Job Location : Nottingham /London
Role OverviewWe are looking for a Manager to join Cognizant’s Intelligent Process Automation (IPA) practice — a consulting-led, client-facing role where you will deliver impactful process transformation and automation programmes for leading organisations. This is a “Consulting & Delivery” role where you will diagnose bottlenecks in Retail Corporate Functions (Finance, HR, Supply Chain) and lead the process transformation and implementation of Intelligent Automation and ERP-driven transformations. You will be the primary point of contact for client stakeholders, translating business “pain points” into functional and technical requirements and overseeing the Project Management Office (PMO) for large-scale technology deployments through Agile delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Lead diagnostic assessments of “As-Is” processes in O2C, P2P, R2R, and FP&A. Identify automation/transformation opportunities that drive working capital improvements or cost reduction.
Conduct diagnostic assessments and process analyses to identify automation opportunities and quantify their business impact.
Act as the lead translator. You must understand the “why” of a business process (e.g., month-end close) and the “how” of the technology (Automation) to ensure the solution delivered by the technical team meets the business intent.
Build and maintain strong client relationships at the working level, acting as a reliable, knowledgeable point of contact throughout each engagement.
Target Operating Model (TOM) Design: Assist clients in defining how their teams, processes, and technology should interact post-transformation.
Prepare high-quality deliverables including process maps, business cases, project plans, status reports, and executive presentations.
Drive the end-to-end Agile lifecycle for automation projects, leading core ceremonies (Sprint Planning, Daily Stand-ups, Retrospectives) and maintaining a high-velocity delivery cadence while ensuring high-quality output.
Support the development of proposals and statements of work in response to client opportunities.
Contribute to internal practice initiatives — including methodology development, talent development activities, and knowledge management.
Engage in continuous learning across automation tooling, analytics platforms, and industry trends relevant to client sectors.
Key Skills & Experience
Essential
- 9–13 years of experience in consulting, business operations, or process improvement, with relevant exposure to automation or transformation programmes.
- Deep Functional Expertise: Proven track record in transforming Finance & Accounting (O2C, P2P, R2R, FP&A) and Retail Operations.
- Strategic Transformation: Experience in Target Operating Model (TOM) design and large-scale Operations Transformation.
- PMO Excellence: Experience running a PMO for large technology or ERP implementations (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Workday).
- Ability to quickly learn the nuances of a client’s bespoke business processes (e.g., Retail CRM or Supply Chain) and apply transformation principles.
- Agile Proficiency: Hands-on experience with Scrum/Agile delivery frameworks.
Desirable
- Experience in retail industry transformation, retail operations, or consumer sector consulting is a strong differentiator.
- Familiarity with automation platforms such as UiPath, Automation Anywhere, or Microsoft Power Automate.
- Scrum certification (CSM or equivalent) or formal agile training.
- Experience working in a consulting practice, managed services environment, or professional services firm.
- Knowledge of ERP systems and financial process workflows (e.g. Oracle, SAP, Workday).
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required — BSc or BA in a relevant discipline.
- Master’s degree in Management, Science, or a related field is advantageous.
- Relevant certifications in automation, agile, or process improvement (e.g. Lean Six Sigma, CSM) are a plus.
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