Job Description: Transformation Head

Position: Senior Platform Leader – AI Training Data Services
Location: PAN India

Level : Senior Director/ Director
Experience Level: 20+ years in Data, AI, and Platform Engineering

Role Overview

We are seeking a visionary and technically strong leader to spearhead the design and development of Cognizant’s AI Training Data Service (AITDS) offering. This role requires deep expertise in data engineering, AI/ML lifecycle, and platform architecture, combined with the ability to drive innovation and new thinking in building scalable, domain-rich solutions for enterprise AI.

Key Responsibilities

• Platform Strategy & Architecture
  • Define and own the architecture for the AITDS platform, ensuring scalability, security, and interoperability across cloud ecosystems (AWS, Azure, GCP).
  • Drive innovation in data preparation, annotation, validation, and continuous learning workflows.
• Technical Leadership
  • Guide engineering teams on building modular components (data ingestion, profiling, annotation, governance, deployment).
  • Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies for AI data readiness.
• AI & Data Expertise
  • Design frameworks for high-quality training data generation for AI/ML models.
  • Ensure compliance with data governance, privacy, and ethical AI standards.
• Product & Partner Strategy
  • Identify new products, tools, and strategic partners to accelerate platform development.
  • Make informed build vs. buy decisions based on technical, financial, and strategic considerations.
• Collaboration & Thought Leadership
  • Partner with product managers, data scientists, and client teams to align platform capabilities with business needs.
  • Represent Cognizant in industry forums and contribute to thought leadership in AI data services.
• Delivery & Operational Excellence
  • Establish best practices for platform deployment, monitoring, and continuous improvement.

Required Skills & Experience

• Data Expertise: Strong background in data engineering, data quality, and governance.
• AI/ML Knowledge: Hands-on experience with AI/ML lifecycle, model training, and data annotation strategies.
• Platform Engineering: Proven track record in designing and building large-scale platforms (preferably SaaS or PaaS).
• Cloud & DevOps: Expertise in AWS, Azure, GCP; containerization (Docker/Kubernetes); CI/CD pipelines.
• Leadership: Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive strategic initiatives.
• Innovation Mindset: Strong ability to conceptualize and implement new ideas for AI data readiness.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with AI data platforms, MLOps, and data labeling tools.
• Knowledge of domain-specific data challenges (e.g., BFSI, healthcare, telecom).
• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or related field.

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.