Senior Program Management Director – Strategic Delivery (APJ Region)

Cognizant; Chennai District; On-site; INR 20,00,000 - 30,00,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global technology firm seeks a senior leader for its APJ delivery organization, focusing on executing strategic programs and robust governance. Candidates should have extensive experience in project/program management and methodologies such as Agile and Waterfall. Responsibilities include leading teams, engaging with senior clients, and driving project deliverables for client satisfaction. This role requires strong communication skills and a background in digital transformation initiatives.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience with Project/Program Management processes and tools.
• Ability to engage with senior client executives effectively.
• Knowledge of Agile, Waterfall, and Hybrid methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Achieve successful execution of strategic programs within the delivery organization.
• Build high-performing teams and modify processes to achieve goals.
• Drive consensus among client stakeholders and internal teams.

Skills

Project Management processes

Agile methodologies

Waterfall methodologies

Digital Transformation

Communication with C-suite

Job description

Overview

Join Cognizant as a senior leader within the APJ delivery organization, responsible for the successful execution of strategic programs and adherence to robust program governance. This role demands a technically sound professional with a proven track record in developer or architect roles, complemented by extensive program management credentials and experience in turning around troubled programs. The ideal candidate will have broad delivery exposure across Application Development, Application Support, ITO, large-scale Transitions, Digital and Legacy Transformation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate as part of the APJ delivery organization to achieve successful execution of strategic programs and adherence to appropriate program governance
• Serve as the senior delivery leader supporting the client and internal teams while working closely with the Engagement Delivery Partner to ensure alignment of delivery to client’s key objectives
• Deliver contractual commitments to the Client for Cognizant.
• Drive consensus between various client stakeholders and internal team to facilitate the conversion of the product or program's vision / ideas into program deliverables
• Build high preforming team that adheres to process, target metrics, and quality goals. Where appropriate, modify development process to achieve goals.
• Track and achieve program Bid vs. Did around Cognizant program metrics
• Mentor the team on tools and processes to manage projects, participate in hiring decisions and participate in performance appraisals on staff
• Participate in Sales [support RFPs] as a delivery leader to help shape and demonstrate delivery capabilities
• Provide full and accurate communication to client, Cognizant leadership and third‑party stakeholders

Mandatory Capabilities/Skills /Years of Experience

• Extensive experience working with Project/Program Management processes, including experience with Program Management tools to plan, manage and monitor projects
• Ability to engage senior client executives, i.e., C‑suite, and Line of Business Executives in one‑on‑one discussions
• Have extensive knowledge of delivery methodologies Agile, Waterfall, RUP, Hybrid Waterfall‑Agile and be able to influence the client to adopt the right approach
• Have knowledge of Digital Transformation and Automation trends/tools/competition including relevant next generation technologies
• Has successfully guided large escalation projects back to steady‑state and achieves high client satisfaction. Communicate expeditiously and effectively all client escalations to Cognizant delivery Leadership