AIA Solutions Sales Specialist - Manufacturing and Automotive

Cognizant is seeking a high‑impact, commercially driven Solutions Sales Specialist - AIA to accelerate growth across AI, Analytics, and Engineering for strategic Manufacturing and Automotive clients
. This role is designed for senior sales leaders who thrive at the intersection of deep technology understanding, consultative selling, and executive‑level relationship building
.

As a trusted advisor to CXOs, Client Partners, and internal practices, you will shape and close complex, high‑value digital transformation engagements—expanding existing accounts while selectively driving new logo acquisition. You will play a pivotal role in positioning Cognizant as a strategic partner for next‑generation data, AI, and engineering‑led business transformation.

• Build and expand executive‑level relationships (VP, SVP, CXO) across IT and business stakeholders within Manufacturing and Automotive enterprises
• Own and execute end‑to‑end sales cycles, from opportunity identification and qualification through proposal development, negotiation, and closure
• Drive revenue growth by shaping and leading large, multi‑service line AI, Data, analytics, and engineering engagements
• Develop and execute account growth strategies aligned to Cognizant’s broader vertical and portfolio objectives
• Partner closely with Client Partners, Practices, and Delivery teams to co‑create differentiated transformation strategies and offerings
• Identify, structure, and prioritize high‑value opportunities across existing accounts and targeted new logos
• Lead commercial strategy including deal structuring, pricing, financial modeling, and contract negotiations
• Navigate complex, matrixed organizations to align stakeholders and maintain deal momentum
• Maintain strong sales governance, pipeline discipline, forecasting accuracy, and CRM/process hygiene
• Proactively surface and manage engagement risks in collaboration with account and delivery leadership

• 12–15 years of experience in consultative, enterprise technology sales, with a strong focus on AI, data engineering, analytics, and digital transformation
• Proven ownership of a $25M–$50M+ portfolio with consistent revenue growth
• Demonstrated success managing the full sales lifecycle, with a strong emphasis on account expansion (farming)
• Strong understanding of modern data and AI architectures, including data mesh, data fabric, cloud‑native analytics
  , and platforms such as Databricks and Snowflake
• Experience closing complex deals typically ranging from $1M to $5M+
• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence senior decision‑makers and build long‑term client trust
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to craft compelling value narratives, proposals, and executive presentations
• Self‑directed, outcome‑oriented mindset with strong ownership and accountability

• 2+ years of direct experience selling into Manufacturing and/or Automotive clients
• Experience leading or contributing to large, multi‑tower digital transformation programs
• Ability to translate emerging industry and technology trends into tangible client value propositions