Job Summary
The COE Lead is a senior, multi-dimensional leader responsible for building and scaling the organization's Center of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence and Operations. This individual is equally comfortable architecting AI-driven solutions, coaching and developing teams, and streamlining operational delivery. They are a credible thought leader who earns trust by doing — not just directing — and who sets the standard for technical and professional excellence across the organization.
Responsibilities
AI Strategy & Innovation
• Define and own the AI vision and roadmap for the COE, aligning it with organizational priorities and emerging market trends.
• Lead the evaluation, adoption, and scaling of AI/ML frameworks, LLMs, and automation tools across practice areas.
• Drive proof-of-concept and pilot projects, personally contributing to architecture and design where needed.
• Stay at the forefront of AI advancements and translate them into actionable, business-relevant initiatives.
Thought Leadership
• Act as the internal and external face of AI and operational innovation — publishing insights, presenting at forums, and representing the organization in industry conversations.
• Establish and promote best practices, frameworks, and standards that elevate the quality of delivery across teams.
• Mentor senior practitioners and serve as a go-to resource for complex, ambiguous challenges.
• Lead by example: remain hands-on, engaged, and visible — credibility comes from practice, not position.
People Leadership
• Build, develop, and retain a high-performing team of AI practitioners, engineers, and operations professionals.
• Foster a culture of psychological safety, continuous learning, and ownership within the COE.
• Conduct regular performance conversations, provide structured coaching, and create clear growth pathways for team members.
• Champion diversity, inclusion, and equitable practices in hiring, development, and team dynamics.
Operations & Delivery
• Oversee COE operations including resource allocation, capacity planning, delivery governance, and quality assurance.
• Define KPIs and OKRs for the COE and ensure consistent reporting to senior stakeholders.
• Identify and eliminate delivery bottlenecks, institutionalizing processes that scale effectively.
• Collaborate with business units, clients, and cross-functional leaders to ensure COE outcomes are impactful and measurable.
Stakeholder Management
• Engage with C-suite and senior client stakeholders to co-develop AI and transformation strategies.
• Translate complex technical concepts into clear, compelling narratives for non-technical audiences.
• Build and sustain trusted relationships across the business that enable the COE to operate with influence and authority.
About us
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, building the bridge between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, realize tangible returns and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at www.cognizant.com or @cognizant.
Additional employment information
Compensation 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.
Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
