Title: Sr. Program Director (Agentic AI exp.)
Designation: Senior Director level
(Remote – Must be based in continental US)
Overview:
Join Cognizant as an inspiring leader within the Program & Project Management community. This key role is responsible and accountable for Program Management activities associated with large-scale, complex, multi-service (Application Development and Maintenance, Infrastructure, Business Process, and Digital) programs. Successful candidates will not only manage delivery objectives but will also have responsibility for customer satisfaction and the client relationships required for successful program delivery.
Role:
The Agentic AI Program Leader is a senior delivery leadership role responsible for leading Vector 3 agentic AI engagements – complex, multi-agent, multi service line programs where AI systems operate autonomously or semi autonomously and outcomes evolve dynamically during delivery
Key Responsibilities:
· End to end leadership of Vector 3 AI engagements
· Orchestrating humans and autonomous agents
· Continuous governance, risk and ethics oversight
· Cross-service line coordination and decision making
· Translating agentic AI complexity into executive-level insight
· Building delivery proof that supports go-to-market credibility
Cognizant’s 3‑vector AI strategy:
· Vector 1 – AI‑led productivity
Boost productivity and reduce technical debt (especially in engineering) to fund transformation.
· Vector 2 – Industrializing AI
Make AI enterprise‑grade by modernizing data/cloud foundations and embedding AI into platforms and processes at scale.
· Vector 3 – Agentifying the enterprise
Deploy autonomous AI agents (“digital workers”) to run workflows and transform operating models.
KPIs: Credible delivery of agentic AI engagements, strong governance, executive confidence, and scalable delivery patterns
Required Qualifications:
· 20 + years of experience in strategy, operations, process consulting, stakeholder management, project / program delivery
· Experience in ambiguity heavy environments
· AI-governance literacy
· PMI – CPMAI preferred
*Nice to have: Gen AI certifications
Capabilities: Gen AI, Program Leadership, Agentic AI Fluency, Data and Decision Science, Product and Process Thinking, Risk, Security, Responsible AI, Change Leadership
Required Education: Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or Master’s degree strongly preferred
Work Authorization: Must be legally authorized to work in US without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.
Salary and Other Compensation:
Applications will be accepted until May 8thth, 2026. The annual salary for this position is between $162,000.00 – $257,000.00 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.
Incentives: Eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program and stock awards, subject to applicable plan terms.
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Paid Holidays plus PTO, 401(k) with company contributions, Short-term/Long-term Disability, Paid Parental Leave, Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Disclaimer: Salary, other compensation, and benefits are accurate as of the date of this posting and may be modified at any time, subject to applicable law.
#CB #LI-UnitedStates
What we offer
- The chance to work with impact. Here, you’re empowered to bring your biggest thinking to help our company and clients improve everyday life.
- Ownership over your career. Stay at the top of your game through our award-winning learning and development ecosystem. And when your ambitions change or we offer new opportunities, we help you pivot by providing reskilling, on-the-job learning and guidance to find new roles that might be a better fit.
- The opportunity to thrive on a high caliber team with heart. We celebrate each other’s experiences and perspectives and promote a sense of belonging through our affinity groups and diversity and inclusion initiatives.
- A comprehensive total rewards package, including a competitive salary and a pension plan with matching contributions.
- Flexible health and financial benefits to support you and your eligible dependents—from day one.
- True work-life balance. Be at your best through paid time off, flexible work arrangements, volunteering opportunities, social events, and so much more.
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.
Other employment-related information
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, provincial or local laws.
If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email [email protected] with your request and contact information.
Language requirements vary depending on roles, but we ask that all candidates have basic English proficiency for company-wide communications purposes. For roles based in Quebec, professional English proficiency is required, as you’ll deliver services to and collaborate with stakeholders outside the province who may not speak French.