Hi, I’m
SARAH DEFAUX
IT Product & Senior Project Management + Agile Coach + Agile Scrum Master
Melbourne
Summary
Experienced IT Leader with 15+ Years in Product and Project Management As a seasoned Product and Project Management professional, I bring 15+ years of experience in integrating PMI, PRINCE2, Agile methodologies, and the SAFe framework to align delivery initiatives with strategic business objectives. My expertise spans all aspects of product lifecycle management, end-to-end project delivery, and fostering collaboration across cross-functional teams to achieve impactful business and customer outcomes.
Overview
27
years of professional experience
3
years of post-secondary education
7
Certifications
Work History
New Zealand Sorted
Platform & Product Manager
Current
Job overview
- Overseeing the redesign, development delivery and launch of a new tourism platform using AI tools, API integration with 3 booking platforms, Data, eCommerce and go to market strategy
DIA - Department of Internal Affairs
Agile Scrum Master (SAFe) (D365)
09.2022 - 12.2023
Job overview
- Company Overview: Enterprise + Software Development
- In my dual role at the Department of Internal Affairs, I led the adoption of SAFe Scaled Agile methodologies, significantly enhancing project delivery and collaboration
- Agile Ceremonies Execution: Orchestrated key Agile ceremonies, ensuring adherence to Agile principles for effectiveness
- SAFe Scaled Agile Framework aligning departmental activities with strategic goals and promoting a Lean-Agile culture
- Continuous Improvement and Production Support: Directed stand-ups and incident swarms, maintaining high service levels
- Release alignment with other teams for Passports and Renewals, coordinating with teams to manage software release risks and portal merges, aligning with Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) and D365
- Process Optimization and SME Collaboration: Worked with experts to refine processes and enhance operational dashboards
- Quality Assurance and Risk Management: Ensured compliance with key Agile practices, enhancing project quality and efficiency
- Inter-Team Coordination: Managed dependencies and resolved contentions with Phase 2 delivery teams, ensuring timely project completion
- Enterprise + Software Development
SZLI
Programme, Project Delivery, Agile Delivery Lead + Agile Coach + Scrum Master (Contract Work)
01.2019 - 09.2022
Job overview
- MBIE - Agile Coach/Scrum Master - Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment Business Connect Programme (government) Pega Enterprise Platform, Data and API integration
- ACC - Agile Capability Lead
- Transforming ACC to align with new ways of working SAFe (Accident Compensation Corporation
- 2 Degrees - Agile Delivery Lead - Coaching and transforming the product delivery model for Mobile Apps (Data Clock + 2D) and delivery of mobile app and website projects
- Established Ways of Working with Online Streams
- (Broadband, Data, Mobile)
- Watercare - Agile Delivery Lead - Security Upgrade Project Delivery + Agile Coach + Product Management + Digital
- Product Management - Supporting Small Business with Digital Change & Transformation
- Thrillzone - Product Management (Delivering 300% increase in sales)
- 2 Degrees - Agile Coach + Delivery Lead
- Medora - GP/Specialist Platform - Product + Project Management
Intouch Technology Group, Inc.
GM Southern Region
03.2018 - 12.2018
Job overview
- Company Overview: Global ERP + Ecommerce, BI, Software Product Delivery
- Redesigned the product and technical roadmap achieving annual sales targets in the first business quarter
- ERP Program Rollout: Delivered an ERP program rollout for a client with 9 million users in the U.S., including resetting software commercial agreements, modifying the Master Services Agreement, and establishing a Professional Services contract to optimize the relationship for new business growth
- Board Alignment: Facilitated board meetings to align members on strategic goals, focus areas, and global region targeting
- Performance Metrics and Training: Implemented Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and provided product management training, including roadmap development and customer Net Promoter Score (NPS) initiatives
- Public Speaking: Served as a keynote speaker at trade shows and U.S
- Conferences
- Product Delivery Management: Managed product delivery across multiple regions, including New Zealand, Australia, the U.S., Canada, Japan, and Singapore
