Karthik Balakumaran
Agile Project Delivery Manager | Portfolio and Program Manager | Release Train Engineer
Summary
Highly skilled and accomplished Delivery Manager with demonstrated expertise in successfully managing projects using both waterfall and agile methodologies. Proficient in overseeing large accounts, fostering strong customer relationships, and driving business expansion. Experienced in leading teams, resolving conflicts, and effectively managing risks.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Agile Delivery Manager
Apexon
01.2023 - Current
- Led end-to-end delivery of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) projects using Agile methodologies
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to define project scope, prioritize tasks, and ensure timely delivery
- Facilitated sprint planning, backlog grooming, and daily stand-ups
- Worked closely with stakeholders to understand business requirements and design RPA solutions
- Developed automation workflows using tools such as UiPath, and Automation Anywhere
- Ensured seamless deployment and implementation of RPA components
- Coordinated communication across multiple departments, including senior management, product owners, and development teams
- Addressed concerns, resolved conflicts, and maintained strong relationships with key stakeholders
- Proactively identified areas for process optimization and efficiency gains
- Conducted rigorous testing to ensure the quality and reliability of RPA solutions
- Managed a high-performing team, fostering collaboration and a positive work environment
- Supported team members’ growth and development
- Oversaw project budgets, resource allocation, and cost control
- Ensured alignment with organizational goals and financial constraints.
IT Program manager
Universal Technology Solutions
12.2021 - 12.2022
- Led and orchestrated strategic initiatives within the organization, managing multiple projects related to the same business objective
- Coordinated multiple related projects within the program, ensuring alignment with the overall strategy
- Supervised a team of project managers, providing guidance, coaching, and fostering collaboration
- Managed budgets, wrote funding proposals, and allocated company resources to optimize project outcomes
- Proactively identified and mitigated risks, developing contingency plans to keep projects on track
- Communicated effectively with key stakeholders, providing regular updates on project progress, roadblocks, and achievements
- Oversaw interdependencies between projects, ensuring seamless coordination and alignment
- Tracked key performance indicators (KPIs) such as velocity, burn-down charts, and cycle time to enhance project predictability.
Project Manager/Scrum master
Hexaware
04.2019 - 11.2021
- Spearheaded the adoption of SAFe Agile methodologies across cross-functional teams
- Collaborated with stakeholders to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables
- Facilitated daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives as Scrum Master
- Ensured adherence to Agile principles, removed impediments, and promoted continuous improvement
- Coached team members on Agile practices to foster self-organization, collaboration, and accountability
- Strategically allocated resources to optimize team performance by balancing workload and skill sets
- Identified and mitigated project risks to ensure timely delivery and quality outcomes
- Effectively communicated project progress, roadblocks, and achievements to senior management and stakeholders
- Tracked key performance indicators (KPIs) such as velocity, burn-down charts, and cycle time to enhance project predictability.
Project Manager
Transunion
06.2018 - 12.2018
- Guiding Agile Practices: As a Scrum Master, I’ve been instrumental in ensuring our project teams successfully implement Scrum principles
- I facilitate daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives
- My role is akin to a “servant leader,” supporting team members and resolving any impediments they face
- Effective Communication: I foster good communication and teamwork within the team, emphasizing collaboration and self-organization
- Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating risks is crucial
- I proactively address issues that hinder team members’ capacity to work efficiently
- Scrum Methodology: Scrum, characterized by short daily meetings (daily stand-ups) and iterative work cycles (sprints), is our chosen methodology
- It keeps us agile and adaptable
- Strategic Planning: As a Project Manager, I organize cross-functional teams to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and aligned with goals
- I define project scope, goals, and deliverables
- Effective Stakeholder Communication: I maintain consistent communication with stakeholders, keeping them informed about project progress and addressing their concerns
- Resource Allocation: Managing budgets, schedules, and resources is central to my role
- I optimize resource utilization for project success
- Risk Mitigation: I proactively manage risks, develop contingency plans, and ensure smooth project execution.
Senior Consultant
Capgemini
06.2016 - 06.2018
- Guiding Agile Practices: As a Scrum Master, I’ve been instrumental in ensuring our project teams successfully implement Scrum principles
- I facilitate daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives
- My role is akin to a “servant leader,” supporting team members and resolving any impediments they face
- Effective Communication: I foster good communication and teamwork within the team, emphasizing collaboration and self-organization
- Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating risks is crucial
- I proactively address issues that hinder team members’ capacity to work efficiently
- Scrum Methodology: Scrum, characterized by short daily meetings (daily stand-ups) and iterative work cycles (sprints), is our chosen methodology
- It keeps us agile and adaptable
- Strategic Planning: As a Project Manager, I organize cross-functional teams to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and aligned with goals
- I define project scope, goals, and deliverables
- Effective Stakeholder Communication: I maintain consistent communication with stakeholders, keeping them informed about project progress and addressing their concerns
- Resource Allocation: Managing budgets, schedules, and resources is central to my role
- I optimize resource utilization for project success
- Risk Mitigation: I proactively manage risks, develop contingency plans, and ensure smooth project execution.
Lead Consultant
USTechSolution
11.2015 - 05.2016
Lead Consultant
Hayagreeva Consulting
12.2007 - 11.2015
software Engineer
Embera Technologies
07.2006 - 09.2007
Education
Computer Science and Engineering -
Anna University
06.2002 - 04.2005
High School Diploma -
DOTE
04.2001 -
High School Diploma -
STATE BOARD
04.2001 -
Skills
Scrum
Safe 50
PMI Gen AI
PMI-ACP
RISK Management
Conflict Management
Delivery Management
Managed large teams, fostering collaboration and achieving project goals
Led bid processes, crafting winning proposals for new business opportunities
Timeline
Agile Delivery Manager
Apexon
01.2023 - Current
IT Program manager
Universal Technology Solutions
12.2021 - 12.2022
Project Manager/Scrum master
Hexaware
04.2019 - 11.2021
Project Manager
Transunion
06.2018 - 12.2018
Senior Consultant
Capgemini
06.2016 - 06.2018
Lead Consultant
USTechSolution
11.2015 - 05.2016
Lead Consultant
Hayagreeva Consulting
12.2007 - 11.2015
software Engineer
Embera Technologies
07.2006 - 09.2007
Computer Science and Engineering -
Anna University
06.2002 - 04.2005
High School Diploma -
DOTE
04.2001 -
High School Diploma -
STATE BOARD
04.2001 -