SBU Head - Practice

Cognizant; Bengaluru Urban; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognizant in Bengaluru seeks a Strategic Initiatives Lead – Cyber Security who will bridge strategy, execution, and leadership. You will collaborate with the Global Head of Cyber Security to shape the service line and steer cross‑functional programs.

The role demands strong stakeholder management, deep cyber security experience, and ability to drive M&A coordination, PMO governance, and executive communications across a global organization.

Qualifications

• Significant exposure to Cyber Security, Technology Services, or Digital Transformation.
• Proven experience supporting senior executives or C-suite stakeholders.
• MBA or equivalent advanced degree; certifications in Cyber Security advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Define and operationalize Cyber Security service line strategy with the Global Head.
• Translate objectives into executable plans across geographies and functions.
• Lead strategy reviews, PMO governance, KPIs, and OKRs with data-driven insights.
• Coordinate M&A due diligence, integration planning, and post-merger activities.
• Prepare executive briefings and governance materials for leadership.
• Develop competitive positioning and analyst relations to strengthen market presence.

Skills

Cyber Security

Technology Services

Digital Transformation

M&A Coordination

Program Management

Executive Communication

Stakeholder Management

Education

MBA or equivalent

Cyber Security qualifications

Tools

Analytics & BI

Governance frameworks

Job description

Role Overview

The Strategic Initiatives Lead – Cyber Security will operate at the intersection of strategy, execution, business operations, and leadership enablement.

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.