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
The Cognizant community:
We are a high caliber team who appreciate and support one another. Our people uphold an energetic, collaborative and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
- Cognizant is a global community with more than 300,000 associates around the world.
- We don’t just dream of a better way – we make it happen.
- We take care of our people, clients, company, communities and climate by doing what’s right.
- We foster an innovative environment where you can build the career path that’s right for you.
About us:
Cognizant is one of the world's leading professional services companies, transforming clients' business, operating, and technology models for the digital era. Our unique industry-based, consultative approach helps clients envision, build, and run more innovative and efficient businesses. Headquartered in the U.S., Cognizant (a member of the NASDAQ-100 and one of Forbes World’s Best Employers 2025) is consistently listed among the most admired companies in the world. Learn how Cognizant helps clients lead with digital at www.cognizant.com
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.
Disclaimer:
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.