Engagement Lead (Associate Director)

Location: Phoenix, AZ
Work Model: Hybrid – 3 days/week onsite in Phoenix, AZ

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 deep industry and technology advisory capability, we create innovative business solutions for Fortune 500 clients. And now, we’re looking for our next colleague to help shape the future of business. Could it be you?

About the Role

As an Engagement Lead, you will make an impact by driving end‑to‑end delivery excellence, building trusted client relationships, and ensuring measurable business outcomes across large, complex consulting programs. You will be a valued member of the delivery leadership team and work collaboratively with cross‑functional stakeholders, senior client leaders, and multi-location delivery teams.

In This Role, You Will:

·       Act as the primary point of contact for senior client stakeholders, building and sustaining trusted advisor relationships.

·       Own end‑to‑end delivery across programs, projects, and managed services engagements, ensuring adherence to Cognizant delivery frameworks and quality standards.

·       Establish and lead governance structures, including steering committees, delivery reviews, and risk/issue management forums.

·       Drive innovation and transformation, enabling measurable business outcomes and ensuring accountability for delivery excellence.

·       Lead and mentor cross‑functional, multi-location delivery teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, ownership, and continuous improvement.

Work Model – Hybrid

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 3 days a week onsite in Phoenix, AZ in a client office location. Regardless of your working arrangement, we support a healthy work–life balance through a variety of wellbeing programs.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting and may change based on client needs or business requirements. We will always communicate expectations clearly.

What You Must Have to Be Considered

·       Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Business, or a related field; MBA or equivalent is a plus.

·       12–15+ years of IT services, consulting, or digital transformation experience.

·       8+ years in program, delivery, or engagement leadership roles with a strong track record managing large, complex programs.

·       Proven experience managing global delivery models, including onshore/offshore teams.

·       Strong executive presence, communication, and stakeholder management capabilities.

These Will Help You Succeed

·       Deep understanding of modern technology landscapes (Digital Transformation, Cloud, Data & AI, Application Modernization).

·       Certifications such as PMP or Lean SixSigma

·       Strong governance, planning, and execution discipline.

·       Excellent conflict resolution and problem‑solving skills.

·       Business acumen and industry awareness.

We're excited to meet people who share our mission. Even if you don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply and highlight your transferable skills.

Compensation

·       $165,000 - $194,000

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

Benefits

Includes applicable items from the standard U.S. benefits package:

·       Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

·       401(k) with company contributions

·       Employee stock purchase plan

·       Employee assistance program

·       10 paid holidays plus PTO

·       Paid parental leave and fertility assistance

·       Learning & development programs and certifications

Post Closing Date

Applications will be accepted until 1/31/2026