Program Scheduler

Cognizant is a large IT Consulting Firm that leverages modern technologies to transform a variety modern businesses. The Program Scheduler is responsible for developing, maintaining, and managing detailed project timelines across multiple programs by creating and updating project schedules, monitoring progress, identifying potential delays, and communicating schedule updates to project stakeholders and owners. They will work closely with project managers and work stream leads to optimize project efficiency using project management software (Smartsheets or other) and tools like Gantt charts to visualize critical paths and potential bottlenecks. Please note that this role is 100% onsite in Palo Alto, CA. Only local candidates will be considered.

Role Responsibilities

• Schedule Development:
  • Help break down project scope into manageable tasks and activities.
  • Collect task durations and dependencies to create a comprehensive project schedule.
  • Utilize project management software to build detailed Gantt charts and critical path analyses.
• Resource Allocation:
  • Be able to assign personnel, equipment, and materials to project tasks in software.
  • Monitor resource utilization and identify potential resource conflicts.
• Progress Monitoring:
  • Regularly verify project progress against the schedule.
  • Identify deviations from the plan and analyze the impact on project timelines with the Program owners.
  • Update schedules based on progress and report variances to project stakeholders and owners.
• Risk Management:
  • Identify potential schedule risks and flag to program owners so they can develop mitigation strategies.
  • Proactively communicate potential delays to project management.
• Communication and Collaboration:
  • Collaborate closely with project managers, team members, and other stakeholders to ensure schedule alignment.
  • Provide regular schedule updates and reports for team members to be able to use in program updates and planning.
  • Assess the impact of project changes on the schedule and communicate them effectively to the project team.

Desired Skills & Experience

• At least a Bachelor's degree is required
• 5+ plus years of related experience, such as in Project/Program Management
• Technical Skills:
  • Expertise in project management software
  • Understanding of critical path analysis and scheduling methodologies
  • Ability to develop complex project schedules with accurate task dependencies and intersecting project schedules
• Analytical Skills:
  • Strong analytical skills to identify trends, forecast potential issues, and interpret data
• Communication Skills:
  • Clear and concise communication to effectively convey schedule information to stakeholders
• Collaboration Skills:
  • Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams

Salary and Other Compensation:

The annual salary for this position is between $55,000 - $67,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits 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.

LA County (only): Qualified applicants with arrest and/or conviction records will be considered for employment.

Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship now or at any time in the future.