Leading at Cognizant

This is a Leadership (D+) role at Cognizant. We believe how you lead is as important as what you deliver. Leaders at every level:

• Drive our business strategy and inspire teams toward our shared future

• Live the leadership behaviors, leading themselves, others, and the business

• Uphold our Values, role‑modeling them in every action and decision

• Nurture our people and culture, creating an environment where everyone can thrive

At Cognizant, leadership transcends titles and is embodied in actions and behaviors. We empower our leaders at every level to drive business strategy, inspire teams, uphold our values, and foster an inclusive culture.

About Cognizant Consulting

Cognizant Consulting is more than Cognizant’s consulting practice—we’re a global community of 5,000+ experts dedicated to helping clients reimagine their business. Blending our deep industry and technology advisory capability, we create innovative business solutions for Fortune 500 clients. And now, we’re looking for our next colleague who’ll join us in shaping the future of business. Could it be you?

About the role

As the AI Consulting Director, you will drive the development of our AI consulting capabilities and go‑to‑market strategy. This role will focus on accelerating revenue growth by scaling AI solutions across strategic accounts, deepening senior‑level enterprise relationships, and advancing practice development. As part of the AI Consulting Centre of Excellence, you will have the opportunity to directly shape and evolve our global AI consulting offerings.

In this role, you will:

• Build & scale Cognizant’s AI Consulting capabilities and GTM strategy — shaping market vision, elevating competitive positioning, and expanding revenue across Australia.

• Drive strong pipeline creation and win rates, leading consulting‑led deal pursuits and developing differentiated value propositions across multi‑service‑line engagements.

• Manage and grow the AI Consulting practice, ensuring revenue performance, enabling markets, and removing operational and commercial blockers.

• Develop talent and practice competencies, ensuring the team has leading AI expertise, robust consulting methodologies, and strong delivery capability.

• Advance Cognizant’s AI market presence, delivering thought leadership, partnering with analysts and ecosystem partners, and engaging directly with priority clients.

You will also consistently demonstrate the Cognizant Way to Lead, bringing together:

• Personal Leadership (trust, collaboration, inclusion)

• Organizational Leadership (strategic mindset, clarity of direction, purpose‑driven transformation)

• Business Leadership (client focus, financial acumen, sound judgment, navigating ambiguity)

Work model

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 3 days a week in a client or Cognizant office in Australia. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you’re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

What you must have to be considered

• 15+ years’ experience across AI/ML, Generative & Agentic AI, data transformation, and solutioning within complex enterprise environments

• Strong track record in consulting leadership, including revenue ownership, pipeline creation, and delivering multi‑service‑line transformation programs

• Deep understanding of AI industry trends, competitive landscape, and emerging technologies

• Strong executive presence with proven ability to engage C‑suite stakeholders and influence strategic decision‑making

• Experience building, scaling, and coaching high‑performing consulting teams

• Embodiment of the Cognizant Way to Lead: Leading Self, Leading Others, & Leading the Business

• The embodiment of Cognizant’s Values of: Work as One, Dare to Innovate, Raise the Bar, Do The right Thing, & Own It

These will help you succeed

• Existing relationships with AI ecosystem partners, industry analysts, or strategic alliances

• Thought leadership credentials (publications, speaking engagements, advisory councils)

• Experience orchestrating cross‑functional GTM strategies

• Prior experience launching or maturing AI consulting offerings

We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.