Service Line Specialist (SLS - SEG)

Level: Associate Director

Location: Toronto, CANADA

Travel: As Required

Employment Type: Full-Time

About the role:

The Service Line Specialist (SLS) is a strategic business development and client advisory role focused on driving growth across Cognizant's Software Engineering Group (SEG) portfolio, including Agentic SDLC, Context Engineering, AI-enabled modernization, AI Assurance, and Resilient IT Operations. The SLS will act as a trusted advisor to senior technology and business leaders, bringing market insights, industry trends, and thought leadership to help clients realize business value from AI adoption. Working closely with Client Partners, Account Executives, Solutions, and Delivery leadership, the SLS identifies and shapes strategic opportunities, develops differentiated value propositions, and drives consulting-led sales pursuits. The role requires building strong relationships with C-suite executives, CIOs, CTOs, Chief Digital Officers, VPs, and engineering leaders to expand Cognizant's footprint and influence within accounts.

Key Responsibilities:
• Lead AI Thought Leadership and Client Engagements by advising clients on AI-native software engineering, AI-led modernization, Resilient IT Operations, and AI Assurance strategies through executive discussions, workshops, industry forums, and innovation sessions.
• Drive AI Consulting and Solution Sales by identifying opportunities, shaping client demand, developing differentiated value propositions, and positioning AI-enabled services across application development, maintenance, cloud transformation, quality engineering, digital engineering, and legacy modernization.
• Champion Emerging AI Engineering Trends including Agentic AI, Context Engineering, Knowledge Grounding, and AI-Native SDLC practices, helping clients understand their business impact and transformation potential.
• Position AI Assurance and Responsible AI Offerings by articulating approaches for AI quality, governance, testing, evaluation frameworks, risk management, compliance, and model reliability to enterprise stakeholders.
• Promote AI-Powered Resilient IT Operations by engaging clients on the adoption of AIOps, intelligent automation, predictive operations, observability, and autonomous support models that enhance reliability, productivity, and user experience.
• Build Strategic Relationships and Grow the Business by partnering with client executives, account teams, technology partners, and delivery organizations to expand pipeline, accelerate revenue growth, shape offerings, and drive market adoption of AI Engineering services.
• Additional Requirement: Willingness to travel as required to support client meetings, workshops, business development activities, and industry events.

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 well-being programs. Based on this role's business requirements, this is an onsite position requiring 3 days a week in a client or Cognizant office in Toronto, Ontario

Required Skills and Qualifications:
• Minimum of five years of experience in technology consulting, solution sales, or project delivery, including participation in management of, or advisory roles for AI initiatives. At least two years of hands-on exposure to AI, including Generative AI and Agentic AI.
• Strong understanding of AI-native engineering concepts, including AI-assisted software development, Context Engineering, AI-led modernization, AI Assurance, and modern developer platforms such as Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Devin/Cognition, or similar tools.
• Creative, consultative, and entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify client challenges, shape innovative solutions, and develop compelling AI-led transformation strategies.
• Strong technical foundation with the ability to connect business challenges to technology solutions and engage senior stakeholders
• Knowledge of AI market trends and ecosystem players, including Anthropic, Microsoft, AWS, Google, and emerging AI-native technology providers.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively with executive leadership and stakeholders at all levels, both internally and externally.

Certifications Required:
• AI, Cloud certifications

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

Salary and Other Compensation

We regularly assess market data to ensure we offer a competitive compensation package for our associates. The base salary for this position ranges between CAD $160,000 - $175,000 per year. Where the successful candidate may fall within the range depends on relevant education, work and/or management experience and other business-related and job-necessary qualifications. This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual performance-based bonus, as well as benefits that support your physical, mental and financial wellbeing

Disclaimer:

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 required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.

While our system allows application in all languages, job required language(s) and proficiency level(s) vary. However, basic English proficiency is required for Company-wide communications purposes

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