Senior Manager, Data & AI Partnerships

About the role

You will make an impact by driving go-to-market execution, revenue growth, and partner-led solution development across the Data & AI practice. You will be a valued member of the Data & AI leadership team and work collaboratively with sales leaders, alliance partners, consulting teams, solution architects, delivery leaders, and client stakeholders to accelerate business growth and deliver innovative client outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic pre-sales engagements from opportunity identification through deal closure.
• Drive pipeline management, qualification, forecasting, and conversion activities to support business growth.
• Develop compelling value propositions, win themes, and client-centric solution strategies aligned to business objectives.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and alliance partners to identify, develop, and launch new offerings and solutions.
• Maintain and evolve the partner solutions roadmap to align with market opportunities and client demand.
• Drive large deal pursuits and contribute to revenue growth and market expansion initiatives.
• Build and strengthen executive-level relationships with clients, alliance partners, and ecosystem leaders.
• Position Data & AI offerings effectively in the marketplace through partner-led go-to-market strategies.
• Work cross-functionally with sales, consulting, delivery, and solution teams to shape innovative and scalable client solutions.
• Support strategic business planning and growth initiatives within the Data & AI practice.

Requirements

• 12 – 15 years of experience in consulting, business development, alliance management, pre-sales, or client-facing leadership roles.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex sales cycles and supporting large strategic deal pursuits.
• Experience developing offerings, solutions, or go-to-market initiatives in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to engage and influence senior business leaders and partner organizations.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to articulate business value, growth opportunities, and client outcomes.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-management skills.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.

Qualifications

• Experience in technology services, cloud platforms, SaaS, PaaS, or digital transformation organizations.
• Exposure to strategic alliances, partner ecosystems, and partner-led delivery models.
• Experience in Data, Artificial Intelligence, Analytics, or modern data platform solutions.
• Understanding of emerging trends in AI, data modernization, and enterprise technology transformation.
• Proven ability to drive market growth through innovative offerings, strategic partnerships, and ecosystem collaboration.

Skills

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Collaborative and team-oriented approach.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building abilities.
• Knowledge of industry trends and best practices.

Benefits

• Annuity base salary range: $135,000 - $160,000, depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.
• This Position Is Also Eligible For Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.
• Stock awards, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.
• Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance; Paid Holidays plus Paid Time Off (PTO); 401(k) Plan with Company Contributions; Long-Term and Short-Term Disability Coverage; Paid Parental Leave; Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).