Client Relationship Manager; Seattle Area, WA

Client Relationship Manager (Greater Seattle Area, WA)

Location: Greater Seattle Area, WA (Onsite)

Level: Associate Director

We are seeking an experienced Client Relationship Manager (CRM) to join our Communications, Media, and Technology (CMT) team, focused on driving growth with strategic high-tech clients in the Seattle area. This role is ideal for someone with prior experience selling into Microsoft, strong knowledge of AI-driven solutions, and the ability to quickly build a book of business leveraging existing relationships and industry expertise.

As a CRM, you will act as a business owner for assigned accounts, partnering closely with the Client Partner and delivery teams to ensure exceptional client satisfaction and profitable growth. You will be accountable for the client P&L, driving revenue, margin, and retention while positioning Cognizant as a trusted advisor.

• Leverage prior Microsoft experience and contacts to accelerate business development and establish a strong pipeline of opportunities.
• Balance sales and delivery responsibilities, ensuring high-quality execution while driving strategies for account penetration and cross-selling Cognizant’s emerging services, including AI-based technologies.
• Drive profitable growth through identifying and closing new, renewal, and expansion opportunities.
• Understand client business priorities and align Cognizant’s solutions to deliver measurable outcomes, particularly in AI, automation, and data-driven transformation.
• Build and maintain relationships across multiple levels within client organizations, including executive stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Cognizant service lines and innovation teams to develop and execute account strategies.
• Lead proposal development, deal reviews, and executive summaries for large opportunities.
• Identify and leverage strategic partnerships and alliances to expand account footprint.
• Manage end-to-end account operations, including forecasting, budgeting, and overall P&L accountability.

Proficiency in sales programs such as Holden or Miller Heiman is good to have. Recent certification in Cloud and AI (Basic) would be good to have.

• 15+ years of experience in client-facing or account leadership roles within IT professional services or consulting.
• Proven success in selling into Microsoft or similar large technology enterprises, with strong knowledge of their ecosystem and procurement processes.
• Must possess a minimum of 5 years of experience in selling to Microsoft.
• Ability to quickly build a book of business leveraging prior contacts and relationships.
• Experience managing $10M+ P&L and driving measurable revenue/profit growth.
• Strong understanding of technology trends, including AI, machine learning, and automation solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to sell AI-based technologies and articulate business value of AI-driven transformation.
• Track record of closing large managed services deals (multi-million $, multi-year contracts).
• Exceptional relationship-building skills and executive presence.
• Ability to navigate complex organizations and influence through content and confidence.
• Experience leading diverse teams and collaborating in a multi-cultural environment.

Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship now or at any time in the future.

The annual base salary for this position is between $160,000 - $180,000 depending on the experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program and is based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

• 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

Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Applicants may be…