Account Executive/Sales Director - Retail & CPG

As an Account Executive/Sales Director – Retail & CPG , you will make an impact by driving strategic growth across the Retail and Consumer Goods industry vertical, selling the full suite of Cognizant’s services and solutions and delivering transformative business outcomes through new logo acquisition and account expansion. You will be a valued member of the Retail and Consumer Goods sales team and work collaboratively with client partners, delivery teams, and offshore marketing teams, and clients.

In this role, you will

• Drive aggressive hunting and new logo acquisition across strategic Retail and Consumer Goods accounts, developing and executing account acquisition and expansion strategies that generate net-new business and accelerate revenue growth.
• Lead end-to-end sales pursuits, including opportunity identification, qualification, solution development, proposal creation, negotiations, and closure, while building a strong pipeline through proactive prospecting and executive networking.
• Act as the primary account lead, establishing trusted advisor relationships with C-level executives and positioning Cognizant’s full portfolio of services including Application Development & Maintenance, Engineering & Testing Services, Infrastructure Services, Business Process Outsourcing, Information Technology Outsourcing, and Consulting Services.
• Create and execute territory and account plans that maximise market coverage, identifying cross-sell and up-sell opportunities to scale accounts at pace and achieve annual bookings, pipeline, and quota targets.
• Collaborate with client partners, practice leaders, solution and delivery teams, and offshore marketing and sales support to develop differentiated value propositions, execute account-based campaigns, and maintain accurate pipeline, forecasting, and CRM hygiene.
• Consistently demonstrate the Cognizant Way to Lead through strategic agility, client value creation, AI-led innovation, disciplined execution, collaborative ecosystem building and amplifying human potential through a culture of growth, inclusion and effective human-AI collaboration.

Work model

At Cognizant, we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role's business requirements, this is a remote position open to qualified applicants in the United States. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you're engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

What you must have to be considered

• 15+ years of experience with a global consulting, technology services, or outsourcing organisation in onshore/offshore sales environments, including at least 5 years selling consulting, digital transformation, technology, or outsourcing services into Retail and Consumer Goods organisations.
• Proven experience carrying and exceeding annual sales quotas of $4M+ within enterprise sales environments, with success closing complex, multi-service deals ranging from $5M to $50M+ and a consistent record of consecutive quarterly and annual quota attainment.
• Strong hunting background with demonstrated success acquiring new logos and building business from greenfield accounts, selling Application Development & Maintenance, Engineering & Testing Services, Infrastructure Services, Business Process Outsourcing, Information Technology Outsourcing, and Consulting Services.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to engage and influence senior business and technology decision-makers, managing multiple strategic pursuits simultaneously while driving predictable revenue outcomes.
• Strong account planning, territory management, pipeline development, and sales execution capabilities, with excellent negotiation, communication, presentation, and relationship management skills, and a Bachelor's degree.
• Demonstrated ability to lead with strategic vision, client-centric thinking, innovation, disciplined execution, collaboration and a commitment to developing people in line with the Cognizant Way to Lead.
• Proven track record of building trust, demonstrating ownership, exercising sound judgment and fostering an inclusive culture that supports growth and associate success.

These will help you succeed

• MBA, Master's degree, or other advanced degree.
• Proven ability to contribute to new business development initiatives and lead multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills with the ability to develop strategic solutions for enterprise-wide business challenges.
• Ability to work effectively across diverse corporate environments, industries, and technical and non-technical stakeholder groups.
• Experience thriving in complex, fast-evolving environments by translating strategy into action, fostering cross-functional collaboration and championing continuous learning and curiosity.

Salary and Other Compensation

Applications will be accepted until October 15, 2026.

• The annual salary for this position is between $190,000 - $210,000 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

• 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