About Cognizant
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is a leading global professional services company, helping clients transform their business, operating, and technology models for the digital era. Our industry-based, consultative approach helps clients envision, build, and run more innovative and efficient businesses.
We foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and inclusion—empowering our employees to grow and make a meaningful impact.
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Enterprise Lead – Data Discovery, Protection & Privacy to drive strategic data governance and security initiatives across large-scale banking environments. This role will lead enterprise-wide efforts to identify, classify, and protect sensitive data across both on-premises and cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud).
You will partner closely with application teams, data leadership, and risk stakeholders to operationalize robust data privacy and protection frameworks across structured and unstructured data ecosystems.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the enterprise rollout of data discovery and data protection capabilities across production, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments
- Define and implement sensitive data classification standards and enterprise-wide taxonomy frameworks
- Partner with application teams, data governance, and privacy leaders to operationalize data protection strategies
- Design and implement automated governance workflows, integrating data discovery tools with platforms such as Alation (MDM) and ServiceNow
- Drive adoption of data protection and privacy controls across structured and unstructured data platforms
- Develop and maintain executive-level dashboards (Tableau) to track KPIs related to privacy, risk, and compliance posture
- Ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and enterprise data governance standards
- Provide thought leadership and best practices for data privacy, protection, and risk mitigation
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- Proven experience leading enterprise-scale data discovery, protection, or privacy initiatives
- Strong background in banking or financial services environments
- Hands-on experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud) and hybrid architectures
- Expertise in data classification, governance frameworks, and privacy controls
- Experience integrating tools such as Alation, ServiceNow, or similar governance platforms
- Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau) for executive reporting
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with structured and unstructured data platforms at scale
- Knowledge of regulatory frameworks (e.g., GDPR, CCPA, banking compliance standards)
- Certifications in cloud, data governance, or security domains
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a strategic mindset
Work Model
- Location: Remote (U.S.-based)
- Travel: Limited, based on business needs
Salary & Benefits
- Salary Range: $115,000 – $125,000 annually (depending on experience, skills, and location)
- Bonus/Variable Pay: Eligible for performance-based incentives
- Benefits Include:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off (PTO), holidays, and sick leave
- Life and disability insurance
- Employee wellness and assistance programs
- Learning and development opportunities, certifications, and career growth programs
Why Cognizant
- Opportunity to lead high-impact, enterprise data initiatives
- Work with global banking clients and cutting-edge cloud technologies
- Continuous learning and career advancement opportunities
- Inclusive, collaborative, and innovation-driven culture
Equal Opportunity Statement
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
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.
