Job Details
Enterprise Solution Architect
**About Cognizant Corporate**
Cognizant Corporate is a global community united by a shared purpose: to make a meaningful impact. We are committed to excellence and driven by outcomes that matter. Collaboration is at the heart of how we work, and our forward-thinking mindset fuels continuous learning, innovation, and growth.
At Cognizant, careers transcend titles. We empower our people to think strategically, inspire others, and lead with purpose - always guided by our core values. Join us in shaping future of business. Could you be the one to make a difference?
The Enterprise Solution Architect is a professional responsible for anchoring the overall solution for large, strategic multi-tower deals, both for reactive and proactive client proposals, in a fast moving, dynamic environment. The professional must have extensive experience and understanding in solutioning strategic deals in constructs/archetypes such as Managed Services, rate cards, vendor consolidation, offshore capability center/GCC setup through BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer), cost optimization, operating model transformation etc.
Selected candidate should be able to independently review each assigned client RFP/RFI, proactive deal requirements and work with the account teams and individual solution tower teams to gain a full understanding of the client's bid request/requirements, expectations, stated objectives and evaluation criteria. Then build a framework and approach for not only a contextual, integrated, sound solution but also focusing on Cognizant competencies and differentiators to create a compelling and competitive solution proposal.
The ESA should also have a solid and robust background of technology landscape elements, platforms, architecture patterns, frameworks, AI (including Generative and Agentic AI frameworks), tools, processes etc. to be able to understand and support complex, strategic and multi service line pursuits. Working with multiple service in infusing Agentic AI based automation/transformation and mapping them to outcomes is an integral part of this role.
As an overall solution owner, ESA must own the entire solution response document, optimization of the overall solution in line with GSA guidelines as well as find innovative ways to meet deal's overall objectives in terms of outcomes, price etc. while orchestrating solutioning workshops with all towers to bring the One Cognizant integrated solution vision to life.
Ability to manage senior stakeholders (internal and customer facing) during deal cycles and building a strong trust equation with business teams as a subject matter expert and an effective orchestrator is key for this role.
**Key Responsibilities**
1) Develop Solution Strategy
- Define the Solution areas, identify the offerings or Service Lines to cover all solution parts holistically and the outcomes the solution team aims to achieve for customers in line with the deal context.
- Develop Overall Solution and differentiation against competition with a sharp focus on Agentic AI evolution
- Develop a vision and comprehensive strategy for the Solution as well as execution roadmap that elevates Cognizant as a true strategic business partner above and beyond a technology partner.
2) Manage Solution area quality
- As custodian of the overall solution, ensure Solution area quality and outcomes are in line or above Global Solution Architecture standards.
- Where standards are not met, collaborate with specific solution teams to mitigate risks and identify best fit outcomes or explainable deviations
3) Own Solution management
- Identify solution gaps, opportunity for new solution development
- Develop solution strategy and roadmap aligned with identified win themes and selection criteria
- Design and develop a suite of repeatable and scalable solutions that address critical client business outcomes
- Manage solution lifecycle ideation to execution and identify enhancement areas in new offerings, competitiveness as needed
4) Manage Solution trends
- Manage translation of business problems into IT solutions and assist sales teams in qualifying prospects
- Participate with sales and account teams in shaping solution for select Elite account penetration and expansion strategies
5) Credentialize solutions
- Be accountable for directing the deal solution process end-to-end across set of opportunities
- Provide input for Pursuit and Delivery teams to support priority customers in imagining how solutions can improve their business
- Ensure team is equipped and trained to credentialize solution with customers though deep subject matter expertise and experience in the specific markets industry and geo practice area
- Engage priority clients directly to credentialize solutions over solution workshops, oral presentations etc.
6) Instill & display Thought leadership
- Engage with external partners to position the Solutions, business technical expertise and joint solutions that truly differentiate the overall client proposition from competition
- Lead internal drives within GSA org to create forward looking, re-usable assets that can reduce solution cycle
time across deals
7) Owns Solution relationships
- Own solution relationships and collaboration across commercial, delivery and service line solution teams
- Establish and enhance collaboration with internal and external partners to enhance business outcomes
**Mandatory Capabilities Skills Years of Experience**
Functional/Practice knowledge:
1) Understanding of Solution management methodology, user centric design, and ability to generate, oversee actionable and impactful roadmap that effectively engages the organization to achieve strategic milestones
2) Deep technical expertise in Solution Delivery area to bring together practice offerings to address customer needs, and to create proof of concepts if needed, as well as credentialize solutions
3) Deep knowledge of IT services IT outsourcing globally ability to communicate across stakeholders
4) Effective executive communication skills to clearly articulate vision and lead effective teams across the enterprise productively challenge counterparts, bringing valuable insights
5) Outstanding interpersonal abilities in managing solutions with executive leadership and business units, effectively aligning stakeholders to strategic plans and mitigating solution gaps
6) Excellent organizational and leadership skills to build strong Solution function and lead by example strong solution management, planning, conflict management, and operations skills
**Preferred Capabilities Skills & Years of Experience**
Minimum 10+ years in senior solution leadership role
Minimum 15+ years of complex solutioning experience, with broad technical experience
Minimum 20+ years in in experience in assigned functional and technology area, with applicable market standard certifications
Good understanding of various industry trends, concepts, GenAI/Agentic AI applicability, opportunities, threats & constraints
**Preferred background**
Senior leadership role in project and product management, experienced in managing large global teams. Domain expertise across verticals. Track record of winning solutions and large deals, as well as leveraging organizational capabilities to support solutions delivery. Delivery experience in Application development and Maintenance is a plus!
