About the role
As an Associate Director - QEA, you will make an impact by driving end to end delivery of complex IT programs while ensuring alignment with business goals, stakeholder expectations, and enterprise transformation priorities. You will be a valued member of the delivery organization and work collaboratively with clients, senior leaders, cross functional teams, and vendor partners.

In this role, you will:
• Lead the planning and implementation of IT programs and projects, ensuring alignment with strategic business objectives.
• Coordinate internal teams and third party vendors to ensure seamless execution and delivery.
• Develop detailed project and program plans to monitor milestones, track progress, and ensure timely completion.
• Manage scope, schedules, budgets, and change requests using appropriate governance and verification methods.
• Track and measure project performance using standardized tools and metrics to ensure delivery success.
• Identify risks, dependencies, and issues—escalating to leadership as needed and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with business executives, stakeholders, and external partners.
• Oversee end to end execution of complex implementation initiatives, ensuring quality and compliance with defined standards.
• Facilitate communication, collaboration, and alignment across all involved teams and stakeholders.
• Prepare and deliver regular status updates to senior leadership on progress, risks, opportunities, and recommendations.

Work model: Hybrid
We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring 4 days per week onsite in Charlotte, NC. Regardless of your working arrangement, we support a healthy work-life balance through our wellbeing programs.
The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting and may change based on project, business, or client needs. We will always communicate expectations clearly.

What you need to have to be considered
• 10+ years of Program/Project Management experience leading large-scale initiatives.
• 15+ years of testing experience with deep understanding of testing methodologies, tools, and governance.
• Experience managing communication and expectations of C suite and senior executive stakeholders.
• Ability to align program delivery with enterprise strategic goals, specifically in areas such as Test Automation, GenAI, and Data Strategy.
• Experience with organizational change management and adoption of new processes, tools, and strategies.
• Strong leadership capabilities with proven experience driving enterprise-wide transformation and innovation.
• Expertise developing and managing program budgets, as well as identifying risks, dependencies, and mitigation strategies.
• General Insurance domain experience is a plus.

These will help you stand out
• Strong vendor management and partner coordination capabilities.
• Experience with large, complex E2E implementations in multi stakeholder environments.
• Demonstrated ability to influence at all levels, build trust, and drive collaboration across diverse teams.
• Proven track record of managing high visibility programs with tight timelines and evolving priorities.
• Ability to bring structure, clarity, and disciplined execution to complex delivery landscapes.

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

Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship.
*Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future*

The Cognizant community:
We are a high caliber team who appreciate and support one another. Our people uphold an energetic, collaborative and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

• Cognizant is a global community with more than 300,000 associates around the world.
• We don’t just dream of a better way – we make it happen.
• We take care of our people, clients, company, communities and climate by doing what’s right.
• We foster an innovative environment where you can build the career path that’s right for you.

About us:
Cognizant 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 (a member of the NASDAQ-100 and one of Forbes World’s Best Employers 2025) is consistently listed among the most admired companies in the world. Learn how Cognizant helps clients lead with digital at www.cognizant.com

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.

Disclaimer:
Compensation 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.

Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.