AIA Solutions Sales Specialist - Manufacturing And Automotive

Solutions Sales Specialist - AIA

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.

Responsibilities

· 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

Required Qualifications

· 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

Preferred Qualifications

· 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

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.

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.