CIS Large Deals Pursuit Lead - Cloud & Infrastructure

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.