Skip to main content

Consulting Principal - Programme Architceture

00069709891


About Cognizant Consulting
Cognizant Consulting is more than Cognizant’s consulting practice—we’re a global community of 6,000+ 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 Programme Architect, you will make an impact by providing senior leadership across a high-profile public sector data modernization engagement. You will be a valued member of the team and work collaboratively with the engagement lead, primary teams, and client stakeholders.


In this role, you will:

  • Provide senior architectural oversight across the full programme, ensuring the Data Platform and Data Products workstreams are architecturally coherent, mutually supportive, and delivering towards a unified target operating model.
  • Own the programme-level architecture documentation, including the overarching solution architecture, integration model, and architectural decision log.
  • Lead programme-level planning, ensuring workstreams have clear, realistic, and coordinated delivery roadmaps with well-defined milestones and dependencies.
  • Define, document, and socialise the critical success factors for the programme, ensuring all team members, stakeholders, and partners have a shared and consistent understanding of what success looks like.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with senior client stakeholders, acting as a trusted point of contact for programme status, direction, and assurance.

Work Model
We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring presence in London and remote work. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs.


What you must have to be considered

  • Minimum seven years of experience in architecture, programme leadership, or senior delivery roles, with a track record of successfully leading complex data or technology transformation programmes.
  • Strong understanding of data platform and data product concepts, with sufficient technical depth to engage credibly with architects and engineers across both workstreams.
  • Proven experience leading programme-level planning, dependency management, and governance in a complex multi-workstream environment.
  • Demonstrable experience defining and tracking critical success factors and benefits realisation in technology change programmes.
  • Experience working within UK public sector organisations, with a clear understanding of the associated governance, assurance, and stakeholder complexities.


These will help you succeed

  • Experience as a programme or solution architect on a Databricks or cloud data platform programme.
  • Familiarity with data quality frameworks and tooling (such as Great Expectations, dbt tests, or Databricks Lakehouse Monitoring) and the ability to ensure these are prioritised and embedded within the delivery plan.
  • Familiarity with TOGAF or equivalent architecture frameworks; comfortable working within an Agile delivery environment using JIRA for planning, backlog management, and progress tracking.
  • Experience working in a consulting or systems integrator environment, managing both client relationships and internal delivery teams.
  • Previous experience delivering operating model transformation alongside a technology programme.


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.

About Cognizant: 
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap 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, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai 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.

Benefits that help you thrive and grow

Our benefits program is built with you in mind—so you can enjoy a fulfilling, balanced and healthy life.

a blue line drawing of a plant with leaves

Financial wellbeing

We regularly review market data to ensure compensation reflects the value you bring. Your benefits extend beyond pay and may include retirement plans, financial education, etc.

Stay Healthy Midnight Blue RGB

Physical and mental health

We empower you to prioritize your wellbeing through paid time off, flexible working where possible, healthcare plans, counselling, our Mental Health Allyship program and more. 

Build The Career You Want Midnight Blue RGB

Your career, your way

With 350,000+ roles at Cognizant, you’ll have opportunities explore new technologies, industries and locations—and build the skills you need to grow your career.

Making A Meaningful Impact Midnight Blue RGB

Real-world impact

Think about the biggest brands you rely on. Chances are, they rely on us to help strengthen their business. Here, you’ll turn bold ideas into solutions that improve lives everywhere.

Your path to Cognizant

Here’s what you can expect from our hiring process. Please keep in mind that it may vary by role and location. Explore our FAQs to learn more.

a person sitting at a table using a laptop

Step 1: Apply to the right opportunity

Find an open role that matches your skills and career goals and show us why you’re the person for the job. Don’t see the right opportunity? Consider joining our Talent Community.

a person holding a tablet and talking on the phone

Step 2: Connect with your recruiter

If one of our recruiters sees a fit, they’ll set up a short intro call to learn more about you and how your experiences and skills match the role.

a person smiling at a table with a laptop

Step 3: Show off your skills

If you and our team would like to continue the process, you’ll interview with our hiring team. Some roles may also require technical assessments and/or client interviews.

a group of people sitting around a table

Step 4: Decision time

Our team will then review each candidates’ potential to succeed in the role. This step may take some time because we want to find the right fit for both you and us—but you can count on us to keep you updated.

a person with long blonde hair wearing a white shirt with orange and purple flowers
What I value most about working at Cognizant is the opportunity to innovate while delivering real business impact. My role allows me to combine strategy, technology, and collaboration across global teams, which makes every project meaningful. The support for continuous learning and innovation has been instrumental in my growth.
Beata Ogorzala Senior Event Manager
1 (2)
Cognizant has one of the best learning ecosystems you can ask for. From sponsored certifications to training platforms to mentorship, we have all that we need to grow.
Debashish Mishra SAP MM Developer
2
Cognizant offers me more than a job; it offers a community. We support each other, collaborate across borders and celebrate wins together. If you’re looking for a culture that values flexibility, diversity and growth, this is the place to be.
Laura Reynaud Lead Counsel
3
When I first joined, I was quiet and hesitant to share my thoughts. The leadership programs and the mentoring I’ve received have helped me find my voice and grow as a leader.
Sujatha Gopalakrishnan Portfolio Delivery Lead
4
I’ve had the chance to work on impactful projects and shadow colleagues, all while getting involved in internal initiatives. The world is your oyster at Cognizant—you just need to take advantage of it!
Lucas Hoffman Consultant

Haven't yet found the right opportunity?

Get the latest updates on job opportunities, recruitment events and company news—tailored just for you!

Be in the know