Title: Consulting Principal (Automotive exp.)
Designation: Associate Director level
(Hybrid - Detroit, MI)
Job Summary
Consulting Principal role requiring 12 to 16 years of experience in automotive industry focused on delivering high impact advisory and transformation projects for global clients in a hybrid day shift work model driving operational excellence digital enablement and sustainable performance improvements for multinational automotive enterprises.
Responsibilities
• Strong program management expertise - collaborate with clients, cross-functional Cognizant teams to deliver process improvements and help achieve client objectives
• Lead Business Transformation for clients across the manufacturing value chain - help grow consulting footprint and revenue at the client
• Proven ability to sell, lead, and deliver consulting engagements while influencing senior executives and developing consulting teams
• Lead end-to-end consulting engagements, including strategy, operating model transformation, process optimization, and digital initiatives
• Ability to drive AI-led discussions and workshops - helping clients navigate AI
• Expertise in serving manufacturing clients (Industrial / Auto / Diversified) and ability to provide tailored solutions to address their specific needs
• Work with a diverse set of external and internal stakeholders - clients, account leadership, service lines - to support proposal development, solution shaping, and client presentations (including supporting large IT transformation deals)
• Manage client relationships, ensuring successful project delivery.
• Driving thought leadership agenda for the consulting practice including authoring white papers, workshops, webinars, etc.
• Lead and mentor consulting teams comprising consultants, analysts, and subject matter experts
• Excellent customer facing capabilities, and an established track record for selling & delivering consulting engagements
• Strong program management expertise -
• A demonstrated ability to understand technology / architecture imperatives for consulting and IT transformation deals
• Extensive experience working in manufacturing segment
• Experience of working with C-level executives at the client organization
• MBA with an excellent academic background (preferred)
Qualifications
• Excellent customer facing capabilities, and an established track record for selling & delivering consulting engagements
• Strong program management expertise -
• A demonstrated ability to understand technology / architecture imperatives for consulting and IT transformation deals
• Extensive experience working in manufacturing segment
• Experience of working with C-level executives at the client organization
• MBA with an excellent academic background (preferred). Preferably hold advanced education in engineering operations or business disciplines and have worked on large scale process improvement programs such as lean manufacturing reliability centered maintenance or integrated business planning.
• Value ethical consulting practices inclusivity and sustainability ensuring that all advisory work supports responsible industrial growth safe working environments and positive societal outcomes through improved manufacturing performance.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree required; MBA or Master's degree strongly preferred
Salary and Other Compensation: Applications will be accepted until October 9 th , 2026. The annual salary for this position is between $122,400.00 - $194,000.00 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.
Incentives: Eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program and stock awards, subject to applicable plan terms.
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Paid Holidays plus PTO, 401(k) with company contributions, Short-term/Long-term Disability, Paid Parental Leave, Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Disclaimer: Salary, other compensation, and benefits are accurate as of the date of this posting and may be modified at any time, subject to applicable law.
#CB #LI-Detroit
