Demo

Program Director

Cognizant
Jackson, MI Full Time
POSTED ON 4/15/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 4/29/2026
Title: Program Director

Level: Director

(Hybrid – Continental US)

Overview

Join Cognizant as an inspiring leader within the Program & Project Management community. This key role is responsible and accountable for Program Management activities associated with large-scale, complex, multi-service (Application Development and Maintenance, Infrastructure, Business Process, and Digital) programs. Successful candidates will not only manage delivery objectives but will also have responsibility for customer satisfaction and the client relationships required for successful program delivery.

Role

  • Developing and implementing strategy for the program team, including developing a robust risk mitigation plan
  • Understanding how different projects interlink and overlap
  • Working with the various service lines to identify resources for various projects
  • Expanding program offering and enhancing the quality of existing programs
  • Liaising with the marketing and communications team to increase awareness of programs
  • Lead the proposal responses by engaging with various service lines
  • Build and manage relationship with clients
  • Coordinating and running events and workshops
  • Gathering feedback and presenting insights
  • Reporting on program performance to executive team and directors
  • Identifying opportunities for continual improvement and delivery transformation
  • Ensuring relevant standards, process and regulations are upheld
  • Good understanding of agile processes
  • Prior experience in managing programs

Required Qualifications

  • 15 years in strategy, operations, process consulting, stakeholder management, project/ program delivery within legacy modernization or digital transformations
  • Project/Program training and certifications (PMI/SAFe 5.0/Prince II)
  • Experience in delivering at least 3 or more complex programs involving teams across multiple geographies
  • Experience in senior stakeholder management, communication, and relationship
  • Experience being part of deal solutioning and identifying relevant risks
  • Can present solutions from the Program Management standpoint
  • Experience in managing client stakeholders across IT, VMO, and business
  • Adept with multicultural; multi-geo working teams and stakeholders
  • Experience in contract management
  • Program delivery experience involving 3 or more service lines
  • Experience in delivering Transformational commitment, productivity goals, offshoring commitment
  • Experience in delivering domain capability services or niche technology capabilities or new technologies to the market
  • Experience in leading/managing structured deals, takeover/acquisition, or divesture programs

Required Education: Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or Masters degree strongly preferred

Work Authorization: Must be legally authorized to work in US without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.

Salary And Other Compensation

The annual salary for this position is between $114,750.00 – $181,500.00 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program and stock awards, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

  • Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
  • Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
  • 401(k) plan and contributions
  • Long-term/Short-term Disability
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Salary : $114,750 - $181,500

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