Consulting Principal, Healthcare Supply Chain (Logistics & Distribution)

Leading at Cognizant

This is a leadership role at Cognizant, where how you lead matters as much as what you deliver. Leadership here transcends titles — it's reflected in the actions that drive our business strategy, inspire teams around our future, uphold our values, and build a culture where everyone can thrive.

About Cognizant Consulting

Cognizant Consulting is more than Cognizant's consulting practice. We are a global community of 5,000+ experts dedicated to helping clients reimagine their business. Blending our deep industry and technology advisory capabilities, we create innovative business solutions for Fortune 500 clients. And now, we are looking for our next colleague who will join us in shaping the future of business. Could it be you?

About the role

As a Consulting Principal, Healthcare Supply Chain (Logistics & Distribution), you will make an impact by leading product and delivery strategy across cold chain, clinical trial logistics, medical device distribution, and reverse logistics for healthcare, life sciences, and medtech clients. You will combine deep industry expertise, executive-level client advisory, and hands-on delivery leadership to translate complex regulatory and operational requirements into reliable, compliant supply chain outcomes.

You will be a valued member of Cognizant's Health Sciences Consulting team and work collaboratively with client executives, clinical operations leaders, regulatory teams, and other Cognizant practices.

In this role, you will:

• Advise clients on cold chain and temperature-controlled logistics strategy for biologics, vaccines, and specialty pharma, aligned to client and regulatory needs.

• Lead clinical trial logistics engagements end-to-end — covering investigational drug and device distribution and chain-of-custody controls — to improve reliability, speed, and business value.

• Own medical device distribution and field logistics solutions, turning client requirements into kitting, sterile handling, and time-critical delivery plans.

• Advise clients on reverse logistics strategy, trade-offs, and emerging opportunities across device repair loops, recalls, and decommissioning.

• Set compliance standards and governance practices for DSCSA, FDA, HIPAA, and import/export requirements in partnership with regulatory and operations teams.

• Build performance dashboards to track service reliability, compliance, delivery speed, and ROI.

• Lead cross-functional delivery teams and run client workshops that build alignment and speed up decision-making.

• Diagnose client pain points and shape solution-fit proposals that grow our healthcare supply chain practice.

• Own key client relationships as the primary point of continuity, leading account and deal strategy across the engagement lifecycle.

• Model the Cognizant Way to Lead — building trust, setting direction, and delivering results with a strong client focus.

Work model

We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring three to five days per week in a client or Cognizant office in either Atlanta, Georgia, or Jersey City, New Jersey. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you are engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured, we will always be clear about role expectations.

What you must have to be considered

• 15+ years of experience in healthcare, life sciences, or medtech supply chain, logistics, or distribution consulting, with a track record of owning client relationships and delivery.

• Deep healthcare supply chain expertise — spanning cold chain/temperature-controlled logistics, clinical trial logistics, medical device distribution, or reverse logistics.

• Working knowledge of DSCSA, FDA, HIPAA, and import/export requirements for medical goods.

• Proven experience leading client-facing consulting engagements and advising senior stakeholders.

• Ability to diagnose client pain points and shape solution-fit proposals.

• Experience owning account or deal relationships as the primary point of continuity across the client lifecycle.

• Strong communication, facilitation, and stakeholder-management skills.

• Alignment with the Cognizant Way to Lead and our values — Work as One, Dare to Innovate, Raise the Bar, Do the Right Thing, and Own It.

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business, healthcare administration, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

These will help you succeed

• Background in pharma, biotech, or medical device manufacturing, distribution, or field service operations.

• Familiarity with supply chain technologies supporting cold chain monitoring, chain-of-custody tracking, or serialization (e.g., DSCSA-compliant systems).

• Experience shaping proposals and new business within healthcare or life sciences accounts.

• Prior consulting experience with large-scale transformation programs in healthcare, life sciences, or medtech.

• MBA or other advanced degree.

• We are excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Do not hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting perspectives to this role.

Compensation

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

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

401(k) plan and contributions

Employee stock purchase plan

Employee assistance program

10 paid holidays plus paid time off

Paid parental leave and fertility assistance

Learning and development certifications and programs

Post closing date

Applications will be accepted until October 21, 2026..

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.