Supply Chain Planning, Principal Consultant

Position Overview

As a Consulting Principal for Supply Chain Planning, you will lead high‐impact supply chain planning and analytics engagements for enterprise clients while driving business transformation initiatives. You will work closely with practice leaders, client executives, and cross‐functional teams in a hybrid work model (up to 50% travel) that supports a healthy work–life balance. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end planning business transformations—including demand planning, S&OP, supply planning, inventory optimization, distribution, integrated business planning, and manufacturing scheduling—for large consumer goods clients.
• Originate and lead proposals, shape commercial terms, and close strategic deals while building and expanding client relationships at C-suite and VP levels.
• Architect analytics platforms and planning solutions using tools such as Kinaxis, SAP IBP, Blue Yonder, o9, Anaplan, Llamasoft, and relevant analytics stacks (SQL, Python/R, Power BI/Tableau).
• Mentor senior consultants, recruit top talent, define service offerings, and develop reusable accelerators and intellectual property.
• Publish points of view, lead webinars, and represent Cognizant at industry events and with analysts.

Required Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in supply chain planning, analytics, or consulting, with at least 5 years in senior client-facing or practice leadership roles.
• Proven track record leading end-to-end planning transformations for large enterprises.
• Experience with at least two planning platforms (Kinaxis, SAP IBP, Blue Yonder, Anaplan, o9 Solutions, OMP) and one network modeling tool (Llamasoft/Gurobi or equivalent).
• Strong analytics skills including SQL and at least one scripting language (Python or R), with experience in visualization tools (Power BI or Tableau).
• Commercial acumen demonstrated by building business cases and closing multi-million dollar engagements.
• Excellent stakeholder management and executive communication skills.
• Experience managing and mentoring senior consultants and cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience at a Tier 1 management consulting firm or leading systems integrator.
• Experience in in-house/consumer goods industry transformation or an operational role.
• Deep consumer goods domain experience with SKU complexity, promotions, and seasonal demand.
• Advanced degree in supply chain, operations research, data science, or an MBA.
• Project management certification or equivalent delivery experience.

Benefits & Perks

• Compensation: Annual salary between $122,400 - $194,000 plus eligibility for a discretionary annual incentive program.
• 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