Cognizant

Program Manager-IT Operational Excellence

Posted: Nov 11, 2025

Job Description

Position Summary:The role holder is a key member of the Global Operations team and will work closely with FP&A, Delivery and HR to plan and drive execution of corporate annual cost plan with focus on C&B/FTE. He/She will work closely with the BU COO’s to rigorously manage cost performance, enabling the BU to consistently achieve its cost and profitability targets while maintaining high client and employee satisfaction.This strategic, hands-on role is responsible for workforce planning, interlocking cost with P&L, setting BU wise targets on Offshore mix, Pyramid controls, Delivery cost optimization, and industrialization.Key Deliverables/Responsibilities: Including, but not limited to:Facilitate the development and annual refresh of a robust 3 - year business plan with respect to the Workforce and cost of delivery planningDevelop and manages annual and quarterly C&B/BFTE plan and forecastsResponsible for planning and interlock with Market Units and Service line to meet the unit’s cost goalsSets global and unit CoD targets with geo specific nuancesIdentify, prioritize and proactively mitigate key risks; Establish and refresh contingency plans on an ongoing basisOrganize disciplined corporate operations reviews, by providing management with actionable insights, then ensuring action plans are developed and tracked until successful implementationDrive and successfully execute Corporate or BU strategic initiatives across the companiesMotivate and lead a high-performance team by attracting, recruiting, developing and retaining highly talented B school graduates or experienced business analystsLeadership Competencies: Ability to connect the dots, analyze key issues, identify trends, provide insights and develop and implement strategic solutionsExperience in developing and implement a plan for ongoing business improvementCapability to lead team and organization through significant change in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, high growth environment with continuously increasing scale and complexityDrive a common culture, build an open, transparent and cohesive environment through effective communication and exceptional collaborationAbility to influence stakeholders and to execute the corporate vision across the BU’sAbility to command respect and trust internally and externallyStrong power point and Data skills with strong senior leadership presentation capabilityDrive for results and credibility to make things happenManagement Responsibility (does this role have direct reports): YesQualifications (Education, Experience)At least 15+, years of relevant global and cross functional expertise and experience, preferably in a Tier 1 IT Services firm or Fortune 500 companyHigh potential future business leader with experience in Business finance and/or cost consultingSolid academic background with business management degrees from top tier schoolExcellent consulting experience and proven ability to lead, facilitate, and collaborate with cross functional teams to deliver successful business outcomesExcellent interpersonal, communications, public speaking and presentation skills

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