Data Modernization Program Manager( Hybrid)

We are seeking a seasoned Program manager to lead a large-scale enterprise Data Modernization Program. This role will serve as the strategic center for transforming Insurance’s data landscape from legacy systems and siloed data stores to a modern, cloud-native, scalable data platform built on medallion architecture principles. The Program Manager will bring deep, hands-on experience delivering complex data transformation programs in regulated financial services or insurance environments. Beyond program execution, this leader will actively shape how the organization thinks about data sharing thought leadership with executives, guiding architecture decisions, resolving ambiguity from prior experience across business, technology, and vendor communities., Program Leadership & Strategic Direction

• Own end-to-end accountability for the Data Modernization Program: scope, schedule, budget, risk, and quality across all workstreams.

• Define and communicate a clear program vision and roadmap, translating business strategy into executable data transformation plans.

• Serve as the primary escalation point for program-level issues, applying pattern recognition from prior modernization programs to rapidly resolve blockers.

• Establish program governance structures including steering committees, operating rhythms, decision frameworks, and RACI models.

Thought Leadership & Architecture Guidance

• Proactively share insights and lessons learned from prior data modernization programs to educate stakeholders, pre-empt common failure modes, and accelerate decision-making.

• Act as a trusted advisor to the CIO and business leadership on data strategy, platform selection, and modernization sequencing.

Medallion Architecture Implementation

• Partner with data engineering leads to enforce standards for data contracts, schema versioning, partition strategies, and metadata management across all layers.

Vendor & Partner Management

• Lead RFP processes, vendor selection, and contract negotiations for cloud platforms, data integration tools, and systems integrators.

• Evaluate vendor roadmaps against customers Insurance’s long-term data strategy and provide recommendations on build vs. buy vs. partner decisions.

• Drive effective governance of third-party delivery teams embedded within the program, ensuring alignment with internal standards and culture.

Cross-Functional Stakeholder Alignment

• Partner with Change Management and Communications to ensure organizational readiness, training, and adoption of modernized data capabilities.

• Experience in Data modernization projects preferably with Insurance customers

• Expertise in Databricks data lake platform

• Min 5 yrs of experience in a program director role in similar programs

• Experience with data architecture and data engineering

• PMP, PgMP, SAFe, or equivalent program management certification will be a plus

The annual salary for this position is between $ 90,000 - $ 160,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, 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