- Software Licensing and Enterprise Offering: Restructured software licensing agreements and established an enterprise offering to transition customers to an improved product version, reducing customer support costs and enabling the achievement of yearly targets in the first business quarter
- Scalable Delivery Model: Collaborated with teams and clients to establish a scalable delivery model suitable for both traditional and Agile methodologies
- Leadership Decision: Declined a CEO position to focus on product management and project delivery, subsequently returning to contracting
- Global ERP + Ecommerce, BI, Software Product Delivery
- 26+ staff – 10 Direct Reports
- Campaign Management
- ECommerce - POS & Applications (ERP)
- Mobile Applications - GO apps
- Business Insights (BI Dashboard with real-time data reporting and simulation)
- Recruit & Train Staff
- JBA Immersive, interactive learning and assessment games (incubations) Markets; US, Canada, Japan, Australia, NZ and Singapore
Air New Zealand
Senior Project Manager + Digital Enterprise (Office 365)
03.2016 - 07.2017
Job overview
- Digital Transformation
- Establishment of the Digital Enterprise Squad Agile (Scrum/Kanban) across teams and vendors to resolve a backlog of pain points users experience with Digital Enterprise products, apps and services including Office365
- Product Design & Delivery NPS app for internal apps, products and services across Air New Zealand
- Change Management Cloud Migration, Office 365 and Windows 10
Plexure
Director + Product Delivery (VMob)
06.2015 - 03.2016
Job overview
- Company Overview: Global Software
- As a Director of Product Delivery at VMob (Plexure), I led high-profile projects for clients such as McDonald's, 7-Eleven, and Anheuser-Busch InBev
- I designed and implemented a comprehensive delivery framework encompassing Discovery, Elaboration, Delivery, and Transition to Operations phases, ensuring seamless integration with internal and external teams
- By coaching teams in Agile Scrum methodologies and aligning Agile delivery with PMI and PRINCE2 standards, I facilitated effective collaboration across global teams, customers, and vendors
- 500% growth for McDonalds Breakfast Sales - Japan
- Designed product with developer to serve promotional content for Budweiser during the Super Bowl
- Global Software
Suncorp Group
Agile Iteration Manager (Vero Insurance) + Short-term Contract
05.2015 - 06.2015
Job overview
- NextGen programme
NZME.
Product Manager + Project Manager (Viva.co.nz & GrabOne)
08.2014 - 03.2015
Job overview
- Product Management
- Viva.co.nz – New website build and market launch (including ShopViva.co.nz Ecommerce)
- Product Design (front/back end admin) + Delivery - www.viva.co.nz
- Project Management
- GrabOne 1.0 & 2.0 (Daily Deals Website) – BAU & New Platform (New Zealand/Ireland - Ecommerce)
- SugarCRM (ERP) – GrabOne 2.0 Integration (Merchant and Sales Pipeline - Product)
- E-mail & CRM (ERP) - provider change from Exact Target to Experian Australia (E-commerce/EDM)
Yellow
Project Manager + PMO Support + Contract (Agile Delivery)
06.2012 - 05.2014
Job overview
- PMO - Agile & Development Delivery Process Working with the team by example to deliver Sprint Iteration Management plan structure and overall delivery model
- Project Manager
- Yellow.co.nz Website Refresh + Mobile Apps - $70mil property
- We also worked with BI Data and US teams to deliver Google Analytics (GA) and Targa reporting
- CTN Call Tracking for businesses to track advertised numbers and the Murray SEM/SEO Google Adwords
Aotea, GiB, Makana Mobile, .99 Digital Agency
Contractor + Project Manager + Mobile Apps + Social
11.2011 - 06.2012
Job overview
- Aotea - Project Manager (Agile) - HiFX & Currency Mobile App
- This project involved the change from financial data being pushed to web and Android/iOS devices via the DFX An incredibly technical project that included a lot of moving parts and working with multiple stakeholders up to CIO level and located in New Zealand, Singapore and the UK
- GIB iOS Mobile App
- Vector Communications – Geographic, Quick Quote tool
- .99 - Project Manager/Producer - Farmers - Facebook and web product catalogues
- Shave for a Cure - Web & Mobile App
- Bakana Mobile/Ubi Mobile App Development & Project Manager/Producer Design and delivery of the following iOS & Android mobile apps; Speights Ale House, Paper Moon Mairangi Bay, Winnie Bagoes, Black Betty, Paw Justice, Patch Up
Orion Health
Senior Project Manager + Global Software - Health
02.2011 - 11.2011
Job overview
