Executive Program Director

00068516721

• Date published Apr 14 2026
• Location Norfolk / United States
• Job category Corporate
• Work model Hybrid

Leading at Cognizant

This is a Leadership role at Cognizant. We believe how you lead is as important as what you deliver. Cognizant leaders at every level: Drive our business strategy and inspire teams around our future. Live the leadership behaviors , leading themselves, others and the business. Uphold our Values , role modeling them in every action and decision. Nurture our people and culture , creating a workplace where all can thrive.

At Cognizant, leadership transcends titles and is embodied in actions and behaviors. We empower our leaders at every level to drive business strategy, inspire teams, uphold our values, and foster an inclusive culture.

About the role

As an Executive Program Director, you will make a significant impact by leading a strategic, complex program to build and implement the product along with associated custom components. You will be a valued member of the team, working collaboratively with the manager, core delivery teams, key stakeholders, and clients to ensure successful outcomes.

In this role, you will:

• Oversee the delivery of big and complex programs, ensuring they meet client expectations and organizational standards.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless project execution and delivery.
• Develop and implement project plans that align with the company’s strategic objectives.
• Monitor project progress and make necessary adjustments to ensure timely completion.
• Provide expert guidance on Program Management, leveraging skills to optimize project outcomes.
• Analyze data capture processes to enhance project efficiency and effectiveness.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify project requirements and deliverables.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices in project management.
• Facilitate communication between team members and stakeholders to ensure project transparency.
• Evaluate project performance and implement improvements for future projects.
• Utilize hybrid work model to maximize team productivity and project success.
• Drive innovation in project delivery through the use of advanced data capture techniques.
• Support the company’s mission by delivering projects that have a positive impact on society.
• Consistently demonstrate the Cognizant Way to Lead, which means operating with Personal Leadership (building trust, collaboration, and inclusion), Organizational Leadership (driving vision and purpose, demonstrating a strategic and enterprise mindset, and creating and communicating a bold direction that inspires purpose), and Business Leadership (exemplifying client focus, managing ambiguity with accountability and results, and operating with financial acumen)

What you need to have to be considered

• US Healthcare Payer Delivery experience and domain expertise (20+ years).
• Significant experience (20+ years) in managing client relationships in Healthcare domain.
• Proven experience managing large teams and building collaborative relationships with external and internal partners (teams of 300+).
• Dynamic entrepreneurial spirit and collaborative approach.
• Energy; ability to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Ability to work with cross-functional team of experts across internal functions / business units.
• Demonstrable problem-solving abilities with the aptitude to identify strategic solutions to business problems.
• Strong professional executive presence.
• Executive-level written and verbal communication skills, team leadership and deal-making experience.
• Readiness to travel 25% or more annually including overseas business travel.
• Embodiment of the Cognizant Way to Lead : Leading Self, Leading Others, & Leading the Business
• The embodiment of Cognizant’s Values of: Work as One, Dare to Innovate, Raise the Bar, Do The right Thing, & Own It

These will help you succeed

• Experience in high-level, C-suite executive service delivery management
• Experience in working with global operational teams and the global delivery model

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 3 days a week in a client or Cognizant office. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though 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

We're excited to meet people who 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.

The Cognizant community

We are a high caliber team who appreciate and support one another. Our people uphold an energetic, collaborative and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

• Cognizant is a global community with more than 300,000 associates around the world.
• We don’t just dream of a better way – we make it happen.
• We take care of our people, clients, company, communities and climate by doing what’s right.
• We foster an innovative environment where you can build the career path that’s right for you.

Cognizant is one of the world's leading professional services companies, transforming clients' business, operating, and technology models for the digital era. Our unique industry-based, consultative approach helps clients envision, build, and run more innovative and efficient businesses. Headquartered in the U.S., Cognizant (a member of the NASDAQ-100 and one of Forbes World’s Best Employers 2025) is consistently listed among the most admired companies in the world. Learn how Cognizant helps clients lead with digital at

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.

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.

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.

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