Account Executive/Sales Director - Retail & CPG

Cognizant is a technology and consulting services company serving clients across industries. The Account Executive/Sales Director will drive strategic growth in the Retail and Consumer Goods sectors through new logo acquisition, account expansion, end-to-end sales pursuits, executive relationship management, and selling Cognizant’s portfolio of services.

Responsibilities:

• 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

Requirements:

• 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
• 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
• MBA, Master's degree, or other advanced degree