Consulting Principal, PMO M&A

About Cognizant Consulting

Cognizant Consulting is more than Cognizant’s consulting practice—we’re a global community of 5,000+ experts dedicated to helping clients reimagine their business. Blending our deep industry and technology advisory capability, we create innovative business solutions for Fortune 500 clients. And now, we’re looking for our next colleague who’ll join us in shaping the future of business. Could it be you?

About the Role

As a Consulting Principal – Mergers & Acquisitions (Network Integration), you will make an impact by leading complex M&A advisory engagements that help clients maximize transaction value, reduce integration risk, and accelerate business transformation. You will be a valued member of Cognizant Consulting’s M&A Advisory practice and work collaboratively with client executives, consulting teams, technology leaders, and cross-functional stakeholders.

In this Role, You Will

• Lead M&A advisory engagements across the full deal lifecycle, including IT due diligence, Day 1 readiness, separation planning, and post-merger integration.
• Advise senior business and technology leaders on integration strategy, operating model design, network transformation, and value realization initiatives.
• Assess application, infrastructure, network, security, and IT operating environments to develop integration and transformation roadmaps.
• Lead cross-functional consulting teams to deliver strategic recommendations and measurable business outcomes for clients.
• Support business development activities, proposal development, thought leadership initiatives, and practice growth efforts.

Work Model

We strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a remote position open to qualified applicants in the United States. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you’re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

What You Must Have to Be Considered

• 15+ years of consulting, advisory, or professional services experience with significant focus on M&A integration and network transformation engagements.
• Proven experience leading client-facing programs involving IT due diligence, Day 1 readiness, post-merger integration, and technology modernization.
• Strong expertise in network integration, infrastructure transformation, and enterprise technology operating models.
• Demonstrated ability to engage executive stakeholders and deliver strategic, data-driven recommendations.
• Experience leading consulting teams and managing workstreams across complex, matrixed organizations.
• AI and Generative AI fluency, including experience leveraging AI-enabled approaches to improve consulting delivery and business outcomes.
• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or Master’s degree preferred.

These Will Help You Succeed

• Deep knowledge of IT M&A integration management, application rationalization, infrastructure modernization, synergy realization, and operating model transformation.
• Experience supporting business development, proposal creation, and consulting practice growth initiatives.
• Strong executive communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to translate complex technical assessments into practical business strategies.
• Industry-recognized certifications in program management, architecture, networking, or M&A disciplines.
• Ability and willingness to travel based on client and project requirements.

We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.

Compensation

The annual salary for this position is between $122,400 – $190,750 depending on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other business considerations.

This position is eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Employee assistance program
• 10 paid holidays plus PTO
• Paid parental leave and fertility assistance
• Learning and development certifications and programs