**Partner Specialist** We are seeking an experienced Partner Specialist who excels in partner engagement. This role is pivotal in onboarding and supporting partners to become effective co-selling forces within our client program, contributing to outstanding experiences for end customers. **Core Responsibilities:** + Partner Onboarding & Program Integration: Lead partners through a structured onboarding process, ensuring seamless integration into our client's program and understanding of all available resources. + Account Planning & Joint Business Alignment: Develop and align on joint business plans and account strategies with partners to foster mutual growth. + Partner Empowerment & Optimization: Work proactively with partners to ensure they maximize program benefits, relevant activations, offers, and incentives. + Enablement Strategy & Execution: Drive comprehensive enablement plans, from foundational credentialing and training to advanced practical experience through Delivery Readiness Index and NPS improvements. + Technical Readiness Guidance: Oversee technical readiness planning, including coordinating trainings, certifications, and the pursuit of relevant Expertise and Specializations. + Co-selling & Go-to-Market Activation: Deploy sales and solution plays via Go-to-Market activation kits and equip partners with necessary resources to build healthy pipelines, expand, and renew existing customer engagements. + Partnership Growth & Portfolio Management: Manage and cultivate a portfolio of strategic cloud partnerships, identifying and facilitating new co-selling opportunities for cloud solutions. + Thought Leadership & Advisory: Provide strategic thought leadership and expert guidance to partners on cloud products and market trends. **Qualifications and Experience:** + Bachelor's degree in Business, Management, Sales, Marketing, or a related field. + Minimum of 2 years of experience in a partner engagement, account management, or business development role within the B2B sector. + Fluent in English (C1 or above certified for non-native speakers). + Demonstrable understanding of cloud technologies and digital transformation concepts. + Familiarity with sales processes and pipeline management, with the ability to facilitate co-selling motions. + Ability to work effectively against partner activation, pipeline, and co-sell related targets, managing deadlines under pressure. + Possesses a customer/partner-first approach. + A strong team player with the ability to collaborate efficiently with multiple stakeholders across different teams. + Excellent soft skills, including communication and presentation abilities. + Superior time management and organizational skills. + Strategic mindset with the ability to anticipate and plan proactively. + Comfort and desire to operate in a fast-paced and evolving environment 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.