- Reconciliations Medication, a global health product, and Breast Screening projects – software application development for global customers
- The delivery process within Orion Health includes an overarching PMI/PMBOK framework underpinned by an Agile Scrum process for software development
IAG
Agile Scrum Master + Project Delivery
04.2010 - 09.2010
Job overview
- Projects Delivered;
- PCI Compliance (Credit Card Processing)
- AON RS (AON Quote Rating Service)
- GST (GST Rate Change over 15 systems including Datarich, Polisy etc)
- Intranet Rebuild with SharePoint 2010
- Web Hosting & Website rebuilds for NZI, State etc
- Sharepoint 2010
ICT Spaces
Project Manager + PMO Support
03.2009 - 04.2010
Job overview
- As an online digital consultant for ICT Spaces, I provided support for local businesses requiring digital media strategy and campaign management advice across web, mobile, gaming and interactive spaces
- I spoke at local events and wrote regular articles for business magazines educating and informing small business about user behaviour, community engagement and how to target customers across multiple channels
Christchurch City Council
Project Manager + PMO Support
08.2008 - 02.2009
Job overview
- Working with engineers, planners, environmental specialists, strategy team members, councillors, business owners and developers to deliver the Lanes Strategy and street renewal projects
- I managed a programme of works totalling 24 projects with teams up to 22 specialists and a total budget value of over $9 million to manage
Eaton
Senior Project Manager (Leave Cover Contract) + Product Management + Global Launch
08.2008 - 09.2008
Job overview
- As a contractor, I was fortunate to work with world class engineers to deliver Eaton’s flagship rectifiers to the US and Singapore markets
- This project work experienced its 5th gate review with an existing project manager who needed to take leave
- My brief was to stand in, manage these projects during his absence and engage with global development and procurement teams to ensure the rectifiers were delivered on time to ensure EATON met US sales targets
Meridian Energy
Senior Project Manager + Contract
02.2008 - 08.2008
Job overview
- Meridian Energy required an experienced project manager with ITIL training and Services Management to support their MITSM Configuration Management Database Project
Axon Computer Systems Ltd
PMO Manager + Senior Project Manager
07.2006 - 10.2007
Job overview
- Initial role included PMI project management
- Delivery success led to the promotion of PMO manager which involved mapping out the Axon PMO Framework which combined PMBOK and Prince Methodology with linkages into ITIL, CobIT and the Axon Centre of Excellence
- This included collaborating with Axon's leading Project Managers across 3 regions with travel between Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch
- Projects I managed during this time included;
- - EnviroWaste/Fulton Hogan network separation project
- - Pegasus Health Infrastructure Implementation and Upgrade
- - Asure Infrastructure Upgrade project consisting of server infrastructure which is based on SUN servers connected to a SAN supporting a full virtualisation environment, VMware ESX 3.0 with Vmotion install, migration of the Commvault infrastructure to the virtual environment, migration of the Citrix infrastructure, migration of the Trend Micro solution and Altiris install
Spark New Zealand
Online Design & Communications Manager
02.2004 - 06.2006
Job overview
- Online Design and Communications became known as ODC and we communicated with multiple stakeholders on design solutions for a diverse range of projects which I managed including;
- Xtra.co.nz Channel Re-design, - TG3 World & E-Learning tools - Mobile SIMS (interactive web-based flash simulators)
- Online games for Melbourne Commonwealth Games, Fifa World Cup, Rockstar INXS, NZ Idol, NZ Elections, King Kong, Academy Awards, Narnia and other entertainment event microsites
- This involved integration of third-party content from Disney, Fox Studios, EA Games, E!, Reuters, Juice, and Roadshow
- Success from developing the T3G World website resulted in driving the Next Generation Telecom portal which included ecommerce, research, viral marketing and product development channels
Walkers Interactive
Senior Project Manager - Digital
12.2003 - 02.2004
Job overview
- From design to end delivery of projects for the following clients;
- Fonterra – Intranet, EDS Fonterra Extranet Product Catalogue
- Philips Singapore
- NZRugby, Key019 Mobile and Mini Jukebox online interactive games (.asp, flash, XML)
