We are currently expanding our solutioning teams and we have an exciting opportunity for a Solution Architect role to join the SPE Solutioning team, the role will be focused on driving successful RFP responses for the South Europe region.

The SPE solution practice specializes in designing solutions that directly address client requirements outlined in RFPs /RFIs, ensuring successful new business wins in digital engineering, application maintenance and support landscapes.

We excel in crafting compelling responses to RFPs, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and deep industry expertise. Collaborative at our core we work across service lines and the wider Cognizant teams to own the creation and articulation of winning Solutions as part of the RFP process.

Practice Overview:
Cognizant´s Software Platform & Engineering (SPE) service line provides transformative modern engineering services at scale for our clients. Comprised of three practices - Digital Engineering (DE), Application Development & Management (ADM) and Quality Engineering & Assurance (QEA) - we provide end-to-end value to organizations looking to escape legacy constraints, modernize technical architecture and culture to be future fit, and produce greenfield products and services.

• Digital Engineering (DE) practice offers full-stack, end-to-end custom software, product management, enterprise-grade scrum software engineering, design thinking, release train, launch and scale, modern architecture stand-up, legacy re-imagination, process automation, and data-driven decisions
• Application Development & Management (ADM) practice offers seamless operation and continuous modernization and enhancement of clients´ applications. ADM encompasses a broad spectrum of activities, from the initial stages of application development to ongoing maintenance and support, ensuring that the software remains relevant, efficient, and aligned with business objectives.
• Quality Engineering & Assurance (QE&A) practice ensures the highest standards of software quality and performance. Cognizant´s QE&A services are designed to provide a comprehensive approach to quality, combining traditional quality assurance with modern quality engineering practices.

What will you be doing?

In this role, you will be a key contributor to the overall our bid process, with the responsibility for the overall solution proposed, translating complex RFP requirements into clear, technically sound, and compelling solution architectures.
You will collaborate closely with other service lines outside of SPE, and work closely with subject matter and technical experts within the SPE domain. You will also work closely alongside the commercial, client and Bid teams to create winning proposals.

Responsibilities:
• RFP Analysis and Solution Design:
o Thoroughly analyze client RFPs to understand their business needs, technical requirements, and evaluation criteria.
o Develop comprehensive and innovative solution architectures that directly address the RFP requirements, demonstrating a clear understanding of the client´s challenges.
o Craft detailed technical responses, diagrams, and documentation tailored to the specific RFP, ensuring clarity and conciseness.
o Evaluate and select appropriate technologies, platforms, and frameworks to align with the RFP specifications and client objectives.
• Proposal Development
o Work with internal service line to building a holistic solution
o Collaborate with SLS, client and technical teams to develop compelling and persuasive proposals that showcase our technical expertise and value proposition.
o Own the development of technical sections of RFPs, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and alignment with the overall proposal strategy.
o Articulate the technical benefits and differentiators of our proposed solutions in a clear and concise manner.
o Work with multiple service line and account teams to develop effort estimations and derive costs to ensure that solutions are commercially competitive whilst also meeting our delivery requirements
o When the RFP is won, support Cognizant delivery teams´ transition as they ramp up to deliver
• Client Engagement and Pre-Sales Support:
o Participate in client meetings and RRP "oral" presentations to articulate our proposed solutions and address technical questions.
o Provide technical expertise and guidance during the RFP process, building trust and credibility with potential clients.
o Assist in the development of proof-of-concepts and demonstrations to showcase our technical capabilities.
o Work with client CIO/IT directors and other stakeholders taking a consultative selling approach

What background you should have to be a successful candidate.
• Fluent in English and Spanish
• Bachelor´s or master´s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field.
• Extensive (12+ years) in solution architecture, with a proven track record of contributing to successful RFP responses.
• Strong understanding of RFP processes and best practices.
• Ability to quickly analyse and interpret complex technical requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong understanding of enterprise architecture frameworks TOGAF
• Experience with cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and cloud-native architectures.
• Experience with enterprise integration patterns and technologies e.g. Microservice Architecture
• Good understanding of GenAi and AI/ML

Preferred Skills & Experience:
• Relevant certifications AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Azure Solutions Architect, TOGAF
• Experience in specific industry verticals (e.g., financial services, Energy & Utilities, Life Science & Healthcare, Retail and Consumer Goods) relevant to our target RFPs.
• Experience of ADM, Digital transformation programs, BOTs, programmes will be helpful.

The Cognizant community:
We are a high caliber team who appreciate and support one another. Our people uphold an energetic, collaborative and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
- Cognizant is a global community with more than 300,000 associates around the world.
- We don´t just dream of a better way - we make it happen.
- We take care of our people, clients, company, communities and climate by doing what´s right.
- We foster an innovative environment where you can build the career path that´s right for you.