Director, Cyber Security Assurance & Transformation

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 208,000 - 286,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks is seeking a senior security leader to drive AI-powered automation in risk and governance, establishing automated DCISO operations and comprehensive KPI tracking. You will shape enterprise and cloud security strategies and oversee cross-functional teams across the organization.

The role emphasizes strategic leadership, AI integration, and a metrics-driven approach to improve security posture and operational visibility across the business.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in cybersecurity operations, security transformation and cyber security risk roles.
• Hands-on experience in architecting AI-driven solutions and deploying intelligent agents to modernize manual fragmented workflows, reduce operational overhead, and enhance security operations.
• Strong leadership experience in managing complex, cross-functional teams, resources, and budgets.
• Proven experience in organizational change management within a security context; specifically, leading technical teams through shifts from manual to automated operational models
• Proven track record of leading large-scale automation projects and implementing metrics-driven operational frameworks.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead M&A pre-integration activities for the InfoSec organization, ensuring operational continuity and alignment with InfoSec standards enabling accelerated integration.
• Design and implement AI-powered agents and advanced language models to streamline Risk and Governance processes and enhance Enterprise and Cloud Security frameworks.
• Lead the transition of DCISO operations from manual to automated, highly efficient processes using AI models and technologies.
• Own the strategy for automated control monitoring to improve security posture and DCISO operational visibility.
• Establish and own a comprehensive measurement framework, defining and tracking KRIs and KPIs across Enterprise & Cloud Security, GRC & GovSec domains.
• Oversight and measure the progress of the annual DCISO objectives and workplan.

Skills

M&A integration

Cybersecurity operations

AI-driven solutions

Leadership

Cross-functional teamwork

Stakeholder management

Tools

AI models

Automation platforms

Security platforms

Job description

Our Mission

At Palo Alto Networks®, we’re united by a shared mission—to protect our digital way of life. We thrive at the intersection of innovation and impact, solving real-world problems with cutting-edge technology and bold thinking. Here, everyone has a voice, and every idea counts. If you’re ready to do the most meaningful work of your career alongside people who are just as passionate as you are, you’re in the right place.

Who We Are

In order to be the cybersecurity partner of choice, we must trailblaze the path and shape the future of our industry. This is something our employees work at each day and is defined by our values: Disruption, Collaboration, Execution, Integrity, and Inclusion. We weave AI into the fabric of everything we do and use it to augment the impact every individual can have. If you are passionate about solving real-world problems and ideating beside the best and the brightest, we invite you to join us!

We believe collaboration thrives in person. That’s why most of our teams work from the office full time, with flexibility when it’s needed. This model supports real-time problem-solving, stronger relationships, and the kind of precision that drives great outcomes.

Job Summary

• Lead M&A pre-integration activities for the InfoSec organization, ensuring operational continuity and alignment with InfoSec standards enabling accelerated integration
• Design and implement AI-powered agents and advanced language models to streamline Risk and Governance processes and enhance Enterprise and Cloud Security frameworks.
• By leveraging AI Models and technologies embedding AI, lead the transition of DCISO operations from manual to an automated, highly efficient processes
• Own the strategy for automated control monitoring to improve security posture and DCISO operational visibility.
• Establish and own a comprehensive measurement framework, defining and tracking KRIs and KPIs across Enterprise & Cloud Security, GRC & GovSec domains
• Oversight and measure the progress of the annual DCISO objectives and workplan

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of M&A integration strategies within a large-scale security organization.
• 10+ years of experience in cybersecurity operations, security transformation and cyber security risk roles.
• Hands-on experience in architecting AI-driven solutions and deploying intelligent agents to modernize manual fragmented workflows, reduce operational overhead, and enhance security operations.
• Strong leadership experience in managing complex, cross-functional teams, resources, and budgets.
• Proven experience in organizational change management within a security context; specifically, leading technical teams through shifts from manual to automated operational models
• Proven track record of leading large-scale automation projects and implementing metrics-driven operational frameworks.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

Compensation Disclosure

The compensation offered for this position will depend on qualifications, experience, and work location. For candidates who receive an offer at the posted level, the starting base salary (for non-sales roles) or base salary + commission target (for sales/com-missioned roles) is expected to be the annual range listed below. The offered compensation may also include restricted stock units and a bonus. A description of our employee benefits may be found here.

$208,100.00 - $285,600.00/yr

Our Commitment

We’re trailblazers that dream big, take risks, and challenge cybersecurity’s status quo. It’s simple: we can’t accomplish our mission without diverse teams innovating, together.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with a disability. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability or special need, please contact us at [e-mail].

Palo Alto Networks is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity in our workplace, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or other legally protected characteristics.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Is role eligible for Immigration Sponsorship?: Yes