Job Summary
The Senior PM Consultant provides strategic advisory and leadership support to establish, enhance, and govern enterprise project management frameworks. The role focuses on PMO setup, transformation, governance optimization, portfolio oversight, and organizational project maturity improvement. The consultant works closely with executive leadership to ensure alignment between strategy, portfolio execution, and measurable business outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
PMO Strategy & Governance
Design, establish, or transform enterprise PMO structures (centralized, decentralized, or hybrid).
Develop and implement project governance frameworks, policies, standards, and procedures.
Define portfolio prioritization models aligned with strategic objectives.
Establish stage-gate processes and approval mechanisms.
Develop project assurance and quality control frameworks.
Portfolio & Performance Management
Oversee portfolio planning, resource allocation, and capacity management.
Implement enterprise-wide reporting dashboards and KPI frameworks.
Conduct portfolio health assessments and executive performance reviews.
Provide strategic recommendations to optimize ROI and risk exposure.
Risk & Compliance Oversight
Establish enterprise risk management practices for projects and programs.
Ensure compliance with regulatory, contractual, and governance requirements.
Lead independent project audits and health checks.
Executive Advisory & Stakeholder Management
Advise C-level executives and steering committees on portfolio performance and risks.
Facilitate executive workshops, strategic planning sessions, and decision forums.
Act as escalation point for complex, high-risk initiatives.
Organizational Capability Development
Define competency frameworks for project managers and PMO staff.
Lead maturity assessments (e.g., P3M3 or similar frameworks).
Provide coaching, mentoring, and executive-level training.
Drive continuous improvement and digital PMO transformation initiatives.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, IT, or related field (Master’s degree or MBA preferred).
10+ years of progressive experience in project/program/portfolio management.
5+ years in PMO leadership or consulting roles at enterprise level.
Professional certifications such as PMP, PgMP, PRINCE2, MSP, or equivalent.
Demonstrated experience in large-scale transformation programs.
Key Competencies
Enterprise portfolio management expertise
Strategic alignment and business case evaluation
Executive communication and board-level reporting
Governance and risk management leadership
Financial acumen (CAPEX/OPEX management, ROI analysis)
Change management and organizational transformation
Strong negotiation and influencing skills
Preferred Experience
Experience establishing PMOs from inception or leading PMO transformation programs.
Experience in government, infrastructure, digital transformation, or regulated industries.
Familiarity with enterprise tools (e.g., , MS Project Online, Power BI, Clarity, Jira Align)
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.