Manager – Business Transformation & Operational Excellence

Cognizant; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognizant seeks a high-impact Senior Manager to lead business transformation and operational excellence initiatives for Fortune 500 clients across Retail, Travel, and Hospitality. You will influence senior stakeholders, design future-state operating models, and drive measurable outcomes.

The role requires 10+ years in consulting, strong stakeholder management, and a track record of delivering transformation programs. Travel up to 50% is expected to work closely with clients and delivery teams.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in management consulting, business transformation, or operational excellence.
• Proven ability to lead executive workshops and transformation programs.
• Experience with process optimization and operating model design.

Responsibilities

• Lead business transformation and operational excellence programs for Fortune 500 clients.
• Conduct assessments, workshops, and stakeholder interviews to identify opportunities.
• Design future-state operating models and transformation roadmaps.
• Partner with executives to improve efficiency, customer experience, growth, and profitability.
• Drive change management and ensure adoption of initiatives.
• Mentor consulting professionals and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Support business development, solutioning, and thought leadership.

Skills

Executive communication

Stakeholder management

Workshop facilitation

Leadership

Education

MBA or equivalent advanced degree

Tools

Process mining

Analytics

AI & Automation

Job description

About The Role

We are seeking a high-impact Senior Manager to lead business transformation and operational excellence initiatives for Fortune 500 clients across Retail, Travel, and Hospitality. This role is ideal for a consulting leader who excels at solving complex business challenges, influencing senior stakeholders, and delivering measurable business outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead business transformation, process improvement, and operational excellence programs.
• Conduct assessments, workshops, and stakeholder interviews to identify opportunities and drive strategic decisions.
• Design future-state operating models, transformation roadmaps, and process optimization initiatives.
• Partner with executive stakeholders to improve efficiency, customer experience, growth, and profitability.
• Drive change management and ensure successful adoption of transformation initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams and mentor consulting professionals.
• Support business development, solutioning, and thought leadership efforts.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in management consulting, business transformation, or operational excellence.
• Strong expertise in process optimization, operating model design, and stakeholder-led consulting.
• Industry experience in one or more of the following:
  • Retail & Omnichannel Operations
  • Customer Experience & Merchandising
  • Travel & Transportation
  • Hospitality Operations
  • Supply Chain & Logistics
• Proven ability to lead executive workshops, business assessments, and transformation programs.
• Excellent executive communication, facilitation, and relationship management skills.
• Willingness to travel and work closely with clients and delivery teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or equivalent advanced degree.
• Lean Six Sigma certification.
• Experience with Digital Transformation, AI, Automation, Analytics, or Process Mining.

Ideal Candidate

A strategic consulting leader who combines business transformation expertise, operational excellence, and executive stakeholder management to help clients accelerate growth, enhance customer experiences, and achieve sustainable business value. Strong workshop facilitation, assessment leadership, and team collaboration skills are essential.

Travel: Up to 50%

Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship now or at any time in the future.