M&A Information Risk Management Manager

Cognizant; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Paid holidays

Paid Time Off

401(k) plan

Disability Insurance

Parental Leave

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

Cognizant is seeking a Manager, Information Risk Management to lead security risk oversight for acquisitions and existing entities. You will coordinate between Corporate Security, Corporate Development, IT and business units to assess risks during due diligence and post-acquisition integration.

The role requires at least six years in information security, a CS degree or equivalent, and strong knowledge of privacy laws and risk frameworks.

Qualifications

• Minimum six years of information security experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or an equivalent certification.
• Strong knowledge of privacy laws, standards, rules, and regulations.
• Experience implementing risk management frameworks and providing security advisories.
• Ability to work with cross‑functional partners and acquired entities.

Responsibilities

• Assess security risks during acquisitions (due diligence, post‑acquisition integration).
• Serve as primary security contact for acquisitions and coordinate activities among stakeholders.
• Apply ISO 27001 and NIST standards to processes where applicable.
• Ensure compliance with privacy laws and client contractual requirements.
• Develop and maintain security management plans and metrics across engagements.

Skills

Information security

Risk management

Privacy laws

Cross-functional collaboration

Security standards

Security architecture

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent

Job description

About Cognizant CorporateCognizant Corporate is a global community united by a shared purpose: to make a meaningful impact. We are committed to excellence and driven by outcomes that matter. Collaboration is at the heart of how we work, and our forward-thinking mindset fuels continuous learning, innovation, and growth.

At Cognizant, careers transcend titles. We empower our people to think strategically, inspire others, and lead with purpose, always guided by our core values.

About the role

As a Manager, Information Risk Management, you will drive impactful contributions and focus on outcomes. You will oversee security risks related to newly acquired and existing entities and serve as the primary liaison between Corporate Security, business units, Corporate Development, and IT.

You will assess security risks during acquisition due diligence and support post-acquisition fortification and integration. Working closely with Corporate Development, Finance, Human Resources, IT, M&A IT, Legal, and acquired entities, you will coordinate risk management activities and facilitate communication among stakeholders.

In this role, you will:

• Assess security risks associated with potential acquisitions during due diligence, post-acquisition fortification, and integration.
• Serve as the primary security contact for acquisitions and coordinate activities among relevant stakeholders.
• Apply recognized security standards and frameworks, including ISO 27001 and NIST, to applicable processes.
• Ensure procedures comply with relevant privacy laws, regulations, standards, and client contractual requirements.
• Implement security architecture and strategies aligned with business risks and client expectations.
• Monitor and evaluate security measures that protect the privacy, security, and integrity of sensitive client information.
• Establish, communicate, and maintain a charter for the security management function.
• Develop and maintain security management plans for engagements and provide periodic compliance updates to management and business leaders.
• Develop and monitor security metrics across engagements.
• Review security exceptions, identify associated risks, and monitor risk mitigation plans through resolution.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and acquired entities to track and resolve identified risks.
• Embrace Cognizant’s culture by striving for excellence, focusing on meaningful outcomes, collaborating effectively, prioritizing quality, and committing to continuous learning.

What you must have to be considered

• A minimum of six years of information security experience.
• A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or an equivalent certification.
• Strong knowledge of privacy laws, standards, rules, and regulations.
• Experience understanding and implementing risk management frameworks.
• Proficiency in providing security advisories, solutions, and risk mitigation approaches.
• The ability to work effectively with cross-functional partners and acquired entities.
• A strong sense of ownership, a desire to create meaningful outcomes, and a passion for work that serves customers, communities, or global challenges.
• Embodiment of Cognizant’s values: Work as One, Dare to Innovate, Raise the Bar, Do the Right Thing, and Own It.

These will help you succeed

• CISSP certification.
• CISM certification.
• CISA certification.
• CRISC certification.

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 days a week in a Cognizant office in. 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 are engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured, we will always be clear about role expectations.

We’re excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways.

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.

Salary and Other Compensation:

Applications will be accepted until October 21, 2026.

The annual salary for this position is between $105,000 - $115,000, depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

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.