Overview

As a Sales Executive, the Strategic Engagement Lead - Global Capability Centers (GCC) - SLS, you will play a pivotal role in expanding Cognizant’s footprint in the GCC ecosystem by driving consultative engagements with global clients and enterprises establishing or optimizing their capability centers.

This is not a traditional tech sales role: it is a strategic, consultative front-end position that blends business development, operating model design, and transformation advisory. You’ll partner with CXOs, transformation leaders, and ecosystem partners to design GCC strategies that integrate technology, operations, talent, and governance, enabling clients to achieve cost efficiency, resilience, and innovation at scale.

Location: Based anywhere in the United States

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Client Engagement & Business Growth

• Lead end-to-end GCC business development from opportunity identification to deal closure anchored in client transformation priorities.
• Build and sustain trusted CXO and senior stakeholder relationships, act as an advisor on global operating model design and transformation strategy.
• Shape and execute the GCC GTM strategy, aligning Cognizant’s capabilities with client business and geographic goals.
• Drive co-creation sessions and workshops to help clients define their GCC roadmap covering setup, scaling, transformation, and maturity.

Solution Design & Operating Model Advisory

• Partner with solutioning, delivery, and consulting teams to design integrated GCC models spanning Tech, Ops, Digital, and Shared Services.
• Develop Build–Operate–Transfer (BOT/BOTT) and hybrid models tailored to client needs, ensuring scalability, compliance, and business alignment.
• Translate transformation goals into implementable constructs governance frameworks, talent models, automation levers, and KPI metrics.
• Bring a “consult to construct” mindset linking strategic ambition with actionable delivery pathways.

Market Development & Ecosystem Positioning

• Monitor and interpret GCC market trends, competitor strategies, and regulatory shifts to proactively shape opportunities.
• Represent Cognizant in key industry forums, roundtables, and leadership discussions in the GCC ecosystem.
• Cultivate partnerships with state agencies, consultants, and industry bodies to expand Cognizant’s ecosystem reach.

Deal Shaping & Commercial Structuring

• Lead pursuit and deal teams to shape complex, multi-tower GCC deals defining commercial models and transformation outcomes.
• Collaborate across functions to articulate the value of Cognizant’s integrated tech + ops + transformation capabilities.
• Ensure governance, rigor and transparency across all stages of pursuit and execution.

Experience & Competencies

Required Background:

• 15+ years of experience in business development, transformation advisory, or solutioning within IT services, consulting, or GCC environments.
• Proven record in driving strategic GCC or BPO transformation deals with CXO-level stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of GCC operating models, maturity journeys, and ecosystem dynamics.
• Experience designing or managing BOT/BOTT and hybrid models.
• Familiarity with cross-functional solutioning (Tech, Ops, Digital, Talent, Analytics).
• P&L or large-deal management experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred.

Core Competencies:

• Consultative Selling: Ability to engage clients in business model and operating model transformation.
• Strategic Orientation: Skilled at linking client enterprise strategy with GCC design.
• Executive Presence: Strong communication, storytelling, and influencing skills at the CXO level.
• Collaboration: Effective cross-functional leadership across delivery, consulting, and partner teams.
• Market Acumen: Deep understanding of global sourcing, talent, and digital transformation trends.

Why Join Cognizant

• Lead Cognizant’s fastest-growing GTM priority helping global clients build next-generation capability centers.
• Work with visionary leaders and global clients across industries.
• Competitive compensation and benefits, including incentives and recognition programs.
• Culture that rewards initiative, collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking.

Work Authorization

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship, now or in the future.

Cognizant Culture Fit

We seek professionals who thrive in consultative, fast-evolving environments and enjoy shaping transformation journeys for global enterprises. Our culture is open, visible, empowered, and collaborative anchored in shared success and impact.

Salary and Other Compensation:

Applications will be accepted until November 30, 2025.

The annual salary for this position is between $220,000 - $235,000 depending on the experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program and stock awards, 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.

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.

If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email CareersNA2@cognizant.com with your request and contact information.

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.