Program Delivery Director - Enterprise Data...

We are seeking a Program Delivery Director to lead the modernization of a large-scale, enterprise data ecosystem-transitioning complex legacy platforms into a scalable, cloud-native architecture on AWS . This role is ideal for a seasoned delivery leader based in the Charlotte market who has successfully guided organizations through high-stakes AWS migrations and thrives in executive-facing, outcomes-driven environments.

You will operate at the intersection of strategy, technology, and business , shaping the migration roadmap, building elite delivery teams, and partnering closely with C-suite and VP stakeholders to ensure measurable business value, operational continuity, and long-term data platform modernization.

What You’ll Lead

Enterprise Migration Strategy & Execution

• Own the end-to-end strategy for migrating legacy data environments to AWS, leveraging services such as AWS Glue, Redshift, Aurora, EMR , and related analytics and data integration platforms.

• Drive phased, low-risk migration approaches that balance speed, quality, and business continuity.

Executive Delivery Leadership

• Lead large, multi-stream programs with accountability for delivery outcomes, timelines, risk mitigation, and stakeholder confidence.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to CXO and VP-level leaders , translating technical progress into business impact, KPIs, and value realization.

High-Performance Team Building

• Build, mentor, and scale cross-functional teams spanning data engineering, architecture, DevOps, and governance.

• Establish a strong delivery culture rooted in accountability, transparency, and modern engineering best practices.

Modern Data Architecture Oversight

• Provide architectural leadership across cloud-native data platforms , including data lakes, warehouses, and lakehouse designs.

• Guide implementation using AWS-native services such as Kinesis, Lambda, Lake Formation , and modern analytics pipelines.

Data Lakehouse & Open Table Formats

• Champion next-generation Data Lakehouse architectures , including transactional and scalable data platforms built on open table formats such as Apache Iceberg .

• Ensure performance optimization, schema evolution, and multi-engine analytics enablement.

Governance, Lineage & Compliance

• Establish enterprise-grade data governance, lineage, and metadata management , leveraging platforms such as Collibra .

• Ensure visibility, trust, and regulatory compliance across critical enterprise data assets.

Client & Business Partnership

• Partner closely with business leaders across technology, marketing, sales, and operations to align data migration initiatives with broader transformation goals.

• Navigate ambiguity, refine evolving requirements, and design solutions that scale with the business.

Security & DevOps (Preferred)

• Provide oversight on AWS security fundamentals , CI/CD pipelines, and DevOps practices to support secure, automated, and resilient delivery models.

• 18+ years of experience in Data Engineering and Program Delivery, with 8+ years leading AWS-based cloud transformations .

• Proven success migrating legacy data ecosystems to AWS at enterprise scale.

• Deep expertise in data architecture including Data Warehousing, Data Lakes, Lakehouse models, Data Mesh concepts, and Data-as-a-Product thinking.

• Strong hands-on and strategic knowledge of Data Lakehouse principles and open table formats such as Apache Iceberg .

• Demonstrated leadership in data governance, lineage, and metadata management , including enterprise use of tools like Collibra .

• Executive-level communication skills with the ability to clearly articulate delivery progress, risk, and outcomes.

• A track record of building credibility with senior stakeholders and steering complex programs through change.

The annual base salary for this position is between $190,000 - $205,000 depending on the experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

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

Benefits : Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off

• 401(k) plan and contributions