Job Information
Cognizant Sr. Program manager expert in Chennai, India
Role Summary
The Senior Program Manager – Expert (Data & AI) is a client-facing Professional Services delivery leader responsible for orchestrating large-scale, complex Data & AI programs across global, multi-vendor environments. This is a senior program leadership role with no direct people management accountability. The role focuses on program governance, delivery assurance, stakeholder management, and mentorship, requiring strong technical understanding across Data & AI domains, but not a hands-on technical background.
Role Positioning
Senior Program Manager / Delivery Leader (not a functional or line manager)
No direct HR or people reporting responsibility
Strong mentorship, coaching, and influence-based leadership
Technical fluency required; technical execution not required
Professional Services background mandatory
Mandatory Profile Criteria
Professional Services / Consulting / System Integration delivery background
Experience leading enterprise-scale AI & Advanced Analytics programs
Strong external stakeholder and executive client management experience
Active involvement in pre-sales and SOW shaping prior to contract sign-off
Ability to guide technical teams through understanding, not hands-on delivery
Key Responsibilities
- Program Leadership for Large-Scale Data & AI Engagements
Provides end-to-end program leadership for high-risk, client-funded Data & AI engagements across Data Analytics, Data Engineering, Big Data Platforms, BI & Visualization, Advanced Analytics, AI/ML & MLOps, IoT & Edge Analytics, and iVaaS.
- Pre-Sales and SOW Shaping
Acts as senior delivery authority during pre-sales, contributing to solution reviews, estimates, risk identification, and ensuring SOW feasibility before sign-off.
- Financial and Commercial Oversight
Owns program-level financial governance covering revenue, margin, forecasting, utilization, and change control.
- External Stakeholder Management
Manages executive client relationships, leads governance forums, and communicates AI-driven business value.
- Mentorship and Influence-Based Leadership
Mentors project managers and delivery leads, setting standards and best practices without direct reporting lines.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree (any discipline)
Advanced degree preferred
15+ years Professional Services program leadership experience
PMP and Agile Scrum certifications mandatory
Technical Knowledge Expectations
Strong understanding of Data & AI architectures, AI/ML lifecycle, MLOps, governance, and cloud data platforms. Hands-on technical delivery not required.
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.