About the role

We are seeking a Program Manager to translate client business objectives into clear program goals, milestones, and success metrics and Lead governance forums (SteerCos, Ops Reviews, Risk Reviews) and ensure timely, transparent communication.

In this role, you will:

• Proactively manage client expectations, escalations, and critical dependencies.

• Proactively identify program risks, delivery bottlenecks, and cross tower dependencies and maintain and drive mitigation plans for delivery, financial, and compliance risks.

• Coordinate across multiple Cognizant service lines, partners, and third party vendors and Ensure clear ownership, handoffs, and accountability across all workstreams

• Provide onsite leadership to delivery managers, project managers, and client facing leads and ensure optimal resource planning, onboarding, skill alignment, and staffing continuity

• Identify value creation opportunities (efficiency, automation, transformation, AI/GenAI where relevant), Partner with Account leadership on cross-sell, up-sell, and roadmap discussions and Support pursuits, renewals, and solution shaping by bringing delivery realism and lessons learned.

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 3-4 days a week in a client or Cognizant office in Plano, TX. 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 need to have to be considered

• Formal certification in Program / Project Management frameworks

• Proven experience managing medium to large programs with cross functional and multi vendor teams

• Strong stakeholder communication and expectation management capabilities and Experience leading governance forums, executive reviews, and escalation management

• Knowledge on fundamentals of AI

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.

*Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future*

#LI-NC1

Salary and Other Compensation:

Applications will be accepted until 3/20/26.

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

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits 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.

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.