Solution Architect

Scope of the Role:

Financial scope: Greater than 3 Large Deals with cumulative TCV ≥ $20M (assessed over the year) in FY’25 projection with 100% quality solution (assessed each quarter)

Geographical scope: APJ; Collaborate with offshore GSA architects through matrix team from Service Lines and Delivery units

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

a. Develop Solution Strategy:

• Define the Solution area and the outcomes the team aims to achieve for customers

• Develop Overall Solution and differentiation against competitor trends with focus on tech evolution / new threats

• Develop a vision & comprehensive strategy for the Solution as well as execution roadmap

b. Manage Solution area quality:

• Ensure Solution area quality is in line or above GSA standard

• Support pursuit teams and troubleshoot solution challenges as-needed

c. Own Solution management:

• Identify solution gaps, opportunity for new solution development

• Develop solution strategy and roadmap aligned with the most attractive 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) & identify enhancement areas in new offerings, competitiveness as needed

• Oversee GSA industrialization internally (SLS, Client partners) and externally (client's stakeholders, etc.)

d. Manage Solution trends:

• Manage translation of business problems into IT solutions & work with sales leads; assist sales team qualifying prospects

• Participate with sales and account teams in shaping solution for select Elite account penetration / expansion strategies

e. Credentialize solutions:

• Be accountable for directing the deal solution process end to end across set of opportunities

• Ensure Solution, Pursuit, and Delivery teams are engaging clients in region to explore opportunities and better define desired business outcomes, through workshops/digital dialogues/demos/PoCs

• Provide input for Pursuit & 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 & experience in the specific markets (industry/geo) / practice area

• Engage priority clients directly to credentialize solutions

f. Thought leadership:

• Engage with external partners to position the Solution areas and business / technical expertise

• Define thought leadership & solution strategy, publish, educate the solution and drive differentiation conversations

g. Owns Solution relationships:

• Own solution relations and collaborations across Service Lines

• Establish and enhance collaboration with internal and external partners to enhance business outcomes

h. Discovering opportunities

• Supporting Service Line Sales by identifying opportunities and driving demand generation in the Japan market.

i. Branding Cognizant in Japan

Representing Cognizant Japan to build brand presence in the Japanese market.

KEY COMPETENCIES (includes knowledge / skills / abilities required for delivering the responsibilities effectively)

a. Functional/Practice knowledge: 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

b. Technical prowess: 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

c. Industry knowledge: Deep knowledge of IT services/IT outsourcing globally; ability to communicate across stakeholders

d. Commercial knowledge: Ability to analyze requirements, qualify deals and opportunities

e. Executive Presence: Effective executive communication skills to clearly articulate vision and lead effective teams across the enterprise; productively challenge counterparts, bringing valuable insights

f. Relationship management: Outstanding interpersonal abilities; skilled in managing solutions with executive leadership and business units, effectively aligning stakeholders to strategic plans and mitigating solution gaps

g. Leadership experience: Excellent organizational and leadership skills to build strong Solution function and lead by example; strong solution management, planning, conflict management, and operations skills