Program Manager – Strategic Client Engagement

Job Summary

The Project Principal is a senior-level leader responsible for overseeing a program currently consisting of one project with potential expansion to multiple projects. This role serves as the primary client liaison and key stakeholders ensuring strategic alignment effective resource management and project governance. The Project Principal partners closely with the client to set priorities and drive successful outcomes while providing escalation support and connecting

Responsibilities

The Project Principal is a senior-level leader responsible for overseeing a program currently consisting of one project with potential expansion to multiple projects for Client. This role serves as the primary client liaison and key stakeholders ensuring strategic alignment effective resource management and project governance. The Project Principal partners closely with the client to set priorities and drive successful outcomes while providing escalation support and connecting onshore and offshore teams for internal governance.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the principal point of contact for client and key stakeholders fostering strong client relationships and ensuring transparent communication.
• Collaborate with the client on strategic planning program direction and the development of priorities to align project objectives with organizational goals.
• Lead staffing and resource management efforts ensuring that project teams are appropriately resourced and supported to meet deliverables.
• Provide escalation support for project issues proactively resolving challenges and facilitating solutions in partnership with client leadership.
• Collaborate with the senior project manager on overarching project responsibilities including scheduling budget oversight risk mitigation and performance tracking
• Coordinate internal governance by connecting onshore and offshore teams ensuring alignment on processes progress and reporting.
• Collaborate with the client on project governance frameworks supporting decision-making and accountability throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide people leadership by inspiring mentoring and developing project team members fostering a culture of collaboration growth and high performance

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in business administration engineering information technology or related field.
• 10 years of experience in project or program management with proven success in senior leadership roles overseeing complex client programs.
• Demonstrated expertise in resource management project governance and cross-functional team leadership.
• Strong track record of building and maintaining client relationships at the executive level.
• Excellent organizational communication and problem-solving skills.
• Local presence in the Raleigh-Durham NC area is required to facilitate in-person collaboration (approx. 2 days/ week)

Preferred Attributes

• Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate teams and drive consensus.
• A collaborative approach to partnering with clients and internal stakeholders.
• Proactive mindset with a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes.
• Experience managing both onshore and offshore teams is highly desirable
• The annual salary for this position is between $159,000 – $187,000 Bonus depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.
  This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, 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.

*Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future*

• Applications will be accepted until February 5th, 2026
• LI#- #LI-SC6