Job Description

What makes Cognizant a unique place to work? The combination of rapid growth and an international and innovative environment! This is creating a lot of opportunities for people like YOU - people with an ambitious spirit who want to make a difference in this world. Cognizant's delivery model infused with a distinct culture of high customer happiness. We consistently deliver positive relationships, cost reductions, and business results. Be one of our change-makers and join the success story: we are looking for a Pre-Sales Architect (d/f/m) Location: Germany   The Opportunity Join Cognizant Microsoft Business Group (CMBG) and help leading organisations and communities around Continental Europe to transform and achieve their business goals faster and more effectively. Contribute to the way we collaborate, operate, and deliver value to our clients and our client engagements.  As part of our Solutions and Advisory Services (SAS) practice, you will lead technology innovation to shape, create and support the selling of world-class cloud solutions for our clients. You will be part of a growing team of cloud experts who are highly collaborative taking on today’s biggest, most complex Microsoft cloud challenges. We will nurture your talent in an inclusive culture that values diversity. Come grow your career in Microsoft cloud services and technology at CMBG!   As the Solution Manager, you will work alongside Business Development and Client Directors, Enterprise Cloud Strategists, Solution Leads and Azure Practice Group Leads (PGL) and own the detailing of the multi-domain solutions for our clients.  You must have a solid understanding of the challenges that our clients are facing, and how to address them using Microsoft cloud services and technologies across Applied Innovation (e.g., AppDev and Data & AI), Business Apps (D365 and Power Platform) Intelligent Cloud (Azure and IoT) and Intelligent Workplace (Endpoint / M365). This should be combined with experience and high-level understanding of large-scale cloud solutions architecture, novel commercial and delivery models, helping clients transforming into a cloud business, developing new services using digital, becoming more agile and resilient.  We are looking for candidates who have a broad set of technology, delivery, and commercial skills, who can demonstrate an ability to define the right transformation solutions, at the right price, with the appropriate levels of risk. Your Key Result Areas - Shape the end-to-end solution with the right business value for the client, at the right price point, with the right commercial construct, and appropriate risk profile.  - Shape the end-to-end solution with the right technologies and delivery methods, to drive the transformation required by our clients.  - Develop and describe compelling value propositions in response to the client’s requirements. This includes calling out CMBG unique selling points (USPs) and proof points. Engage in competitor intelligence discovery, to counter value propositions from rival suppliers/bidders and inform win strategies.  - Deliver concise and impactful presentations on the value propositions and technical topics in front of a senior audience, including C-Levels.   - On complex, multi-domain solutions, lead the pursuit team‘s response to PQQ, RFI,  RFP, etc. In addition, working with the Business and Client Directors, form the pursuit team and initiate applicable bid management processes to drive CMBG’s proposition response.  - Direct the Solution Leads on scoping the technical solutions, estimates and delivery approaches. Apply methodology, reusable assets, and previous work experience / lessons learned to deliver consistently high-quality of work.  - Direct the Solution Architects on scoping the managed services solutions, estimates and delivery approaches. Apply methodology, reusable assets, and previous work experience / lessons learned to deliver consistently high-quality of work.  - Where required, lead the proposal and statements of work development and guide this through the relevant reviews, approval, and contracting workflows. Seeking buy-in from PGLs and PMO from concept to deal closure.  - Lead peer reviews with CMBG and client stakeholders to gain solution and delivery approach approval and sign-off. Ensure the solution is commercially sound to gain approval and sign-off by the CMBG and wider Cognizant stakeholders.  - Stay educated on new and emerging transformation approaches and methodologies.   - Be a lead contributor to CMBG’s Centres of Excellence and Communities of Practice for the purpose of developing and sharing relevant transformation / delivery approaches, processes and standards.   - Understand the strategic direction set by Cognizant/CMBG leadership, as it relates to team goals.    Your Qualification - Minimum of 10 years of delivering transformational programmes/projects, including scope that includes managed services and outsourcing.  - Extensive experience in project delivery methodologies (agile, waterfall, etc.) and client account delivery management.  - Minimum of 10 years lead large scale solutions using the Microsoft cloud technologies and services and other technology services.  - Certifications: A foundational level ITIL, Prince, SAFe, Microsoft Cloud Fundamentals.   - Strong collaborator – willingness to share ideas, documentation and leading best practice. - Proven ability to engage, build, and foster a team-oriented environment, including working across matrixed internal, client, supplier and geographically dispersed virtual teams. - Provides formal and informal coaching on-the-job to grow team members to their full potential. - Excellent communication skills in German and English (written and oral) as well as interpersonal skills. - Excellent skills in leadership and workload management, with the ability to manage one or more large, complex programs/projects simultaneously. - Proven ability to work creatively and analytically in a problem-solving environment. - Strong negotiation skills.   What you can expect - An organization driven by technology – We have a tremendous technology backbone - Open, ‘can do’ team spirit - An environment where you can make your own ideas reality - Drive your own career - Market conform benefits   Our strength is built on our ability to work together. Our many backgrounds offer different perspectives and new ways of thinking. It encourages lively discussions, inspires thought leadership, and helps us build better solutions for our clients. We are looking for someone who drives in this setting and is inspired to craft significant solutions through true collaboration.   About Cognizant Cognizant is one of the world’s leading professional services companies, transforming clients’ business, operating, and technology models for the digital era. Our unique industry-based, consultative approach helps clients envision, build, and run more innovative and efficient businesses. Headquartered in the U.S., Cognizant, a member of the NASDAQ-100, is ranked 205 on the Fortune 500 and is consistently listed among the most admired companies in the world. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company.