Implementation Manager

Role Summary:Cognizant is seeking a highly skilled and bilingual Benchling Specialist to lead data migration, instrument integration, and analytics enablement for a cloud-based Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) / Laboratory Information Management system(LIMS) implementation at a leading life sciences client in Japan. This role requires a deep understanding of the ELN/LIMS platform, scientific data formats, lab instrument connectivity, and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will work closely with research scientists, client stakeholders, and Cognizant teams and oversee the full lifecycle of the implementation, from planning and stakeholder engagement to delivery and post-go-live support.Key Responsibilities:Own the overall delivery of the ELN/LIMS implementation project, ensuring alignment with client goals, timelines, and quality standards.Develop and manage detailed project plans, resource allocations, risk registers, and communication strategies.Facilitate requirement gathering workshops, design reviews, and UAT planning sessions.Coordinate across multiple teams including client stakeholders, technical SMEs, vendor teams, and business analysts.Oversee environment setup, data migration, instrument integration, and training activities.Ensure compliance with regulatory standards (GxP, CSV, data integrity) throughout the project lifecycle.Provide regular status updates to client leadership and internal governance teams.Support implementation and maintenance activities Configures and customizes the system as per user requirements Serve as first point of contact for issue resolution Conducts user-training sessions for end users.Develop a deep understanding of system use, data flows and configured architecture.Manage change requests, issue resolution, and escalation processes.Have knowledge and work experience with of Incident, Change and Problem Management, ITIL process & CSV Validation.Support hypercare and transition to steady-state operations.Required Skills & Experience:Minimum 4-8 years of project management experience in life sciences, pharma, or biotech.Proven track record of delivering SaaS-based lab informatics solutions (ELN, LIMS, SDMS).Strong understanding of scientific workflows, lab operations, and regulatory compliance.Experience managing cross-functional teams and vendor relationships.Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., MS Project, JIRA, Smartsheet).PMP or equivalent certification preferred.Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.Bilingual fluency in Japanese (native) and English (business-level) is mandatory.