Senior Associate – Legal

Cognizant; Bengaluru; Hybrid; INR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognizant in Bengaluru is seeking a Senior Associate – Legal to lead technology contracts and vendor agreements within the Technology Transactions team. You will draft, review, and negotiate global contracts, providing strategic legal advice to business partners while protecting Cognizant’s interests.

You will collaborate with business, finance and procurement, assess risks, and implement safeguards. The role offers a hybrid work model in Bengaluru with growth opportunities and exposure to

Qualifications

• Strong contracting knowledge and experience handling technology contracts.
• Understanding of transactional (commercial) nuances.
• Ability to assess risks and mitigations.
• Fluency in written and verbal English.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Ownership mindset and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Drafting, vetting and negotiating various global Contracts and other documents including Software License and subscription agreements, Alliance/Teaming agreements, sub-contracts, RFP(s), Non-Disclosure agreements.
• Identifying contractual, commercial and operational risks and exposures in the contracts; Providing inputs/mark-up on contracts to negate/mitigate contractual, commercial and operational risks and exposures.
• Working with internal and external clients to structure, prepare, negotiate and finalize agreements, letters of intent, commercial proposals, etc.
• Participate in discussions with internal stakeholders, external counsels and advisors during the entire contracting process.
• Ability to provide business legal advice, with good critical thinking and creative problem-solving.
• Dynamism and proactive approach to work, with a pragmatic and pro-business view of legal issues.
• Champion AI Fluency.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to effectively communicate and coordinate complex issues with diverse levels of management and employees.
• Embrace our vibrant culture by striving for excellence, focusing on meaningful outcomes, and collaborating effectively. Take ownership, build relationships, and focus on personal growth to drive business strategy and foster an inclusive culture, creating unmatched career opportunities and impactful work.

Skills

Contracting knowledge

Tech contract experience

Transactional nuances

English fluency

Stakeholder management

Job description

About Cognizant Corporate

Cognizant Corporate is a global community united by a shared purpose: to make a meaningful impact. We are committed to excellence and driven by outcomes that matter. Collaboration is at the heart of how we work, and our forward-thinking mindset fuels continuous learning, innovation, and growth.

At Cognizant, careers transcend titles. We empower our people to think strategically, inspire others, and lead with purpose – always guided by our core values. Join us in shaping future of business.

About the role

As a Senior Associate – Legal, you will drive impactful contributions and focus on outcomes. You will be a key member of the Technology Transactions team, collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders including business, finance, procurement etc. The candidate will oversee the negotiation, review, and management of vendor and partner agreements for Cognizant's business operations. The candidate will serve as a trusted legal advisor to the business, ensuring the protection of Cognizant's interests through the assessment of legal and commercial risks and the implementation of appropriate contractual safeguards and mitigation measures. As a team of self-starters, you can work with impact with our vibrant people and culture all while enjoying unmatched learning opportunities.

In this role, you will:

• Drafting, vetting and negotiating various global Contracts and other documents including Software License and subscription agreements, Alliance/Teaming agreements, sub-contracts, RFP(s), Non-Disclosure agreements.
• Identifying contractual, commercial and operational risks and exposures in the contracts; Providing inputs/mark-up on contracts to negate/mitigate contractual, commercial and operational risks and exposures.
• Working with internal and external clients to structure, prepare, negotiate and finalize agreements, letters of intent, commercial proposals, etc.
• Participate in discussions with internal stakeholders, external counsels and advisors during the entire contracting process.
• Ability to provide business legal advice, with good critical thinking and creative problem-solving.
• Dynamism and proactive approach to work, with a pragmatic and pro-business view of legal issues.
• Champion AI Fluency.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to effectively communicate and coordinate complex issues with diverse levels of management and employees.
• Embrace our vibrant culture by striving for excellence, focusing on meaningful outcomes, and collaborating effectively. Take ownership, build relationships, and focus on personal growth to drive business strategy and foster an inclusive culture, creating unmatched career opportunities and impactful work.

What you must have to be considered

• Having strong contracting knowledge and experience especially handling technology contracts
• Good understanding of transactional (commercial) nuances
• Ability to assess risks and possible mitigations
• Fluency in written and verbal communication in English
• Ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Good interpersonal skills A strong sense of ownership, desire to create meaningful outcomes, and passion for work that serves a greater good for customers, communities, or global challenges.
• The embodiment of Cognizant’s Values of: Work as One, Dare to Innovate, Raise the Bar, Do The right Thing, & Own It

These will help you succeed

• NA

Work model

We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring at least 3 days a week in Cognizant office in Bengaluru, Karnataka (or any other city in India). Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you’re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.