Senior Project Manager - Application Development

About the role

As a Senior Project Manager Application Development, you will make an impact by leading complex application development initiatives that drive business outcomes and deliver value to our clients. You will be a valued member of the delivery team, collaborating with business stakeholders, development teams, vendors, and leadership to successfully execute projects in dynamic environments.

Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring Visa transfer or sponsorship now or at any time in the future.

In this role, you will:

Lead multiple application development projects simultaneously, ensuring on-time delivery, quality execution, and alignment with business objectives.

Manage projects using both Agile (Scrum) and Waterfall methodologies based on project requirements and organizational needs.

Drive project planning activities including scope definition, scheduling, budgeting, forecasting, and resource management.

Partner with cross-functional teams and external vendors to achieve project milestones and deliverables.

Provide clear and proactive stakeholder communication through project status reporting, risk management, and issue resolution.

Monitor project health, identify and mitigate risks, and implement corrective actions to maintain delivery commitments.

Leverage project management tools such as Microsoft Project Plan (MPP), Azure DevOps, and Jira to manage execution and reporting.

Support the adoption of GenAI-enabled project management practices and Portfolio & Project Management (PPM) best practices to improve delivery efficiency and customer experience.

Work model

At Cognizant, we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible, and we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs. Based on this role''s business requirements, this is an onsite position requiring 5 days a week in a client office in Peoria, Illinois.

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.

What you need to have to be considered

Proven experience of 12+ years managing application development projects and programs in enterprise environments.

Strong experience delivering projects using both Agile (Scrum) and Waterfall methodologies.

Demonstrated success managing projects within complex multi-vendor environments.

Hands-on experience with Microsoft Project Plan (MPP), Azure DevOps, and/or Jira.

Strong project planning, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and stakeholder management skills.

Excellent communication and leadership capabilities with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.

Knowledge of GenAI tools and their application to project management and delivery operations.

These will help you stand out

PMP (Project Management Professional) certification.

Experience working in Manufacturing domain

Experience implementing Portfolio & Project Management (PPM) best practices.

Experience leading large-scale digital transformation or application modernization initiatives.

Strong customer-centric mindset with experience improving project outcomes and stakeholder satisfaction.

Note: Certain roles may require candidates to attend in-person interviews at Cognizant offices or client locations, depending on project requirements.

Applications will be accepted until August 28th, 2026.

Salary and Other Compensation:

The annual salary for this position is between $102,600 to $ 160,500 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
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits 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.

About Cognizant:

Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization's unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.

Additional employment 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.

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 CareersNA2@cognizant.com for roles based in the Americas or CareersIndia2@cognizant.com for roles based in India.