Program Manager

Cognizant; Deerfield (IL); On-site; USD 89,000 - 142,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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

Job summary

Cognizant is seeking a Program Manager to lead the delivery of a portfolio of technology applications and strategic initiatives. You will work with business stakeholders, executive leadership, and technical teams to ensure programs are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with organizational goals.

You will manage scope, milestones, budgets, resources, and risk while coordinating cross-functional teams across workstreams and communicating status to leadership.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in software/technology delivery.
• Proven experience managing complex technology projects and large-scale program initiatives.
• Experience leading multiple projects within a coordinated program.
• Strong stakeholder management across cross-functional environments.
• Experience interfacing with business leaders, executive leadership, and technical teams.
• Hands-on experience applying Agile methodologies and iterative delivery practices.
• Strong planning, organizational, communication, and risk management skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage the delivery of a portfolio of applications and technology initiatives aligned with business and strategic objectives.
• Lead multiple projects within a program, ensuring successful execution, governance, and alignment across workstreams.
• Define program scope, roadmaps, milestones, budgets, resource plans, and delivery strategies.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to drive collaboration, accountability, and timely project delivery.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks, dependencies, and issues while proactively communicating status and resolution plans.
• Track program performance using KPIs and provide regular updates to leadership and stakeholders.
• Manage stakeholder communications and build strong partnerships across business and technology organizations.

Skills

Program management

Stakeholder management

Agile methodologies

Cross-functional leadership

Tools

PMP

SAFe

Job description

About the role As a Program Manager, you will make an impact by leading the successful delivery of a portfolio of technology applications and strategic initiatives that drive business value. You will be a valued member of the program leadership team, collaborating with business stakeholders, executive leadership, technical teams, and project managers to ensure programs are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with organizational goals.

In this role, you will:

• Manage the delivery of a portfolio of applications and technology initiatives aligned with business and strategic objectives.
• Lead multiple projects within a program, ensuring successful execution, governance, and alignment across workstreams.
• Define program scope, roadmaps, milestones, budgets, resource plans, and delivery strategies.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to drive collaboration, accountability, and timely project delivery.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks, dependencies, and issues while proactively communicating status and resolution plans.
• Track program performance using key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide regular updates to leadership and stakeholders.
• Manage stakeholder communications and build strong partnerships across business and technology organizations.

Work model:

At Cognizant, we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible, and we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is an onsite position requiring 3 days a week in a client or Cognizant office in Deerfield, IL.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. These may change based on the project you are engaged in, as well as evolving business and client requirements. We will always be transparent about role expectations.

Please note: Some roles may require in‑person interviews at Cognizant offices or client locations based on project needs.

What you need to have to be considered

• 10+ years of experience in the software, technology, or related industry.
• Proven experience managing complex technology projects and large-scale program initiatives.
• Experience leading multiple projects simultaneously as part of a coordinated program.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with experience working across cross-functional environments.
• Experience interfacing with business leaders, executive leadership, and technical teams.
• Hands‑on experience applying Agile methodologies and iterative delivery practices.
• Strong planning, organizational, communication, and risk management skills.

This will help you stand out

• Program or project management certifications such as PMP, PgMP, SAFe, or Agile certifications.
• Experience managing enterprise application portfolios in large, global organizations.
• Strong expertise in KPI development, program governance, and reporting.
• Experience driving organizational change and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and build strong working relationships across multiple levels of the organization.

Salary and Other Compensation:

The annual salary for this position is between $89,100 to $141,500 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.

*Please note, this role cannot offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future*