Work Model: Hybrid US and are comfortable with up to 50% travel.
Level: Director
About the role:
As an Account Executive, you will play a pivotal role in driving growth by acquiring new logos within the assigned Strategic Business Unit (SBU), with a strong focus on Life Sciences accounts. Partnering closely with leadership, you will build and manage a robust pipeline, leading all aspects of the sales cycle to achieve a Target TCV of $25M and meet assigned revenue goals.
You will be a key member of the Americas Technology Practice team, collaborating with our consulting, advisory, technology Centers of Excellence, and solution delivery teams to deliver value-driven outcomes. This role demands a deep understanding of the Life Sciences domain, including but not limited to R&D, MedTech, Pharma, Medical Devices, Clinical, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain.
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in selling complex IT solutions, expanding footprints in existing accounts, and acquiring new logos. You will be responsible for driving revenue growth and building strategic relationships with key Life Sciences clients and ecosystem partners.
This role reports to the respective Americas SO & AE Sales market leader in North America.
Key Responsibilities:
Drive New Business Development: Identify, pursue, and acquire new logos within the assigned Life Sciences SBU, focusing on strategic accounts.
Pipeline Management: Build and maintain a robust sales pipeline to achieve a Target TCV of $25M and meet assigned revenue goals.
Account Growth: Expand footprints in existing accounts by identifying cross-sell and up-sell opportunities across consulting, advisory, and technology services.
Strategic Relationship Building: Develop and nurture executive-level relationships with key Life Sciences clients and ecosystem partners.
Solution Selling: Lead the end-to-end sales cycle for complex IT solutions, leveraging domain expertise in R&D, MedTech, Pharma, Medical Devices, Clinical, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain.
Collaboration: Work closely with leadership, delivery teams, and Centers of Excellence to craft compelling proposals and ensure successful deal closure.
Market Intelligence: Stay informed on industry trends, competitive landscape, and emerging technologies to position offerings effectively.
Contract Negotiation: Drive commercial discussions and negotiate agreements that align with client needs and organizational objectives.
Reporting & Forecasting: Provide accurate sales forecasts, pipeline updates, and performance reports to leadership.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
Lead client relationships, build a pipeline, responsible for the opportunity management process: Prospect-Evaluate-Propose-Close
Collaborate with all delivery team members involved to ensure the right solutions and proactive prospecting.
Sales planning and governance: build the account plan including relationships required, opportunities to be pursued, price decisions, etc.
Build CXO relationships.
Prior experience creating proactive and closing large deals a must.
10+ years of validated experience, with strong sales/relationship management/account management experience.
Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship now or at any time in the future.
The annual salary for this position is between $180,000 - $200,000 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:
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.
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.
Other employment-related information 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, provincial 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.
Language requirements vary depending on roles, but we ask that all candidates have basic English proficiency for company-wide communications purposes. For roles based in Quebec, professional English proficiency is required, as you'll deliver services to and collaborate with stakeholders outside the province who may not speak French.
Account Executive Life Sciences • Teaneck, NJ, US