Pre-Sales Solution Architect (COTS P&C Insurance)

Job Description

At Cognizant, we know technology. But technology is only as good as the results it delivers.

As the Business Partner leading the Duck Creek team at Cognizant, you'll team with some of the best minds in the industry to create innovative high quality Duck Creek enabled solutions focused on clients' business needs. The Business Partner will have overall responsibility for all market facing activities designed to continue to our impressive growth record in the Duck Creek space. Candidates will be responsible for assisting our Delivery Leader in project staffing and ensuring the quality of work performed for their customers. In addition, Business Partners will coordinate the efforts of the Business Unit, Sales, and discrete Delivery teams (Testing, Data Management, Cloud, etc.) in support of t Cognizant’s customers’ needs. The Business Partner will be a key part of the Products, Platforms and Innovation (PPI) Leadership Team reporting directly to the PPI Markets Leader.

This is a high-profile and demanding role, requiring a combination of market/ sales acumen, analytical/ problem solving skills, thought leadership, project delivery (Agile)/ process management, relationship development/ management and cross-functional collaboration skills. This role is designed to help Cognizant grow its business; provide high quality services to its clients, partners and employees; increase the efficiency and productivity of current team members; manage and help develop talented and experienced employees; and assist Cognizant’s Duck Creek Delivery leader develop a delivery infrastructure for growth.

The Primary responsibilities of the Business Partner in this role include:

· Partner with Duck Creek Sales and Field Sales Organizations to promote sales and marketing activities in the marketplace

· Manage multiple sales and RFP inquiries across multiple customers/ prospects

· Present to and interact with senior and middle-management executives

· Provide proactive strategic implementation guidance to the customer’s steering board and management teams

· Prepare current customers for the presentation and sale of future Duck Creek services

· Assist Account Teams to connect the dots between Duck Creek efforts and other Cognizant services that can be offered to clients/ prospects

· Develop internal resources / experts to assist all Account teams in closing business

· Coordinate staffing of Cognizant’s Duck Creek Advisory and implementation resources

· Facilitate the successful implementation of Duck Creek software

· Develop and execute plans to address customer satisfaction gaps and business issues

· Develop a relationship with each of Cognizant’s customers implementing Duck Creek to promote customer satisfaction and reference-ability

· Structure ad-hoc analyses to define service demand models (Forecasts) and define appropriate pricing models

· Act as a liaison between the Duck Creek Practice, Operations (Delivery), Sales, Finance and Marketing to promote structuring effective Duck Creek deals in the market

· Positively and proactively represent Cognizant in meetings, seminars, trade shows and networking events following Cognizant’s Strategy and graphic standards

· Responsible for the development and ownership of Duck Creek pipeline management (Salesforce) and at-risk deals driving Associate and Account team behavior utilizing the Cognizant Strategic Opportunity and Risk Assessments

· Accountable for line of sight new and lost business forecasting on a monthly and quarterly basis

· Support national recruiting team in efforts to interview, hire and on board new associates that will execute delivery of Duck Creek Programs

The Person - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

· Strong understanding of Property and Casualty Insurance Products and Processes

· Strong understanding of Duck Creek Solutions, Guidewire and/or other P&C COTS software

· A consultative, positive and resourceful approach to dealing with prospect, clients and associates

· Ability to deal with senior level management and have a top level executive presence

· Ability to work within a global construct that leverages a global/ distributed delivery model

· Highly developed organization and time management skills

· Excellent listening skills

· Strong written and verbal communications

· Strong degree of self-motivation

· Goal orientated

· High activity levels

Key Performance Metrics:

· Meeting /Exceeding growth targets at the margins set

· Execution of best practices (Strategic Opportunity Reviews, Deal Reviews, Pipeline Review)

Practice Leader Metrics:

· Performance Review and Mentorship model

Education, Experience, and Professional Designation:

· Bachelor’s degree required

· Strong understanding of Property and Casualty Insurance Products and Processes (Policy, Billing and Claims)

· Strong understanding of Duck Creek Solutions, Guidewire or other P&C COTS software

· At least 12 years of Consulting/ Professional Services experience

· Commitment to continued Insurance industry education