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.

Salary and Other Compensation:

The annual salary for this position is between $190,000 to $220,000+ depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits 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.

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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.