Cognizant
Program Manager – Strategic Client Engagement
Cognizant, Mangum Store, North Carolina, United States
Program Manager – Strategic Client Engagement
Job Summary
The Project Principal is a senior-level leader responsible for overseeing a program currently consisting of one project with potential expansion to multiple projects. This role serves as the primary client liaison and key stakeholder ensuring strategic alignment, effective resource management, and project governance. The Project Principal partners closely with the client to set priorities and drive successful outcomes while providing escalation support and connecting onshore and offshore teams for internal governance.
Responsibilities
Serve as the principal point of contact for client and key stakeholders, fostering strong client relationships and ensuring transparent communication.
Collaborate with the client on strategic planning, program direction, and development of priorities to align project objectives with organizational goals.
Lead staffing and resource management efforts, ensuring that project teams are appropriately resourced and supported to meet deliverables.
Provide escalation support for project issues, proactively resolving challenges and facilitating solutions in partnership with client leadership.
Collaborate with the senior project manager on overarching project responsibilities including scheduling, budget oversight, risk mitigation, and performance tracking.
Coordinate internal governance by connecting onshore and offshore teams, ensuring alignment on processes, progress, and reporting.
Collaborate with the client on project governance frameworks, supporting decision‑making and accountability throughout the project lifecycle.
Provide people leadership by inspiring, mentoring, and developing project team members to foster a culture of collaboration, growth, and high performance.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in business administration, engineering, information technology, or related field.
10+ years of experience in project or program management with proven success in senior leadership roles overseeing complex client programs.
Demonstrated expertise in resource management, project governance, and cross‑functional team leadership.
Strong track record of building and maintaining client relationships at the executive level.
Excellent organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
Local presence in the Raleigh‑Durham NC area is required to facilitate in‑person collaboration (approx. 2 days per week).
Preferred Attributes
Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate teams and drive consensus.
A collaborative approach to partnering with clients and internal stakeholders.
Proactive mindset with a commitment to delivering high‑quality outcomes.
Experience managing both onshore and offshore teams is highly desirable.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary: $159,000 – $187,000 + bonus depending on experience and other qualifications. Eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.
Benefits:
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.
This role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future. Applications will be accepted until February 5th, 2026.
Seniority level : Director
Employment type : Full‑time
Job function : Project Management and Information Technology
Industries : IT Services and IT Consulting, Business Consulting and Services
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Project Principal is a senior-level leader responsible for overseeing a program currently consisting of one project with potential expansion to multiple projects. This role serves as the primary client liaison and key stakeholder ensuring strategic alignment, effective resource management, and project governance. The Project Principal partners closely with the client to set priorities and drive successful outcomes while providing escalation support and connecting onshore and offshore teams for internal governance.
Responsibilities
Serve as the principal point of contact for client and key stakeholders, fostering strong client relationships and ensuring transparent communication.
Collaborate with the client on strategic planning, program direction, and development of priorities to align project objectives with organizational goals.
Lead staffing and resource management efforts, ensuring that project teams are appropriately resourced and supported to meet deliverables.
Provide escalation support for project issues, proactively resolving challenges and facilitating solutions in partnership with client leadership.
Collaborate with the senior project manager on overarching project responsibilities including scheduling, budget oversight, risk mitigation, and performance tracking.
Coordinate internal governance by connecting onshore and offshore teams, ensuring alignment on processes, progress, and reporting.
Collaborate with the client on project governance frameworks, supporting decision‑making and accountability throughout the project lifecycle.
Provide people leadership by inspiring, mentoring, and developing project team members to foster a culture of collaboration, growth, and high performance.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in business administration, engineering, information technology, or related field.
10+ years of experience in project or program management with proven success in senior leadership roles overseeing complex client programs.
Demonstrated expertise in resource management, project governance, and cross‑functional team leadership.
Strong track record of building and maintaining client relationships at the executive level.
Excellent organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
Local presence in the Raleigh‑Durham NC area is required to facilitate in‑person collaboration (approx. 2 days per week).
Preferred Attributes
Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate teams and drive consensus.
A collaborative approach to partnering with clients and internal stakeholders.
Proactive mindset with a commitment to delivering high‑quality outcomes.
Experience managing both onshore and offshore teams is highly desirable.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary: $159,000 – $187,000 + bonus depending on experience and other qualifications. Eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.
Benefits:
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.
This role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future. Applications will be accepted until February 5th, 2026.
Seniority level : Director
Employment type : Full‑time
Job function : Project Management and Information Technology
Industries : IT Services and IT Consulting, Business Consulting and Services
#J-18808-Ljbffr