Jira Cloud Specialist

Job Description:

We are seeking a highly experienced Jira Cloud Expert who can architect, configure, and optimize JIRA to support complex enterprise delivery environments, including large-scale SAP transformation programs. This role will design workflows, manage dependencies, track critical paths, build executive dashboards, and enable teams to run efficient Agile, hybrid, and waterfall delivery models. The ideal candidate combines deep technical JIRA expertise with strong project management and QA lifecycle knowledge, especially in enterprise transformation contexts, and understands how to extend JIRA capabilities using marketplace add-ons that replicate advanced project planning tools.

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning & Delivery Support

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

Advanced Planning Tools & Add-Ons

• Implement and administer common JIRA marketplace plugins used for advanced project planning and portfolio management.
• Configure tools that extend JIRA to support capabilities similar to traditional project scheduling platforms (e.g., Gantt charts, roadmap planning, resource allocation, timeline views, scenario planning).
• Evaluate, recommend, and deploy add-ons that enhance JIRA functionality for enterprise planning needs.
• Ensure integrations between JIRA and planning extensions are stable, governed, and scalable.
• Ensure data integrity and consistent usage across multiple programs and teams.

SAP Transformation Program Support

• Configure JIRA structures to support large transformation programs, including multi-workstream tracking.
• Enable dependency mapping across functional, technical, integration, and data migration tracks.
• Support planning and monitoring of milestones, releases, testing phases, and cutover activities.
• Provide visibility into risks, blockers, and cross-stream impacts for program leadership.
• Align JIRA configuration with transformation delivery methodologies and PMO standards.

Agile Delivery Enablement

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

Testing, QA & Defect Management

• Configure JIRA to manage test cycles, test execution tracking, and release readiness.
• Implement workflows for defect lifecycle management from discovery through validation and closure.
• Build dashboards showing testing progress, defect trends, severity distribution, and quality metrics.
• Integrate JIRA with testing tools to support traceability between requirements, test cases, and defects.
• Enable reporting for QA health, test coverage, and release risk indicators.

JIRA Administration & Optimization

• Configure and administer JIRA projects, workflows, issue types, permissions, and schemes.
• Design scalable structures for enterprise-level portfolio, program, and release tracking.
• Implement automation rules, custom fields, advanced configurations, and governance standards.