Understanding Roles in SAFe

The SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) has become the one of the go to framework for the organization who implement Agile practices  across multiple teams. SAFe is the key to success for various roles such as collaboration, ensures alignment, and delivery values at every level of the framework. The roles are divided across the team, portfolios, and programs. Each role is designed to optimize the workflow of Lean-Agile principles.

In this blog, let us explore the roles and responsibilities of SAFe certified professionals in the different levels and how they drive success to the organisation's growth. 

Various Levels & Roles in SAFe

1. Team Level Roles

At the team level, roles mainly focus on delivering high quality work in a collaborative and iterative manner. 

Scrum Master 

The Scrum Master, also acts as the coach for the Agile team and the servant leader. The key responsibilities of this role are:

• Removing distractions for the team's progress. 
• Promoting Agile practices and continuous improvement.
• Promoting scrum ceremonies like daily stand-ups, and sprint planning.

Product Owner (PO)

The product owners are the voices of the customers and ensure that team delivery values on time. The primary responsibilities of this role are:

• Collaborating with stakeholders for the business needs.
• Managing and prioritizing the team backlog.
• Defining user stories with clear acceptance criteria.

Agile Team Members

They are also known as the cross-functional team members responsible for delivery values. Testers, UX designers, Developers, and other specialists act as the Agile team members. The major responsibilities of this role include:

• Collaborating with the team to deliver high-quality solutions.
• Participating in continuous integration, testing, and deployment.
• Committing to sprint goals.

2. Program Level Roles

At the program level, roles mainly focus on coordinating with multiple agile teams, to work together as a part of Agile Release Train (ART).

Release Train Engineer (RTE)

The RTEs are often known as Chief Scrum Master for the Agile Release Train (ART). These roles are mainly responsible for: 

• Facilitating Program Increment (PI) Planning and ART events.
• Tracking program-level progress and dependencies.
• Encouraging collaboration across teams.

Know more about Release Train Engineers.

Product Manager

They are responsible for defining and prioritizing the product backlog. Product managers responsibilities also include: 

• Collaborating with Product Owners and stakeholders to ensure value delivery.
• Aligning with business objectives and customer needs
• Maintaining a clear vision of the product and its roadmap.

System Architect/Engineer

The role is mainly focused on technical vision and architecture of the system. The responsibilities includes:

• Defining the system’s technical boundaries.
• Ensuring compliance with architectural principles.
• Supporting teams in implementing technical solutions.

3. Portfolio Level Roles

In the Portfolio levels, roles mainly focus on aligning SAFe practices with strategic business objectives.

Lean Portfolio Management (LPM)

This role is performed by leaders responsible for managing the portfolio. The major responsibilities includes:

• Aligning portfolio initiatives with business strategies.
• Funding value streams based on strategic priorities.
• Measuring outcomes and ensuring value delivery.

Enterprise Architect 

The major duties of this role are ensuring portfolio-level technical decisions align with the organization’s overall architecture strategy. Their duties include:

• Providing guidance on technology investments.
• Defining architectural runway to support upcoming initiatives.
• Facilitating collaboration between technical stakeholders.

4. Leadership Roles

Leadership roles in SAFe make sure that organizations implement agile principles and support teams in delivering values.  

Business Owners

Business owners are key stakeholders responsible for the value delivered by the ART. The major responsibilities include:

• Participating in PI Planning and aligning teams with business goals.
• Providing feedback during system demos.
• Prioritizing objectives to maximize value.

Lean-Agile Leaders

These leaders support Lean - Agile practices across the organization. They play a vital role in

• Promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
• Empowering teams to make decisions.
• Ensuring alignment between strategy and execution.

Also, check:Which SAFe course is right for you?

Conclusion

Each role in the SAFe framework has different goals for delivering values  efficiently and effectively. From team level roles, to leadership and architect roles foster collaboration, adaptability and alignment. Moreover, they are responsible for scaling agile practices successfully to drive organizational growth in the fast growing landscape.
By understanding these roles, individuals and organizations can maximize the benefits of SAFe. If you want to enroll yourself with SAFe certification then choose Simpliaxis. Simpliaxis’s SAFe courses will help you in driving innovation and delivering exceptional results for organizations as well as individuals.