Principal Agilist at Cognizant TriZetto: Driving Agile Excellence in Product Development

Introduction

The landscape of software development and business operations is rapidly evolving, demanding leaders who can effectively bridge strategy, execution, and innovation. Cognizant TriZetto, a pioneer in healthcare solutions and product development, is looking for an accomplished Principal Agilist (Agile Project Management Associate Director) to lead teams, champion Agile practices, and ensure operational excellence across product delivery.

This role is designed for a seasoned Agile leader with expertise in Agile, Lean, ITIL, SDLC, and change management—someone who thrives on creating efficiency, enabling transformation, and mentoring high-performing teams.

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Why This Role is Critical

In today’s digital-first environment, organizations depend on Agile methodologies to deliver speed, efficiency, and customer-centric innovation. At Cognizant TriZetto, the Principal Agilist plays a pivotal role in guiding Agile product managers, shaping project execution strategies, and driving organizational agility.

This leadership role is not just about overseeing processes—it’s about transforming ways of working, ensuring effective governance, and inspiring teams to deliver high-value outcomes in a competitive marketplace.

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Key Responsibilities

As a Principal Agilist / Agile Project Management Associate Director, the candidate will undertake a broad set of responsibilities that blend leadership, strategy, and execution:

1. Agile Leadership & Strategy

• Provide direction and mentorship to TriZetto Product House Agile project managers.

• Develop and refine Agile frameworks to ensure scalability across complex product environments.

• Promote a culture of continuous improvement by embedding Agile principles in every aspect of delivery.

2. Operational Excellence

• Ensure smooth execution of Agile product development cycles, aligning with business and client needs.

• Standardize best practices across teams to improve predictability, efficiency, and quality.

• Monitor project progress, resolve delivery challenges, and provide transparency to stakeholders.

3. Change Management

• Lead organizational change initiatives to improve adaptability and responsiveness.

• Drive adoption of Agile and Lean practices across cross-functional units.

• Guide teams through transformation journeys, enabling them to embrace change with confidence.

4. Business Collaboration

• Work closely with senior leadership, stakeholders, and product owners to align on priorities and key deliverables.

• Foster strong relationships with clients by ensuring projects are delivered on time and aligned with expectations.

• Act as a key advisor on Agile adoption and its impact on business strategy and operations.

5. Governance & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to industry regulations, ITIL standards, and internal organizational policies.

• Ensure projects follow defined governance models while maintaining Agile flexibility.

• Strike the right balance between innovation and risk control to ensure stable operations.

6. Talent Development

• Empower Agile project managers through coaching, training, and mentorship.

• Build a high-performing, resilient team capable of scaling with organizational needs.

• Encourage professional development and create opportunities for skill advancement.

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Required Skills and Competencies

The Principal Agilist role requires a blend of technical, strategic, and interpersonal expertise. Candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong knowledge of Agile frameworks (Scrum, Kanban, SAFe) and Lean principles.

• Proven understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and Agile implementation.

• Expertise in ITIL practices for process and service management.

• Advanced change management skills to lead organizational transformation.

• Excellent leadership and mentoring abilities to direct and inspire teams.

• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills across global teams.

• A strategic mindset with the ability to align Agile delivery to business goals.

• Problem-solving acumen and adaptability in dynamic, fast-paced environments.

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Career Growth Opportunities

Taking on the Principal Agilist role at Cognizant TriZetto offers immense potential for career growth. Successful leaders in this role often progress into higher executive positions such as Program Director, Delivery Head, or Transformation Leader.

In addition, this role provides exposure to:

• Large-scale Agile transformations across global clients.

• Leadership of cross-functional, distributed teams.

• Opportunities to shape Agile strategies that influence both product development and business outcomes.

• Collaboration with industry leaders in healthcare IT, financial services, and digital solutions.

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Why Join Cognizant TriZetto?

Cognizant TriZetto is part of Cognizant’s healthcare and product development ecosystem, known for its innovation in payer, provider, and government healthcare solutions. Joining this team means:

• Being part of a global leader in digital transformation.

• Working in an environment that values collaboration, inclusivity, and continuous learning.

• Access to cutting-edge tools, resources, and methodologies.

• A supportive community of over 300,000 professionals worldwide.

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Cognizant’s Work Culture

Cognizant’s success is powered by its people. The organization fosters:

• Collaboration & Support: Teams thrive in a culture where collaboration and respect are foundational.

• Innovation & Growth: Employees are encouraged to think creatively and embrace new opportunities.

• Global Exposure: With operations in more than 65 countries, employees work in diverse, international settings.

• Purpose-Driven Work: Cognizant emphasizes sustainability, ethics, and positive impact on communities and clients.

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About Cognizant

Cognizant is one of the world’s leading professional services firms, renowned for helping clients envision, build, and run digitally enabled businesses. By combining deep industry expertise with cutting-edge technology, Cognizant transforms industries ranging from financial services and healthcare to retail, manufacturing, and beyond.

• Headquarters: Teaneck, New Jersey, USA

• Employees: Over 300,000 professionals worldwide

• Recognition: Featured in the NASDAQ-100 Index and recognized among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers 2024

• Focus: Driving digital transformation, cloud modernization, automation, and Agile business models

Cognizant’s consultative approach enables businesses to not just adapt, but thrive in the digital era.

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Equal Opportunity Statement

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer, ensuring fair employment practices regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or other protected categories.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process can contact CareersNA2@cognizant.com for support.

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Application Process

The hiring process may include:

• Virtual or in-person interviews.

• Presentation of valid government-issued ID during interviews.

• Assessment of skills and alignment with Cognizant’s Agile practices.

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Conclusion

The Principal Agilist role at Cognizant TriZetto is an exciting opportunity for Agile leaders who aspire to make a transformative impact on product development and business operations. It requires more than project management—it calls for vision, adaptability, and the ability to inspire teams while aligning delivery with strategic goals.

For professionals passionate about Agile leadership, change management, and operational excellence, this role offers the perfect platform to influence large-scale transformation and build a meaningful career within one of the world’s most admired organizations.

Apply Here