Cognizant is seeking a highly experienced and Strategic Large Deals Pursuit Lead to join our dynamic Cloud & Infrastructure Services (CIS) team. This senior-level role is responsible for leading the pursuit of complex, large-scale deals with a Total Contract Value (TCV) of $50 million and above. The successful candidate will be a proven leader with a deep understanding of the IT infrastructure landscape and a track record of winning large, multi-year contracts. This is a pivotal role that will directly impact the growth and success of Cognizant's CIS business in North America.
Key Responsibilities
· End-to-End Deal Ownership: Lead and manage all aspects of the large deal pursuit lifecycle, from opportunity qualification to contract negotiation and closure.
· Strategic Deal Shaping: Collaborate with clients to understand their business challenges and co-create innovative solutions that leverage Cognizant's full spectrum of cloud and infrastructure services.
· Cross-Functional Team Leadership: Assemble and lead a high-performing, cross-functional team of solution architects, finance analysts, legal experts, and delivery leaders to develop a winning proposal.
· Client Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key client stakeholders, acting as a trusted advisor throughout the sales process.
· Proposal Development: Oversee the creation of compelling and compliant proposals, presentations, and other client-facing materials that clearly articulate Cognizant's value proposition.
· Commercial Acumen: Develop and negotiate complex commercial models and pricing strategies that are competitive and profitable.
· Executive-Level Communication: Present and articulate the deal strategy and value proposition to senior leadership at both Cognizant and the client organization.
· Market Insight: Stay abreast of industry and market trends to provide strategic guidance and ensure Cognizant's offerings remain at the forefront of the industry.
Qualifications & Experience
· Experience: 15+ years of experience in the IT services industry, with a minimum of 7-10 years in a large deal pursuit or business development role.
· Proven Track Record: Demonstrable success in leading and winning large, complex deals with a TCV of $50 million or more.
· Domain Expertise: Deep understanding of Cloud and infrastructure services, including but not limited to:
Cloud Migration & Modernization (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
Hybrid Cloud & Multicloud Management
Data Center Modernization
Network Services
Digital Workplace Services
Cybersecurity
· Leadership Skills: Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and drive a cross-functional team to success.
· Communication Skills: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create and deliver compelling presentations to executive-level audiences.
· Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Technology, or a related field.
Preferred Qualifications
· MBA or other advanced degree.
· Experience working in a global, matrixed organization.
· Established relationships with key industry partners and advisors.
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What we offer
- The chance to work with impact. Here, you’re empowered to bring your biggest thinking to help our company and clients improve everyday life.
- Ownership over your career. Stay at the top of your game through our award-winning learning and development ecosystem. And when your ambitions change or we offer new opportunities, we help you pivot by providing reskilling, on-the-job learning and guidance to find new roles that might be a better fit.
- The opportunity to thrive on a high caliber team with heart. We celebrate each other’s experiences and perspectives and promote a sense of belonging through our affinity groups and diversity and inclusion initiatives.
- A comprehensive total rewards package, including a competitive salary and a pension plan with matching contributions.
- Flexible health and financial benefits to support you and your eligible dependents—from day one.
- True work-life balance. Be at your best through paid time off, flexible work arrangements, volunteering opportunities, social events, and so much more.
About us
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, building the bridge between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, realize tangible returns and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at www.cognizant.com or @cognizant.
Other employment-related information
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial or local laws.
If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email [email protected] with your request and contact information.
Language requirements vary depending on roles, but we ask that all candidates have basic English proficiency for company-wide communications purposes. For roles based in Quebec, professional English proficiency is required, as you’ll deliver services to and collaborate with stakeholders outside the province who may not speak French.
