Associate Director - Service Line Sales Executive – Software Engineering Group - Technology Domain

Cognizant is an AI builder and technology services provider delivering technology solutions for enterprise clients. The Associate Director - Service Line Sales Executive will lead sales and growth for the Software Engineering Group, developing account strategies, managing pipelines, qualifying and closing opportunities, and collaborating with client and delivery teams. The role also involves executive client relationship management, solution development, proposal delivery, and cross-selling technology services.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and champion Cognizant’s SEG offerings in market
• Set the go to market and growth strategy for SEG in assigned portfolio
• Collaborate across multiple practices and offerings
• Work closely with Client Partners, solutioning and delivery and overall team to develop client strategy and transformation roadmap
• Provide subject matter expertise and own lead generation, pipeline management, proposal development and overall solution
• Execute and manage the account plan within function/specialism in collaboration with the Markets team
• Client Relationship Management; engage with CXO, VP and Director level clients
• Lead pursuits as a pursuit owner to close new and expansion opportunities related to their sales specialisms, working closely with Client Leadership Team
• Respond to and deliver on client requests; responds to RFP’s
• Engage the relevant internal Cognizant practices teams and service lines team for developing solutions
• Create and present account Pipeline ; QBR presentations and executive status reports
• Experience developing opportunity pipelines, qualifying high priority deals, and winning new business in line with agreed targets (revenue as well as total contract value)
• Experience closing sales with a specific emphasis on growing sales. Specifically, win new deals in customer account per pre-agreed targets
• Proven leadership qualities such as conflict/issue resolution, strategic and critical thinking and ownership, particularly with highly diverse teams
• Ability to work collaboratively in a highly matrixed environment

Requirements:

• Consistent record of growing a business successfully over the years through strong client relationships and a strategy tailored to client context and business goals
• Strong software product engineering, digital / App Modernization, Application Maintenance and quality engineering sales background
• Able to engage COO-level and COO-1 level executives in large deal, solution, transition, and transformation shaping discussions
• Effectively communicates with stakeholders at all levels including COO, LoB Owners, and his/her direct reports
• Technology domain – Solid understanding of technology industry domain and trends
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills
• Demonstrated strong leadership skills, particularly with highly diverse teams
• 5+ years of experience in a senior-level application services seller with good knowledge and prior experience and a strong track record in selling digital / cloud / AI solutions
• Software Product Engineering approaches, agile methodology and building green fields application using cloud and AI native solutions
• Familiarity with large-scale Enterprise Application modernization and migration using Micro-services architecture and cloud native solutions with DevOps
• Candidate should have a strong domain experience in one of the 4 areas of Software Product Engineering or Enterprise application modernization, Application Maintenance / Support and Quality Assurance with a good understanding of at least one of the other three areas
• Understanding drivers and enablers of digital transformation within companies
• Ability to work with global teams
• Excellent problem solving, business communication (written & oral), and client management skills are essential
• Ability to build client relationships; strengthening partnerships by focusing on exceptional client experience, risk management and value realization built on the foundation of Cognizant leadership capabilities
• MS or MBA degree preferred
• Strong background in a project environment and application development
• Certifications in Cloud and AI preferred
• Proven ability to contribute to new business development efforts and to lead and manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment
• Must be detail oriented and able to manage and maintain all facets of complex assignments
• Demonstrable problem-solving abilities with the aptitude to identify strategic solutions to business problems with enterprise-wide implications
• Demonstrate the flexibility to work among diverse corporate environments, industries, and technical and non-technical audiences