Life Sciences Client Relationship Manager

Cognizant; North Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

Paid time off

401(k) plan

Long-term/Short-term Disability

Paid Parental Leave

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

Cognizant is seeking a Life Sciences Client Relationship Manager to grow clients in the Chicago, IL area. You will own P&L, drive business development and delivery objectives, and manage key accounts with a focus on revenue, margin, and client satisfaction.

The role requires relocation or residence in the Chicago area, with responsibilities spanning strategy, negotiations, and cross-functional leadership to ensure superior client experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of Life Sciences industry in a client-facing role.
• Experience managing Client P&L of $15+ Million including reporting and metrics.
• Consultative selling in Life Sciences IT industry.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategic pursuits across deals of varying size, aligning with customer objectives.
• Grow the portfolio by 10% in 2026.
• Lead internal teams to develop strategy and drive initiatives.
• Communicate effectively with client and Cognizant leadership up to CXO level.
• Supervise end-to-end service delivery and manage contract changes.

Skills

Consultative selling

Sales & Marketing

R&D

Client facing

Education

MBA degree preferred

Job description

The Life Sciences IT Client Relationship Manager is a key contributor to the commercial side of Cognizant’s IT and Consulting Business. They support the Client Partner and act as business owners for assigned accounts, leading the day-to-day activities and P&L of these accounts. The CRM works with delivery teams to enhance backlog, optimizing the resource mix and navigating scope changes to ensure client expectations are met. They work towards establishing a positive client experience. A CRM's shared measures are margin, revenue, client satisfaction & employee retention. CRM role-specific measures are renewal win rates, revenue, and margin.

Cognizant Technology Solutions is currently seeking a highly skilled Life Sciences Client Relationship Manager who will be responsible for growing clients in the Chicago, IL. area. Client Relationship Managers play a key role in our growth and are tasked with rapid business expansion within their assigned account(s), including managing business development and delivery objectives, top and bottom-line P&L, customer satisfaction, and the overall Account relationship for one or more key account(s).

The qualified candidate must reside within the Chicago, IL. area or must be able to relocate to the Chicago area.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive strategic pursuits encompassing small, medium and large deals, working cross-functionally within Cognizant to ensure we are selling what we can deliver as aligned with the customer’s objectives; work with teams to deliver the pitch, define scope/team and supply to pricing and contractual arrangements.
• Instrumental in growing the portfolio by 10% in 2026.
• Spearhead internal teams (Service Lines, Solutions, Delivery) to develop and lead strategy and drive strategic initiatives.
• Bring top notch communications expertise with the client and within Cognizant up to the CxO level. Adept at effective leadership communication.
• Accountable for indirectly supervising end-to-end service delivery and ensuring all contractual commitments are met. Work with the customer to amend and approve changes as necessary.
• Drive entrepreneurial changes needed to achieve the customers' objectives, advised by deep industry expertise.
• Optimally lead and encourage the adjacent teams team members engaged in the services delivery. Mentors and develops them to drive exceptional client experience.

Required Experience:

• Consultative Selling in the Life Sciences IT Industry.
• Experience in Sales & Marketing, R&D and corporate functions in the Life Sciences Industry.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in the Life Sciences Industry in a client facing role in a consulting firm or an account/engagement management role in the IT professional services offshore/outsourcing industry.
• Experience managing Client P&L of $15 + Million dollars including reporting and metric assessment for the account.

Parameters for Success:

• Strong Revenue Growth
• Exceptional client handling
• Consultative Selling
• Effective Negotiations
• Large Deal management
• Influence and participate in Solution Design
• Strong Presentation Skills
• Deep knowledge of financial modelling

Preferred Experience:

• Deep Understanding of Client’s priorities and business models
• Strategic thinking
• Excellent Collaboration & Relationship building
• Effective Problem-Solving Skills
• Customer Focus
• CXO Relationship management
• MS or MBA degree preferred

Salary and Other Compensation:

The BASE SALARY for this position $140,000 - $170,000 + Annual Bonus.

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

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, based on applicable law.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.