Title: Consulting Principal (Manufacturing exp.)
Designation: Associate Director level
(Hybrid - Minneapolis, MN or Chicago, IL)
The Role:
Our Manufacturing & Logistics consulting practice is one of the most prominent and significant in the industry. And we are growing! We are looking for a senior leader to join us in a high-profile capacity as an Associate Director in our Consulting practice. This role will focus on industrial manufacturing, automotive and transportation strategies at the intersection of business and technology, helping lead the way as we continue to scale our business.
Responsibilities:
Ideal candidate would be leading Consulting teams who will be responsible for:
• 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 / Process / 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
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
Required Education: Bachelor's degree required; MBA or Master's degree strongly preferred
Salary and Other Compensation: Applications will be accepted until October 5 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.
*Note: Applicants must be currently authorized to work for any employer in the United States. The company is unable to provide employment-based immigration sponsorship for this position.
#CB #LI-Minneapolis #LI-Chicago
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.
