Director-IOA

Cognizant; Telangana; On-site; INR 6,000,000 - 12,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognizant is seeking a dynamic Sales Director to lead Ad Sales India operations, driving strategy and performance for a major client. Location is Hyderabad, India, with a focus on delivering value through strong client partnerships and strategic leadership.

The role requires 15+ years of B2B sales leadership, deep ad tech experience, and ability to manage large, high-pressure teams while achieving growth in a digital advertising landscape.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of B2B sales leadership experience in a high-pressure, target-driven environment.
• Extensive experience in managing large-scale, complex operations, preferably in digital advertising or technology.
• Preference for candidates with direct/vendor experience in Google Ads Sales or Meta Ads Sales.
• Proven ability to manage client relationships at the senior executive level with a customer-centric focus.
• Exceptional leadership with a track record of building, motivating, and managing large teams.

Responsibilities

• Client Relationship Management: be the primary contact for client leadership in India and expand program value.
• Operational Delivery & SLA Achievement: oversee delivery, KPIs, and SLAs across the sales lifecycle.
• Project Financials: manage budgets, forecasting, and profitability within financial parameters.
• People Experience & Team Leadership: mentor and inspire a large sales team, drive engagement.
• Strategic Planning & Execution: develop and implement sales plans aligned with client goals.

Skills

B2B sales leadership

P&L management

Ad tech knowledge

Job description

Sales Director, Ad Sales - India Operations

Location: Hyderabad, India

Cognizant is seeking a dynamic and highly experienced Sales Director to lead Ad Sales operations for one of our largest clients. This role is a critical leadership position responsible for the entire program's delivery, strategic direction, and performance. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned B2B sales leader with a proven track record of managing large-scale operations and a deep understanding of the digital advertising landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Client Relationship Management: Act as the primary point of contact for client leadership in India, ensuring a strong, collaborative partnership. Build trust, manage expectations, and proactively identify opportunities to expand the program's scope and value.
• Operational Delivery & SLA Achievement: Oversee all aspects of program delivery, ensuring the team consistently meets and exceeds key performance indicators (KPIs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Drive operational excellence and efficiency across the entire sales lifecycle, from acquisitions to same-store growth.
• Project Financials: Manage the program's financial performance, including budget oversight, forecasting, and profitability. Ensure the program operates within agreed-upon financial parameters while identifying opportunities for cost savings and revenue growth.
• People Experience & Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and inspire a large team of sales professionals and managers. Foster a high-performance, customer-centric culture. Drive talent development, retention, and employee engagement, ensuring a positive and productive work environment.
• Strategic Planning & Execution: Develop and implement strategic sales plans that align with the client's goals and market dynamics. Adapt to a high-stress, target-based environment, and leverage data and insights to make informed decisions that drive growth.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• 15+ years of B2B sales leadership experience in a high-pressure, target-driven environment.
• Extensive experience in managing large-scale, complex operations, preferably within the digital advertising or technology sector.
• Preference for candidates with direct or vendor experience in Google Ads Sales or Meta Ads Sales.
• Proven ability to manage client relationships at a senior executive level and a strong focus on customer-centricity.
• Exceptional leadership skills with a track record of building, motivating, and managing large, diverse teams.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in managing P&L and project financials.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.