CIS Deals Pursuit Lead - Cloud & Infrastructure

Strategic Large Deals Pursuit Lead

Cognizant is seeking a highly experienced 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.