Healthcare Payer Customer Relationship Manager (CRM) is a senior client leadership role responsible for owning, growing, and strengthening strategic Healthcare Payer client relationships in the Des Moines, IA area. The role serves as the primary executive interface for assigned accounts and is accountable for client satisfaction, revenue growth, pipeline development, and long‑term account profitability.
This leader partners closely with service lines, delivery leadership, and executive stakeholders to co‑create solutions, drive technology‑led transformation, and ensure Cognizant remains a trusted strategic partner to the client.
The qualified candidate must live withing a daily commutable distance to the client location in the Des Moines, IA. area, or must be willing to relocate to the Des Moines, IA. area.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the primary relationship owner for assigned Healthcare Payer accounts, building deep, trusted partnerships with client stakeholders
- Develop a strong understanding of the client’s business environment, priorities, and challenges, and translate them into actionable opportunities
- Co‑create solutions with service lines and delivery teams to address client needs and drive measurable business outcomes
- Own and drive pipeline development, including renewals, extensions, and net‑new opportunities, ensuring sustained and profitable account growth
- Lead RFPs, proactive bids, and strategic pursuits, coordinating across internal teams to deliver differentiated proposals
- Serve as the day‑to‑day executive point of contact for the client, ensuring high satisfaction and operational excellence
- Track and interpret healthcare industry trends, regulatory changes, and market dynamics to proactively advise clients
- Maintain accountability for account financials, including revenue, margin, and long‑term growth plans
- Partner with internal leadership to ensure seamless delivery governance, risk management, and escalation handling
Mandatory Qualifications & Experience
- 12+ years of experience in a client‑facing role within an IT Services or IT Consulting organization
- Demonstrated experience leading technology transformation initiatives in the IT services ecosystem
- Proven ownership of client P\&L with account sizes of $30M+
- Strong ability to build and sustain CXO and VP‑level client relationships
- Experience operating in complex, matrixed environments with global delivery models
Preferred Qualifications
- Open to any Industry Domain, Healthcare understanding is a plus but not mandatory
- Demonstrated success in new business development, including large, complex deal pursuits
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment
- Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and strategic thinking capabilities
- Proven ability to communicate effectively with technical and non‑technical audiences across diverse corporate environments
Leadership & Behavioral Attributes
- Executive presence with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
- Consultative mindset with a focus on value creation and long‑term partnerships
- High ownership, accountability, and attention to detail
- Strong collaboration and cross‑functional leadership skills
- Results‑oriented with a growth and client‑first mindset
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.
