AVP- Principal Architect

In this role, you will:

• Set the overall strategic direction for AI-augmented delivery initiatives or for the AI-era operating model throughout the enterprise.
• Co-create AI transformation approaches with C-suite client stakeholders and develop enterprise transformation blueprints.
• Establish evaluation frameworks for deploying frontier models, including red-team protocols, safety benchmark standards, and responsible-AI requirements.
• Lead governance for adversarial-AI risk and AI safety policy, and direct enterprise perimeter incident-response strategy.
• Own the direction of a Frontier practice and help design outcome-based commercial models.
• Steward the Frontier learning community, operating methodologies, and gold standards—while consistently exemplifying the Cognizant Way to Lead: Personal Leadership, Organizational Leadership, and Business Leadership.

What you need to have to be considered

• 20+ years of experience with proven enterprise AI leadership and established authority in AI delivery or AI-era operations.
• Deep knowledge across AI transformation strategy, frontier-model evaluation, red-team governance, adversarial machine learning, and AI safety policy.
• Proven effectiveness in partnering with C-suite and board-level stakeholders, translating complex AI concepts into enterprise transformation strategies and measurable business outcomes.
• Experience leading or influencing an advanced AI, frontier technology, delivery transformation, or AI-era operating model practice.
• Strong ability in multi-agent coordination strategy, influencing across business units, setting standards, and structuring outcome-based commercial arrangements.
• Documented success in developing Frontier talent, learning communities, methodologies, and reusable gold standards for enterprise-wide adoption.
• External recognition as a thought leader or subject-matter authority in AI delivery, responsible AI, AI safety, or AI-era operations.
• Capability to earn and maintain the Frontier Principal designation through ongoing Frontier leadership, external recognition, and readiness for the Principal panel.
• Demonstrate the Cognizant Way to Lead: Leading Self, Leading Others, and Leading the Business.
• Demonstrate Cognizant’s Values: Work as One, Dare to Innovate, Raise the Bar, Do the Right Thing, and Own It.

These will help you succeed

• Experience building, launching, and taking permanent ownership of AI-native systems end to end within a small Frontier pod.
• Ability to steer teams toward customer outcomes, not only technical throughput.
• Strong understanding of enterprise governance, safety, and the operating model implications of frontier AI deployment.
• A strategic, externally recognized leader capable of influencing across service lines, clients, practices, and senior leadership communities.