Service Delivery Lead

Cognizant is seeking a Service Delivery Lead with multi tower experience for a full time opportunity in Des Moines, IA

This role will be responsible for end-to-end service delivery, operational governance, transformation initiatives, financial management, and oversight of both Hardware Asset Management (HAM) and Software Asset Management (SAM) functions.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience managing complex enterprise infrastructure environments, leading global delivery teams, driving operational excellence, and acting as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Governance

• Lead large-scale Infrastructure Managed Services programs supporting global enterprise environments.
• Own service delivery, customer satisfaction, operational KPIs, SLAs, XLAs, and contractual commitments.
• Establish executive governance cadence, steering committees, service reviews, and operational reporting.
• Act as the primary escalation point for critical incidents, service risks, and customer concerns.
• Develop and execute continuous service improvement and transformation roadmaps.

Infrastructure Operations Management

• Oversee delivery across multiple infrastructure towers including:

• End User Services

• Service Desk

• Network Operations

• Data Center Operations

• Server & Storage Administration

• Cloud Operations (Azure, AWS, GCP)

• Database Services

• Identity & Access Management

• Security Operations

• Workplace Technology Services

• Ensure operational stability, availability, performance, and compliance across infrastructure services.

Hardware Asset Management (HAM)

• Govern the complete lifecycle of IT hardware assets.
• Develop asset standards, policies, and lifecycle management processes.
• Manage procurement, deployment, inventory tracking, refresh planning, warranty management, and asset disposal.
• Ensure CMDB and asset repositories remain accurate and audit ready.
• Drive cost optimization through asset utilization and lifecycle management strategies.

Software Asset Management (SAM)

• Lead enterprise-wide software asset management and license compliance programs.
• Manage software inventory, licensing models, renewals, audits, and vendor relationships.
• Establish software governance and usage optimization initiatives.
• Mitigate licensing and compliance risks.
• Drive software rationalization and cost reduction programs.

Financial & Commercial Management

• Manage P&L, budgets, forecasting, resource planning, and financial governance.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction, automation, and operational efficiencies.
• Participate in contract negotiations, renewals, scope expansion, and service improvements.
• Track delivery performance against contractual obligations.

Transformation & Automation

• Drive infrastructure modernization initiatives.

• Lead adoption of:

• AIOps

• ITSM/ITOM platforms

• ServiceNow

• Infrastructure Automation

• Cloud Transformation

• Observability Platforms

• Develop operational efficiencies through automation and self-healing capabilities.

People Leadership

• Lead, multi-disciplinary teams.
• Build high-performing delivery organizations.
• Mentor delivery managers, tower leads, and operations teams.
• Establish succession planning, training, and talent.

Qualifications:

Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams.

Experience with building high-performance delivery organizations.

Experience managing Service Delivery Teams, Tower Lead and Operations teams.

Experience with succession planning, training and talent.

Technical Knowledge

• Data Center Operations
• Windows & Linux Platforms
• Virtualization (VMware/Hyper-V)
• Storage & Backup Technologies
• Enterprise Networking
• Cloud Platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP)
• ITSM Platforms (ServiceNow preferred)
• Monitoring & Observability Tools
• CMDB & Asset Management Platforms
• Security & Compliance Frameworks
• Software Licensing & Vendor Management

Preferred Certifications

• ITIL v4 Managing Professional or Expert
• PMP / PgMP
• CISSP (Preferred)
• Microsoft Azure Certifications

The salary range for this role is between $140,000 to $167,000 depending on skills and qualifications of the candidate. Applications will be accepted till 11/11/2026.

Additional employment information

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.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Applicants for US based positions must be currently authorized to work for any employer in the United States. The company is unable to provide employment-based immigration sponsorship for US based positions.

If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email CareersNA2@cognizant.com for roles based in the Americas or CareersIndia2@cognizant.com for roles based in India.

About Cognizant:

Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization's unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.