Senior Director - Cybersecurity

Cognizant is looking for a Cyber Security Solutions Sales Specialist (SLS) to join its Cybersecurity Service Line and drive revenue growth across leading cybersecurity platforms and services, including network security, cloud security, identity, data protection, and next-generation security operations.

This role partners closely with Cognizant’s vertical, Cloud, Infrastructure and Security (CIS) sales teams to identify opportunities, craft differentiated cybersecurity solutions, and pursue complex deals using innovative technical and commercial models.

The Specialist acts as a trusted advisor to clients and Cognizant client partners, driving both pipeline creation and end-to-end pursuit execution, while supporting account expansion across existing and new logo markets.

The role also plays a critical part in market positioning, thought leadership, and development of scalable, outcome-aligned cybersecurity offerings across Cloud, Infrastructure, Data, Edge, and Applications.

Responsibilities

Revenue Growth & Sales Leadership

• Drive cybersecurity revenue growth and pipeline generation across industries and accounts
• Own end-to-end pursuit lifecycle, including qualification, solutioning, proposal, and closure
• Develop and execute industry- and account-specific growth strategies (Scale Deep & Scale Up)

Opportunity Development & Client Engagement

• Partner with account teams to identify, solution, and close cybersecurity opportunities across existing and new accounts
• Engage proactively with CISOs, CSOs, and security stakeholders to generate pipeline and drive solution adoption
• Act as a trusted advisor, leading strategic discussions on security transformation, risk posture, and industry trends

Solutioning & Offerings

• Define and execute integrated cybersecurity offerings across:
• Network security
• Cloud security (CNAPP, SASE, Zero Trust)
• Endpoint and workload security
• Identity and access management (IAM)
• Data security and governance
• Security operations (SIEM, SOAR, XDR)
• Translate client business challenges into technology-led security solutions and outcome-based propositions
• Develop repeatable, scalable offerings aligned to measurable business outcomes

Managed Services & Large Deal Support

• Position and drive managed security services and large IT outsourcing opportunities in collaboration with delivery teams
• Articulate security value propositions across large transformations, including ROI, TCO, and time-to-value metrics

Market Positioning & Differentiation

• Position Cognizant’s cybersecurity portfolio aligned to industry trends and regulatory requirements (e.g., evolving compliance frameworks)
• Develop differentiation through innovative commercial constructs (risk/reward, outcome-based pricing, XaaS models)
• Engage with analysts, advisors, and market influencers to strengthen market positioning

Partner Ecosystem & Alliance Collaboration

• Collaborate with leading cybersecurity platform providers and ecosystem partners (e.g., Palo Alto Networks, Zscaler, CrowdStrike, Wiz, SailPoint, and others) to:
• Build joint pipeline and go-to-market strategies
• Drive co-sell opportunities and client engagement
• Align solutions to partner capabilities and business outcomes
• Execute partner-led GTM strategies and ecosystem-led opportunities

Sales Enablement & Internal Collaboration

• Enable and train sales teams on Cognizant’s cybersecurity portfolio and partner ecosystems
• Collaborate with practice, solution, and offering teams to position differentiated solutions
• Drive cross-service line integration and one-Cognizant delivery models

Thought Leadership & Portfolio Strategy

• Define and drive cybersecurity thought leadership and portfolio strategy
• Publish insights, educate clients and markets, and influence buying decisions
• Contribute to product/IP-led differentiation and high-value cybersecurity services growth

Solution Development & Commercial Structuring

• Develop proposals, statements of work, effort estimates, and pricing models
• Design innovative commercial structures, including outcome-based and risk-sharing models

Client Relationship Management

• Build and maintain trusted advisor relationships with CXO-level stakeholders across enterprise accounts
• Lead proactive discussions on security trends, threat landscape, and enterprise risk posture

Operational Effectiveness

• Operate effectively in a matrixed global organization
• Provide input into offering evolution based on market demand and client feedback
• Travel up to approximately 30% for client and partner engagements

Required Skills / Qualifications

• 15+ years of overall experience with 10+ years in cybersecurity solutions, service sales, program management, or solution-centric presales
• Strong experience across leading cybersecurity platforms such as Palo Alto Networks, Zscaler, CrowdStrike, Wiz, SailPoint, or equivalent
• Proven ability to articulate integrated value propositions combining services, platforms, and outcomes
• Hands‑on experience in security consulting, professional services, and managed security services
• Strong background in:
• SIEM / XDR / SOAR
• Network security and SASE
• Cloud security (CNAPP, CSPM, CWPP)
• Endpoint security
• Identity and access management
• Experience building client‑facing proposals, pricing models, and commercial constructs
• Demonstrated success engaging C‑level stakeholders in large enterprise accounts
• Strong cybersecurity architecture and domain expertise
• Experience in presales solutioning and client relationship management
• Ability to communicate complex security concepts within enterprise operating models
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience

Preferred Qualifications / Skills

• Security certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or CISA
• Experience managing large, complex multi‑platform cybersecurity transformations
• Familiarity with Zero Trust, SASE, CNAPP, Identity Governance, and AI‑driven security operations
• Partner certifications across one or more leading cybersecurity platforms
• Master’s degree in Cybersecurity, Networking, or related field

Salary and Other Compensation:

The annual salary for this position is between $220,000 to $260,000 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.

Benefits:

• 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.

Additional employment information

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.

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.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work for any employer in the United States. The company is unable to provide employment‑based immigration sponsorship for this position.

If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email View email address on click.appcast.io with your request and contact information.

About Cognizant:

Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full‑stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast‑changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.