Role Overview
The Strategic Initiatives Lead – Cyber Security will operate at the intersection of strategy, execution, business operations, and leadership enablement.
The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with strong execution capabilities, exceptional stakeholder management skills, and deep exposure to the cybersecurity and technology services landscape.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategy Development & Execution
- Partner with the Global Head of Cyber Security to define and operationalize the Cyber Security Service Line strategy.
- Translate strategic objectives into executable plans, ensuring alignment across business units, geographies, and functional teams.
- Drive leadership offsites, strategy reviews, and quarterly business reviews.
- Monitor progress against strategic goals and facilitate decision-making through data-driven insights.
2. Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Coordination
- Act as the primary liaison between Corporate Development and Cyber Security leadership teams.
- Coordinate cybersecurity-related due diligence activities.
- Support integration planning, execution, and tracking of acquisition-related initiatives.
- Ensure leadership engagement throughout the M&A lifecycle.
3. Strategic Program Management Office (PMO)
- Establish and manage the PMO function for strategic cybersecurity initiatives.
- Define governance models, reporting structures, KPIs, and OKRs.
- Track milestones, identify risks and dependencies, and ensure timely issue resolution.
- Provide executive-level visibility into performance and progress.
4. Leadership Operations & Governance
- Drive the operational cadence of the Cyber Security leadership team.
- Prepare executive briefings, governance reviews, business updates, and decision-making materials.
- Track action items and ensure follow-through on critical priorities.
- Act as a trusted advisor to leadership and proactively resolve organizational challenges.
5. Analyst Relations & Market Positioning
- Lead analyst briefings, inquiry programs, and participation in industry assessments.
- Develop executive presentations and positioning narratives to strengthen market presence.
- Support analyst evaluations and industry recognition initiatives.
6. Market Intelligence & Executive Communications
- Monitor cybersecurity market trends, competitive developments, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes.
- Produce executive dashboards, market intelligence reports, newsletters, and thought-leadership content.
- Deliver actionable insights to leadership teams and stakeholders.
7. Special Projects & Cross-Functional Leadership
- Lead strategic initiatives and transformation programs on behalf of the Global Head.
- Develop business cases, drive stakeholder engagement, and manage change initiatives.
- Foster collaboration across business units, corporate functions, alliances, and partner ecosystems.
Personal Leadership
- Build trust, collaboration, and inclusiveness.
- Exhibit exceptional communication and influencing skills.
- Lead without direct authority.
Organizational Leadership
- Drive vision and strategic alignment.
- Demonstrate enterprise-wide thinking.
- Create clarity and focus within a complex global organization.
Business Leadership
- Maintain strong client and market orientation.
- Navigate ambiguity with accountability.
- Apply sound commercial and financial judgment.
Mandatory Skills & Qualifications
Experience
- Significant exposure to Cyber Security, Technology Services, or Digital Transformation domains.
- Proven experience supporting senior executives, business leaders, or C-suite stakeholders.
Cyber Security & Industry Knowledge
- Strong understanding of the cybersecurity services landscape, vendor ecosystem, and emerging market trends.
- Knowledge of managed security services, cyber advisory, cyber transformation, and regulated industry environments.
M&A Experience
- Hands-on experience managing M&A workstreams including:
- Due diligence
- Integration planning
- Stakeholder management
- Post-merger integration activities
Program & Portfolio Management
- Proven ability to manage multiple high-priority strategic initiatives across global teams.
- Strong governance, risk management, KPI tracking, and reporting expertise.
Analyst Relations
- Exposure to analyst briefings, inquiries, market assessments, and industry ranking submissions.
Communication & Executive Engagement
- Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills.
- Ability to synthesize complex information into executive-level communications and strategic narratives.
- Strong executive presence and stakeholder management capabilities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience within global IT Services, Consulting, or Professional Services organizations.
- Experience supporting corporate strategy, business transformation, or operational excellence programs.
- Expertise in competitive intelligence, market research, or thought leadership development.
- Demonstrated success in highly matrixed, fast-paced environments.
- Ability to influence senior executives and external stakeholders effectively.
Educational Qualifications
- MBA or equivalent advanced degree from a reputed institution.
- Additional qualifications or certifications in Cyber Security, Technology Strategy, Business Transformation, or Program Management will be advantageous.
About Cognizant:
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap 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, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.
Additional employment information
Compensation 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.
Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.
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, state or local laws.
