SBU Head - Practice
Cognizant · Bangalore Urban, Karnataka, India
Free to search · AI fit score against your CV · tailor your résumé in one click
Cognizant · Bangalore Urban, Karnataka, India
Role Overview The Strategic Initiatives Lead – Cyber Security will operate at the intersection of strategy, execution, business operations, and leadership enablement. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with strong execution capabilities, exceptional stakeholder management skills, and deep exposure to the cybersecurity and technology services landscape. Key Responsibilities • Strategy Development & Execution • Partner with the Global Head of Cyber Security to define and operationalize the Cyber Security Service Line strategy. • Translate strategic objectives into executable plans, ensuring alignment across business units, geographies, and functional teams. • Drive leadership offsites, strategy reviews, and quarterly business reviews. • Monitor progress against strategic goals and facilitate decision-making through data-driven insights. • Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Coordination • Act as the primary liaison between Corporate Development and Cyber Security leadership teams. • Coordinate cybersecurity-related due diligence activities. • Support integration planning, execution, and tracking of acquisition-related initiatives. • Ensure leadership engagement throughout the M&A lifecycle. • Strategic Program Management Office (PMO) • Establish and manage the PMO function for strategic cybersecurity initiatives. • Define governance models, reporting structures, KPIs, and OKRs. • Track milestones, identify risks and dependencies, and ensure timely issue resolution. • Provide executive-level visibility into performance and progress. • Leadership Operations & Governance • Drive the operational cadence of the Cyber Security leadership team. • Prepare executive briefings, governance reviews, business updates, and decision-making materials. • Track action items and ensure follow-through on critical priorities. • Act as a trusted advisor to leadership and proactively resolve organizational challenges. • Analyst Relations & Market Positioning • Lead analyst briefings, inquiry programs, and participation in industry assessments. • Develop executive presentations and positioning narratives to strengthen market presence. • Support analyst evaluations and industry recognition initiatives. • Market Intelligence & Executive Communications • Monitor cybersecurity market trends, competitive developments, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes. • Produce executive dashboards, market intelligence reports, newsletters, and thought-leadership content. • Deliver actionable insights to leadership teams and stakeholders. • Special Projects & Cross-Functional Leadership • Lead strategic initiatives and transformation programs on behalf of the Global Head. • Develop business cases, drive stakeholder engagement, and manage change initiatives. • Foster collaboration across business units, corporate functions, alliances, and partner ecosystems. Personal Leadership • Build trust, collaboration, and inclusiveness. • Exhibit exceptional communication and influencing skills. • Lead without direct authority. Organizational Leadership • Drive vision and strategic alignment. • Demonstrate enterprise-wide thinking. • Create clarity and focus within a complex global organization. Business Leadership • Maintain strong client and market orientation. • Navigate ambiguity with accountability. • Apply sound commercial and financial judgment. Experience Mandatory Skills & Qualifications • Significant exposure to Cyber Security, Technology Services, or Digital Transformation domains. • Proven experience supporting senior executives, business leaders, or C-suite stakeholders. Cyber Security & Industry Knowledge • Strong understanding of the cybersecurity services landscape, vendor ecosystem, and emerging market trends. • Knowledge of managed security services, cyber advisory, cyber transformation, and regulated industry environments. M&A Experience • Hands-on experience managing M&A workstreams including: • Due diligence • Integration planning • Stakeholder management • Post-merger integration activities Program & Portfolio Management • Proven ability to manage multiple high-priority strategic initiatives across global teams. • Strong governance, risk management, KPI tracking, and reporting expertise. Analyst Relations • Exposure to analyst briefings, inquiries, market assessments, and industry ranking submissions. Communication & Executive Engagement • Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills. • Ability to synthesize complex information into executive-level communications and strategic narratives. • Strong executive presence and stakeholder management capabilities. Preferred Qualifications • Prior experience within global IT Services, Consulting, or Professional Services organizations. • Experience supporting corporate strategy, business transformation, or operational excellence programs. • Expertise in competitive intelligence, market research, or thought leadership development. • Demonstrated success in highly matrixed, fast-paced environments. • Ability to influence senior executives and external stakeholders effectively. Educational Qualifications • MBA or equivalent advanced degree from a reputed institution. • Additional qualifications or certifications in Cyber Security, Technology Strategy, Business Transformation, or Program Management will be advantageous.