Operational Transformation Lead

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. By combining deep industry expertise with technology, data, and human experience, we deliver impactful solutions for Fortune 500 clients worldwide.

About the role

As an Operational Transformation Leader, you will make an impact by leading large-scale enterprise transformation programs that reshape how work gets done across core business functions. You will be a senior member of the Operational Excellence practice, working collaboratively with executives, clients, and cross-functional Cognizant teams to design and deliver measurable business outcomes.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and grow complex enterprise transformation engagements across Finance, HR, Procurement, and Employee Services, from shaping opportunities through delivery.
• Advise senior executives on modernising enterprise functions by combining process redesign, automation, AI, and operating model change.
• Shape, assist in selling and then lead major enterprise transformation engagements across Finance, HR, Procurement and Employee Servicing
• Define future-state operating models that balance cost, risk, experience, and long-term value.
• Build and scale repeatable offerings, thought leadership, and assets within Operational Excellence and Automation.
• Lead, coach, and develop senior consultants, while actively contributing to Consulting leadership and practice growth.

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.

What you must have to be considered

• 10+ years' experience in consulting, professional services, or enterprise transformation, including significant time advising external clients.
• Hands-on or advisory experience in one or more of the following technology areas: process mining, process automation, machine learning models, or agentic workflows
• Proven experience leading large-scale enterprise or functional transformation programs across back-office or corporate functions (Finance, HR, Procurement, Employee Servicing or Business Asset Management)
• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence, advise, and build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Commercial acumen, including experience shaping opportunities, building value cases, and driving measurable outcomes.

These will help you succeed

• Relevant professional or industry certifications (e.g. Lean Six Sigma, Finance, HR, or enterprise platforms such as SAP, Workday, ServiceNow, or Pega).
• Experience in enterprise process redesign, operating model transformation, or large-scale automation initiatives.
• Exposure to technologies such as process mining, automation platforms, AI, or agentic workflows.
• Background in Finance, HR, Procurement, or Employee Services transformation.
• Experience building consulting offerings, assets, or points of view at scale.

We're excited to meet leaders who are passionate about transforming how enterprise work gets done and who want to shape the future of consulting. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you don't meet every requirement-your transferable experience and leadership perspective matter.