- Treasures – SCA – NZ & AUS Portals
- Tourism Holdings Limited – Discover New Zealand Portal
- Peugeot - Portal
Straker Interactive
Project Manager - Digital
05.2003 - 12.2003
Job overview
- Client management and project management for the following clients and initiatives;
- Sky City
- Portal
- Golden Bay Cement – Logistics web tool
- Genesis Energy - Portal
- Cavalier Bremworth – Consumer & Business – Portal/Extranet
- Shift Design – 100% Pure NZ Portal
- Fulton Hogan – Corporate Website
- REINZ – Real Estate Institute of New Zealand - Auckland Regional Council Website - NZSA – Software New Zealand - Portal
- Leukaemia Organisation - Portal
Greenwood Technology Limited
Web Project Manager + Account Manager
09.2002 - 04.2003
Job overview
- Project Management & Account Management for the following clients and projects;
- NZ Online Application Service Provider Hosting
- Orca Website - Redesign & e-commerce
- ScheduleUs Website (Chicago)
- Scheduling software for website
- Oringi.com.au Website (Australia)
- Website redesign
- Lake Forest Open Lands Association Website– (Chicago)
- Skellerup - Intranet
Jam NZ Online Group
Project Manager + Account Manager + Online Consultant
02.1998 - 07.2002
Job overview
- Online strategy, web site design and e-commerce project management for the following projects and clients;
- Saatchi & Saatchi
- Telecom SE
- NZOnline Group Ltd
- Eagle Technology
- EziyBuy.com/EzyBuy.com.au (NZ & Australia) E-com
- Hollywoodmusic.com (US) Limp Bizkit concert streamed live handling 300,000 unique viewers
- Wilson & Horton (Auckland, NZ) Portal, E-zine, E-com
- VenueSearch.co.nz (Auckland, NZ) E-com, Hospitality
- Vetservice.co.nz (Auckland, NZ) - ZZInc/UniChem – Pharmaceutical/Health
Education
Auckland University of Technology
Bachelor of Business
08.2000 - 05.2003
University of Canterbury
Masters from Business Administration and Management
Skills
Jira, Confluence, Story Mapping tools, Azure DevOps, ERP, Pega
Technical knowledge and exposure to emerging technologies
Jira, Confluence, Story Mapping tools, Azure DevOps, ERP, Pega
Technical knowledge and exposure to emerging technologies
Comprehensive Project Lifecycle Management
Proficiency in Project Management Methodologies
Strategic Planning and Execution
Risk Management
Budgeting and Cost Control
Resource Allocation and Management
Stakeholder Engagement and Alignment
Vendor and Third-Party Management
Global Team Coordination
Delivery of Complex Technology Projects
Platform Implementation Expertise
Effective Communication and Negotiation
Continuous Improvement and Process Enhancement
Certification
Prince2 & PMI, 01/01/00 - 12/31/05
Timeline
Agile Scrum Master (SAFe) (D365)
DIA - Department of Internal Affairs
09.2022 - 12.2023
Programme, Project Delivery, Agile Delivery Lead + Agile Coach + Scrum Master (Contract Work)
SZLI
01.2019 - 09.2022
GM Southern Region
Intouch Technology Group, Inc.
03.2018 - 12.2018
Senior Project Manager + Digital Enterprise (Office 365)
Air New Zealand
03.2016 - 07.2017
Director + Product Delivery (VMob)
Plexure
06.2015 - 03.2016
Agile Iteration Manager (Vero Insurance) + Short-term Contract
Suncorp Group
05.2015 - 06.2015
Product Manager + Project Manager (Viva.co.nz & GrabOne)
NZME.
08.2014 - 03.2015
Project Manager + PMO Support + Contract (Agile Delivery)
Yellow
06.2012 - 05.2014
Contractor + Project Manager + Mobile Apps + Social
Aotea, GiB, Makana Mobile, .99 Digital Agency
11.2011 - 06.2012
Senior Project Manager + Global Software - Health
Orion Health
02.2011 - 11.2011
Agile Scrum Master + Project Delivery
IAG
04.2010 - 09.2010
Project Manager + PMO Support
ICT Spaces
03.2009 - 04.2010
Project Manager + PMO Support
Christchurch City Council
08.2008 - 02.2009
Senior Project Manager (Leave Cover Contract) + Product Management + Global Launch
Eaton
08.2008 - 09.2008
Senior Project Manager + Contract
Meridian Energy
02.2008 - 08.2008
PMO Manager + Senior Project Manager
Axon Computer Systems Ltd
07.2006 - 10.2007
Online Design & Communications Manager
Spark New Zealand
02.2004 - 06.2006
Senior Project Manager - Digital
Walkers Interactive
12.2003 - 02.2004
Project Manager - Digital
Straker Interactive
05.2003 - 12.2003
Web Project Manager + Account Manager
Greenwood Technology Limited
09.2002 - 04.2003
Auckland University of Technology
Bachelor of Business
08.2000 - 05.2003
Project Manager + Account Manager + Online Consultant
Jam NZ Online Group
02.1998 - 07.2002
Platform & Product Manager
New Zealand Sorted
Current
University of Canterbury
Masters from Business Administration and Management