience they have, industry they choose, and location.
6. Process Improvement Specialist
The role of Process Improvement Specialist, mainly focuses on identifying, analyzing, and improving business processes to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and increase productivity. They work for cross-functional teams to implement strategies for continuous improvement.
Salary & Growth potential
Growth of Process Improvement Specialists is high because of increasing emphasis on operational efficiency across organizations. The annual salary of these professionals is as follows:
Country | Annual pay of Process Improvement Specialist |
India | ₹18 lakhs to ₹52 lakhs |
USA | $72,000 to $129,500 |
Canada | $78,660 to $136,838 |
United Kingdom | £35,000 to £65,000 |
Australia | $105,000 and $125,000 |
Note: The annual pay of the role varies based on the experience they have, industry they choose, and location.
Hiring Companies for Certified SPCs
The following are the companies that often seek Certified SPCs for roles focused on implementing SAFe frameworks and driving Agile transformations.
Country | Hiring Companies |
India | TCS, Wipro, Cognizant, Infosys, Accenture, Capgemini, HCL Technologies, Tech Mahindra, Mindtree, etc |
USA | IBM, Deloitte, EY, Accenture, Capgemini, PwC, Cognizant, Oracle, Cisco, JPMorgan Chase, etc |
Canada | Telus, RBC, Scotiabank, Deloitte, PwC, Accenture, Shopify, CGI Group, OpenText, BMO Financial Group, etc |
United Kingdom | Barclays, Lloyds Banking Group, Accenture, Capgemini, Deloitte, PwC, Aviva, BT Group, Rolls-Royce, etc |
Australia | Commonwealth Bank, Telstra, Deloitte, Accenture, PwC, ANZ, Optus, Macquarie Group, Atlassian, etc |
How to Start Your Journey as an SPC?
To become a Certified SPC, one must enroll with SAFe Practice Consultant training and pass the certification exam. Here is the roadmap to become a certified SPC:
- Understand SAFe Fundamentals: Gain the foundational knowledge of SAFe with foundational certifications like Leading SAFe, or SAFe Scrum Master.
- Enroll in the SPC Course: The duration of SPC certification course is 4 days which mainly focus on implementing SAFe and training teams.
- Pass the SPC Exam: Exhibit your expertise in the exam and obtain your certification.
- Build Experience: Apply your skills by leading SAFe implementations and training teams.
Conclusion
Certified SPCs play a key role in promoting agility within the organization. With their expertise, organizations speed up their market delivery, boost customer satisfaction, and improve teamwork. For individuals, obtaining the SPC certification opens up many career paths, including coaching, consulting, and leadership positions.
Enrolling with Simpliaxis SPC Certification Course, which helps you reach your potential, meet your certification goals, and start a rewarding career as a SAFe Practice Consultant. Step into the future of agility with Simpliaxis, your path to a thriving career in SAFe!