Jira Cloud Expert to architect, configure, and optimize Jira environments for complex enterprise delivery programs for our telecommunications client

We are seeking a highly experienced Jira Cloud Expert to architect, configure, and optimize Jira environments for complex enterprise delivery programs, including large-scale SAP and ERP transformations. This role requires a blend of deep technical Jira expertise, project/program management knowledge, and QA lifecycle experience. The ideal candidate will design workflows, manage dependencies, build executive dashboards, and enable teams to operate efficiently in Agile, hybrid, and waterfall delivery models.

Duration: 4 months

Work mode: Remote

Key responsibilities:

1. Jira Administration & Optimization

• Configure Jira projects, workflows, issue types, permissions, and schemes for enterprise programs.
• Implement automation rules, custom fields, and advanced configurations to support scalable program tracking.
• Ensure governance, data integrity, and consistent Jira usage across teams and programs.

2. Project Planning & Delivery Support

• Configure Jira to support scheduling, dependencies, milestones, and critical path analysis.
• Enable cross-project and cross-team dependency tracking.
• Support PMs and program managers in planning, forecasting, and execution tracking.
• Translate delivery frameworks into scalable Jira configurations aligned with PMO standards.

3. Advanced Planning Tools & Add-Ons

• Implement and administer Jira marketplace plugins for portfolio management, resource allocation, Gantt charts, and scenario planning.
• Evaluate, recommend, and deploy add-ons to enhance Jira functionality for enterprise planning.
• Maintain integrations between Jira and planning extensions to ensure stability and scalability.

4. SAP / Enterprise Transformation Program Support

• Configure Jira to support multi-workstream transformation programs, including functional, technical, and data migration tracks.
• Enable dependency mapping and milestone tracking across programs.
• Provide visibility into risks, blockers, and cross-stream impacts for program leadership.

5. Agile Delivery Enablement

• Set up and manage Scrum and Kanban boards, including sprint planning, backlog management, and velocity tracking.
• Implement metrics for burn-down, burn-up, throughput, and cycle time.
• Guide teams on best practices for Agile tracking and reporting.

6. Testing, QA & Defect Management

• Configure Jira for test cycles, defect tracking, and QA reporting.
• Build dashboards to monitor testing progress, defect trends, and release readiness.
• Integrate Jira with testing tools to maintain traceability between requirements, tests, and defects.

7. Reporting & Dashboards

• Build real-time KPI dashboards for program health and delivery performance.
• Create advanced JQL queries, filters, and custom reports for leadership.
• Automate reporting to reduce manual effort and improve visibility.

8. Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner with PMs, product owners, QA teams, architects, and leadership to define Jira tracking requirements.
• Train teams on Jira usage, standards, workflows, and reporting best practices.
• Provide continuous improvement recommendations for Jira processes and adoption.

Must have skills:

• 10+ years hands-on experience with Jira Cloud configuration and administration.
• Proven experience supporting enterprise-scale transformation programs.
• Strong expertise in project management functions: dependencies, critical path, scheduling.
• Experienced with Agile delivery (Scrum/Kanban) and QA/testing lifecycle in Jira.
• Skilled in Jira marketplace add-ons for advanced planning and portfolio management.
• Advanced JQL, dashboard/report creation, and automation configuration skills.

Nice to have skills:

• Experience supporting SAP, ERP, or large-scale enterprise platform rollouts.
• Knowledge of PMO, portfolio management, or scaled Agile frameworks.
• Integration experience with enterprise tools, reporting platforms, or testing solutions.
• Relevant certifications in Agile, Project Management, QA, or Atlassian tools.