While Scrum master and project manager might seem like similar positions, they are not the same and should not be treated as such. A typical Scrum team has no project manager. Instead, the Scrum master and a product owner share those responsibilities.
A Scrum master is responsible for facilitating the Scrum process and ensuring that every team member is aware of the process. A Scrum Master, sometimes referred to as a “servant-leader,” keeps everyone on the same page so team members can do what they do best instead of worrying about the Scrum method. The Scrum Master is a team leader whose primary focus is on the people and interactions needed to help the team achieve their commitment to delivering value.
A project manager is more concerned with tracking the progress of the project by using product road maps to strategize and establish product objectives.
While these two roles are different and should not be conflated, a good Scrum master and a good project manager will often share characteristics, such as leadership, organizational skills and an ability to connect with the team in meaningful ways to create value and high performance.