Testing & Validation Program Manager

Cognizant Technology Solutions is currently seeking a highly skilled Testing & Validation Program Manager who will be responsible for end-to-end delivery management of testing and validation projects & programs for one of our Life Sciences customers.The Test and Validation Program Manager will oversee and manage both GxP (Good Practice) and non-GxP projects and change requests for our client. This role involves ensuring high-quality delivery, maintaining regulatory compliance, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and optimizing project execution for efficiency. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in testing and program management within both regulated and non-regulated environments, excellent communication skills, and proven ability to manage complex project delivery.Are you ready to be a change-maker? At Cognizant, we believe those who challenge the way they work today will lead the way tomorrow!Ability to work independently and remotely, with willingness travel for client engagements as needed.Responsibilities:Program Management and Client Relationship: Responsible for overall Test program management and maintaining the relationship between Cognizant and the customer. Oversee the coordination and completion of projects managing timelines resources and stakeholder expectations. Provide strategic direction and guidance to project teams ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Serve as the first level of escalation for any issues on-site. Oversee day-to-day administration, operations, and SLA adherence. Conduct regular status meetings with client stakeholders.Team Management and Resourcing: Manage staffing, metrics reporting, status reporting, and address any issues or concerns. Plan and allocate Cognizant resources at Onshore locations. Coordinate continuously with Offshore counterparts. Participate in demand forecasting, capacity planning, and team size optimization. Provide daily oversight of the Cognizant team’s activities across all Onshore locations. Evaluate the performance of the Cognizant team and provide recommendations for improvements.Project Execution and Monitoring: Monitor project progress and performance, identifying and addressing any issues or risks. Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among project team members, stakeholders, and relevant parties. Conduct regular project reviews and assessments, providing feedback and recommendations. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance project processes and outcomes. Collaborate with teams to integrate new technologies and innovations into the engagement.Compliance and Reporting: Report on all agreed metrics promptly. Ensure adherence to SLA and client process compliance. Schedule and anchor monthly global team meetings. Ensure compliance with client processes and procedures, including training requirements for Cognizant resources.Required Skills/Qualifications: 18+ years in Test Management, Program Management, Delivery Management, Project Stakeholder Management. Experience working on SAP with Automation skills. Expertise in the Life Sciences domain and Computer System Validation. In-depth knowledge of GxP requirements and regulatory guidelines (e.g., FDA, EMA). Strong understanding of project and change management principles, especially in regulated settings. Proven ability to handle complex projects involving cross-functional teams for both GxP and Non-GxP systems. Experience in testing for Non-GxP projects, including a solid understanding of automation tools and technology. Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities with the capacity to address issues and risks effectively. Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously. Ability to apply Life Sciences domain knowledge in implementing processes, tools, and technology. Focus on best practices to ensure appropriate testing & validation controls are implemented. Proficiency with Test, Project, and Change Management tools (e.g., MS Project, ValGenesis VLMS, Monday.com, ServiceNow). Skilled in managing client metrics and KPIs. Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.Preferred Skills/Qualification: Experience with the latest automation tools and technologies. Exposure to adopting Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in testing. Project Management Professional (PMP) or similar certification for test project and delivery management. Experience in supporting internal and external audits/inspections. Ability to lead the creation of SOPs, business process documents, and work instructions.Home office setup (network, phone, etc.) Our strength is built on our ability to work together. Our diverse backgrounds offer different perspectives and new ways of thinking. It encourages lively discussions, inspires thought leadership, and helps us build better solutions for our clients. We want someone who thrives in this setting and is inspired to craft meaningful solutions through true collaboration.If you are comfortable with ambiguity, excited by change, and excel through autonomy, we’d love to hear from you.The Cognizant community:We are a high caliber team who appreciate and support one another. Our people uphold an energetic, collaborative and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.Cognizant is a global community with more than 300,000 associates around the world.We don’t just dream of a better way – we make it happen.We take care of our people, clients, company, communities and climate by doing what’s right.We foster an innovative environment where you can build the career path that’s right for you.About us:Cognizant is one of the world's leading professional services companies, transforming clients' business, operating, and technology models for the digital era. Our unique industry-based, consultative approach helps clients envision, build, and run more innovative and efficient businesses. Headquartered in the U.S., Cognizant (a member of the NASDAQ-100 and one of Forbes World’s Best Employers 2024) is consistently listed among the most admired companies in the world. Learn how Cognizant helps clients lead with digital at www.cognizant.comOur commitment to diversity and inclusion:Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer that embraces diversity, champions equity and values inclusion. We are dedicated to nurturing a community where everyone feels heard, accepted and welcome. 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 protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state or local laws.Disclaimer: 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.