Program Director – Global Program Management
(Grade: Associate Director)
Position Summary:
The Program Director is part of Cognizant’s Global Program Management Community and is responsible and accountable for Program Management activities associated with large-scale, complex, multi-tower (IT, Infrastructure, Business Processes and Digital) programs. In addition to managing delivery objectives, he/she will have responsibility for customer satisfaction and the client relationships required for a successful program.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Operate as part of the GPM delivery organization to achieve successful execution of strategic programs and adherence to appropriate program governance
• Facilitate cross-project collaboration where dependencies are encountered; track progress of course-corrective actions
• Serve as the senior delivery leader supporting the client and internal teams while working closely with the Engagement Delivery Partner to ensure alignment of delivery to client’s key objectives
• Deliver contractual commitments to the Client for Cognizant.
• Drive consensus between various client stakeholders and internal team to facilitate the conversion of the product or program's vision / ideas into program deliverables
• Manage a team of Cognizant associates and second/third party associates
• Ensure completion of deliverables and adherence to timelines, quality standards,  and budgets
• Drive quality standards and program improvements within the team
• Build high preforming team that adheres to process, target metrics, and quality goals. Where appropriate, modify development process to achieve goals.
• Identify, analyze and resolve issues/risks that have the potential to jeopardize the ability to meet our commitments
• Track and achieve program Bid vs. Did around Cognizant program metrics
• Mentor the team on tools and processes to manage projects, participate in hiring decisions and participate in performance appraisals on staff
• Participate with Client Partner in sales as a delivery leader to help shape and demonstrate delivery capabilities
• Provide full and accurate communication to client, Cognizant leadership and third party stakeholders
• Manage internal and external client expectations on all contractual requirements and deliverables
Skills:
• Ability to build strong relationships with IT and Business Leadership.
• Ability to build strong cross functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability in managing internal and external client expectations on program requirements and deliverables
• Problem solving with the aptitude to identify strategic solutions to business problems with enterprise-wide implications
• Demonstrate the flexibility to work among diverse corporate environments, industries and technical and non-technical audiences
• Very good understanding of new emerging technologies and leading trends.
• Extensive experience working with Project/Program Management processes, including experience with Project Management tools to plan, manage and monitor programs
• Strong program management skills with the ability to work and track progress from multiple service lines simultaneously
• Set client expectations; maintain communication with key stakeholders while ensuring a great customer experience
• Ability to act as a mentor for team members to advance their skills and competencies
Qualifications:
• Extensive experience working with Project/Program Management processes, including experience with Program Management tools to plan, manage and monitor projects
• Ability to engage senior client executives, i.e., C-suite, and Line of Business Executives in one-on-one discussions
• Have extensive knowledge of delivery methodologies Agile, Waterfall, RUP, Hybrid Waterfall-Agile and be able to influence the client to adopt the right approach
• Have knowledge of Digital Transformation and Automation trends/tools/competition including relevant next generation technologies
• Has successfully guided large escalation projects back to steady-state and achieves high client satisfaction.  Communicate expeditiously and effectively all client escalations to Cognizant delivery Leadership
• Demonstrated experience managing deliveries across multiple service lines utilizing the global delivery model spanning on-site, near-shore, and off-shore locations
• Adept in mobilizing and managing large teams for delivery
• Track record of exceeding customer expectations
• Display effective analytical skills and possess adequate financial expertise to ensure Program financials are within budget and in-line with the approved deal bid
• BA/BS required; Master’s degree in Finance or Business preferred
Experience : 10 - 15 years of experience in handling large multiple service line delivery engagements
Candidate Screening Priorities:
• Team scale of 1-6 direct reports and <100 total team size utilizing the global delivery model
• Management of programs involving multiple service lines and/or solutions in parallel (i.e. App Dev/Systems Integration, QEA, App Support, Infra/Cloud, BPO etc.)
• Experience with implementation programs including SFDC, ServiceNow, or Workday commercial solutions
• Understanding of digital trends (data, cloud, IoT, and digital engineering) and modern digital architectures (i.e. micro services, cloud native, UX-based)
Employee Status : Full Time Employee
Shift : Day Job
Travel : No
Job Posting : Jul 26 2021
About Cognizant
Cognizant (Nasdaq-100: CTSH) is one of the world's leading professional services companies, transforming clients' business, operating and technology models for the digital era. Our unique industry-based, consultative approach helps clients envision, build and run more innovative and efficient businesses. Headquartered in the U.S., Cognizant is ranked 194 on the Fortune 500 and is consistently listed among the most admired companies in the world. Learn how Cognizant helps clients lead with digital at www.cognizant.com or follow us @USJobsCognizant. Cognizant is recognized as a Military Friendly Employer and is a coalition member of the Veteran Jobs Mission. Our Cognizant Veterans Network assists Veterans in building and growing a career at Cognizant that allows them to leverage the leadership, loyalty, integrity, and commitment to excellence instilled in them through participation in military service.
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you have a disability that requires a reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email CareersNA2@cognizant.com with your request and contact information.