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Cognizant Corporate is a global community united by a shared purpose: to make a meaningful impact. We are committed to excellence and driven by outcomes that matter. Collaboration is at the heart of how we work, and our forward-thinking mindset fuels continuous learning, innovation, and growth.
At Cognizant, careers transcend titles. We empower our people to think strategically, inspire others, and lead with purpose - always guided by our core values. Join us in shaping future of business. Could you be the one to make a difference?
The Enterprise Solution Architect is a professional responsible for anchoring the overall solution for large, strategic multi-tower deals, both for reactive and proactive client proposals, in a fast moving, dynamic environment. The professional must have extensive experience and understanding in solutioning strategic deals in constructs/archetypes such as Managed Services, rate cards, vendor consolidation, offshore capability center/GCC setup through BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer), cost optimization, operating model transformation etc.
Selected candidate should be able to independently review each assigned client RFP/RFI, proactive deal requirements and work with the account teams and individual solution tower teams to gain a full understanding of the client's bid request/requirements, expectations, stated objectives and evaluation criteria. Then build a framework and approach for not only a contextual, integrated, sound solution but also focusing on Cognizant competencies and differentiators to create a compelling and competitive solution proposal.
The ESA should also have a solid and robust background of technology landscape elements, platforms, architecture patterns, frameworks, AI (including Generative and Agentic AI frameworks), tools, processes etc. to be able to understand and support complex, strategic and multi service line pursuits. Working with multiple service in infusing Agentic AI based automation/transformation and mapping them to outcomes is an integral part of this role.
As an overall solution owner, ESA must own the entire solution response document, optimization of the overall solution in line with GSA guidelines as well as find innovative ways to meet deal's overall objectives in terms of outcomes, price etc. while orchestrating solutioning workshops with all towers to bring the One Cognizant integrated solution vision to life.
Ability to manage senior stakeholders (internal and customer facing) during deal cycles and building a strong trust equation with business teams as a subject matter expert and an effective orchestrator is key for this role.
**Key Responsibilities**
1) Develop Solution Strategy
- Define the Solution areas, identify the offerings or Service Lines to cover all solution parts holistically and the outcomes the solution team aims to achieve for customers in line with the deal context.
- Develop Overall Solution and differentiation against competition with a sharp focus on Agentic AI evolution
- Develop a vision and comprehensive strategy for the Solution as well as execution roadmap that elevates Cognizant as a true strategic business partner above and beyond a technology partner.
2) Manage Solution area quality
- As custodian of the overall solution, ensure Solution area quality and outcomes are in line or above Global Solution Architecture standards.
- Where standards are not met, collaborate with specific solution teams to mitigate risks and identify best fit outcomes or explainable deviations
3) Own Solution management
- Identify solution gaps, opportunity for new solution development
- Develop solution strategy and roadmap aligned with identified win themes and selection criteria
- Design and develop a suite of repeatable and scalable solutions that address critical client business outcomes
- Manage solution lifecycle ideation to execution and identify enhancement areas in new offerings, competitiveness as needed
4) Manage Solution trends
- Manage translation of business problems into IT solutions and assist sales teams in qualifying prospects
- Participate with sales and account teams in shaping solution for select Elite account penetration and expansion strategies
5) Credentialize solutions
- Be accountable for directing the deal solution process end-to-end across set of opportunities
- Provide input for Pursuit and Delivery teams to support priority customers in imagining how solutions can improve their business
- Ensure team is equipped and trained to credentialize solution with customers though deep subject matter expertise and experience in the specific markets industry and geo practice area
- Engage priority clients directly to credentialize solutions over solution workshops, oral presentations etc.
6) Instill & display Thought leadership
- Engage with external partners to position the Solutions, business technical expertise and joint solutions that truly differentiate the overall client proposition from competition
- Lead internal drives within GSA org to create forward looking, re-usable assets that can reduce solution cycle
time across deals
7) Owns Solution relationships
- Own solution relationships and collaboration across commercial, delivery and service line solution teams
- Establish and enhance collaboration with internal and external partners to enhance business outcomes
**Mandatory Capabilities Skills Years of Experience**
Functional/Practice knowledge:
1) Understanding of Solution management methodology, user centric design, and ability to generate, oversee actionable and impactful roadmap that effectively engages the organization to achieve strategic milestones
2) Deep technical expertise in Solution Delivery area to bring together practice offerings to address customer needs, and to create proof of concepts if needed, as well as credentialize solutions
3) Deep knowledge of IT services IT outsourcing globally ability to communicate across stakeholders
4) Effective executive communication skills to clearly articulate vision and lead effective teams across the enterprise productively challenge counterparts, bringing valuable insights
5) Outstanding interpersonal abilities in managing solutions with executive leadership and business units, effectively aligning stakeholders to strategic plans and mitigating solution gaps
6) Excellent organizational and leadership skills to build strong Solution function and lead by example strong solution management, planning, conflict management, and operations skills
**Preferred Capabilities Skills & Years of Experience**
Minimum 10+ years in senior solution leadership role
Minimum 15+ years of complex solutioning experience, with broad technical experience
Minimum 20+ years in in experience in assigned functional and technology area, with applicable market standard certifications
Good understanding of various industry trends, concepts, GenAI/Agentic AI applicability, opportunities, threats & constraints
**Preferred background**
Senior leadership role in project and product management, experienced in managing large global teams. Domain expertise across verticals. Track record of winning solutions and large deals, as well as leveraging organizational capabilities to support solutions delivery. Delivery experience in Application development and Maintenance is a plus!
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Job #NLX288212896