Role Summary
The Senior Program Manager – Expert (Data & AI) is a client-facing Professional Services delivery leader responsible for orchestrating large-scale, complex Data & AI programs across global, multi-vendor environments. This is a senior program leadership role with no direct people management accountability. The role focuses on program governance, delivery assurance, stakeholder management, and mentorship, requiring strong technical understanding across Data & AI domains, but not a hands-on technical background.
Role Positioning
- Senior Program Manager / Delivery Leader (not a functional or line manager)
- No direct HR or people reporting responsibility
- Strong mentorship, coaching, and influence-based leadership
- Technical fluency required; technical execution not required
- Professional Services background mandatory
Mandatory Profile Criteria
- Professional Services / Consulting / System Integration delivery background
- Experience leading enterprise-scale AI & Advanced Analytics programs
- Strong external stakeholder and executive client management experience
- Active involvement in pre-sales and SOW shaping prior to contract sign-off
- Ability to guide technical teams through understanding, not hands-on delivery
Key Responsibilities
1. Program Leadership for Large-Scale Data & AI Engagements
Provides end-to-end program leadership for high-risk, client-funded Data & AI engagements across Data Analytics, Data Engineering, Big Data Platforms, BI & Visualization, Advanced Analytics, AI/ML & MLOps, IoT & Edge Analytics, and iVaaS.
2. Pre-Sales and SOW Shaping
Acts as senior delivery authority during pre-sales, contributing to solution reviews, estimates, risk identification, and ensuring SOW feasibility before sign-off.
3. Financial and Commercial Oversight
Owns program-level financial governance covering revenue, margin, forecasting, utilization, and change control.
4. External Stakeholder Management
Manages executive client relationships, leads governance forums, and communicates AI-driven business value.
5. Mentorship and Influence-Based Leadership
Mentors project managers and delivery leads, setting standards and best practices without direct reporting lines.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree (any discipline)
- Advanced degree preferred
- 15+ years Professional Services program leadership experience
- PMP and Agile Scrum certifications mandatory
Technical Knowledge Expectations
Strong understanding of Data & AI architectures, AI/ML lifecycle, MLOps, governance, and cloud data platforms. Hands-on technical delivery not required.
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.