Senior Program Director

Company Description
Cognizant is a global professional services company that helps organizations modernize technology, transform business operations, and improve customer experiences. Through its expertise in digital strategy, cloud solutions, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and enterprise technology, Cognizant supports clients in navigating complex business challenges and achieving sustainable growth.
The company works with organizations across multiple industries to deliver innovative solutions, strengthen operational performance, and accelerate digital transformation initiatives.
Role Description
Cognizant is seeking an experienced Senior Program Director to lead complex, large-scale programs and strategic business initiatives. This role is responsible for overseeing program delivery, aligning cross-functional teams, managing executive stakeholder relationships, and ensuring that strategic objectives are achieved within established timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
The ideal candidate combines strong program leadership, business acumen, financial oversight, and stakeholder management capabilities. The Senior Program Director will collaborate with senior executives, delivery leaders, technology teams, and business partners to drive organizational transformation, improve operational efficiency, and deliver measurable business outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the planning, execution, and governance of multiple strategic programs and enterprise-wide initiatives.
Establish program objectives, delivery roadmaps, milestones, performance indicators, and reporting frameworks.
Partner with executive stakeholders to align program priorities with business strategy and organizational goals.
Manage cross-functional teams across business operations, technology, consulting, and project delivery.
Oversee program budgets, resource allocation, financial performance, risk management, and delivery quality.
Identify program risks, dependencies, and operational challenges, implementing mitigation plans when necessary.
Develop executive-level presentations, progress reports, and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.
Build strong relationships with clients and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment, transparency, and satisfaction.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance delivery efficiency, governance, and business performance.
Mentor program managers and senior team members while promoting accountability, collaboration, and professional development.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, Engineering, Management, or a related field.
Significant experience in program management, enterprise transformation, consulting, or strategic delivery leadership.
Demonstrated success managing complex programs, multiple workstreams, and cross-functional teams.
Strong knowledge of program governance, financial management, risk mitigation, and performance measurement.
Excellent executive communication, presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to translate business objectives into actionable program strategies and measurable outcomes.
Experience with project and program management methodologies, including Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid delivery approaches.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to make data-informed decisions.
Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results in a dynamic business environment.

Work arrangement
Yes