Healthcare Payer Client Relationship Manager

Cognizant; Englewood (CO); Remote; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

Paid holidays plus PTO

401(k) plan and contributions

Long-term/Short-term Disability

Paid Parental Leave

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

Cognizant is seeking a Healthcare Payer Client Relationship Manager to own and grow strategic Health payer relationships, serving as the executive interface for assigned accounts and driving satisfaction, revenue growth, pipeline development, and long-term profitability. This remote role supports the western United States; travel up to 25% to client sites and Cognizant offices.

Requires 12+ years in a healthcare payer client-facing role with P&L ownership of $30M+, and strong CXO-level

Qualifications

• 12+ years in a client-facing Healthcare Payer IT Services or IT Consulting role.
• Proven ownership of large Healthcare Payer technology transformation efforts.
• Demonstrated ability to manage client P&L with $30M+ account sizes.
• Strong CXO and VP-level relationship management within complex, matrixed environments.
• Experience driving new business development and multi-priority programs in fast-paced settings.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary relationship owner for healthcare payer accounts, building trusted executive partnerships.
• Own pipeline development, renewals, and strategic pursuits; lead RFPs and proactive bids.
• Co-create solutions with service lines to drive AI-led transformation and measurable business outcomes.
• Own account financials and partner on governance, risk, and escalation with delivery leadership.
• Engage with C-suite and senior leaders; translate capabilities into growth opportunities.

Job description

As a Healthcare Payer Client Relationship Manager, you will make an impact by owning, growing, and strengthening strategic Healthcare Payer client relationships, serving as the primary executive interface for assigned accounts and driving client satisfaction, revenue growth, pipeline development, and long-term account profitability. You will be a valued member of the Healthcare Payer client leadership team and work collaboratively with service lines, delivery leadership, executive stakeholders, and clients.

In this role, you will

• Act as the primary relationship owner for assigned Healthcare Payer accounts, building deep, trusted partnerships with client stakeholders and serving as the day-to-day executive point of contact.
• Own and drive pipeline development, including renewals, extensions, and net-new opportunities, and lead RFPs, proactive bids, and strategic pursuits to ensure sustained and profitable account growth.
• Co-create solutions with service lines and delivery teams to address client needs, drive technology-led transformation, and deliver measurable business outcomes.
• Identify, shape, and lead AI, Generative AI, and Agentic AI business opportunities, including process transformation, automation, data modernization, and workforce productivity initiatives that deliver measurable client value.
• Maintain accountability for account financials, including revenue, margin, and long-term growth plans, while partnering with internal leadership on delivery governance, risk management, and escalation handling.

Work model

At Cognizant, we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible, and we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs. Based on this role's business requirements, this is a remote role supporting the western United States. This Associate will work from home and travel to client sites and Cognizant offices throughout the western United States as needed for business up to 25% of the time.

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.

What you must have to be considered

• 12+ years of experience in a client-facing role in a Healthcare Payer IT Services or IT Consulting organization.
• Demonstrated experience leading large Healthcare Payer technology transformation pursuits.
• Proven ownership of client P&L with account sizes of $30M+.
• Strong ability to build and sustain CXO and VP-level client relationships.
• Experience operating in complex, matrixed environments with global delivery models.

These will help you succeed

• Demonstrated success in new business development, including large, complex deal pursuits, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Working knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Generative AI, Agentic AI, and emerging digital technologies, with experience identifying, shaping, and leading AI business opportunities and translating capabilities into business outcomes and growth opportunities.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking capabilities, with the ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences across diverse corporate environments.
• Strong executive presentation, storytelling, and communication skills with experience presenting to C-suite and senior business leaders.
• Open to any industry domain; Healthcare understanding is a plus but not mandatory.

We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. 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.

Salary and Other Compensation

• The annual salary for this position is between $140,000 - $170,000 depending on the experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.
• This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan