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 $170,000 to $180,000+ 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: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
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.
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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.
