Director, Global Sourcing - Strategy & Operations

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 203,000 - 278,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. is seeking a strategic sourcing leader to elevate global procurement, drive AI-first transformations, and streamline vendor integration across mergers and acquisitions. You will shape policies, optimize spend, and deliver measurable cost efficiencies.

You will build scalable processes, mentor teams, and partner with IT, Legal, and Product to ensure governance and compliance while achieving business velocity and resilience.

Qualifications

• 8–10+ years in strategic sourcing/procurement/vendor management in global tech or consulting environments.
• Proven leadership of cross-functional strategic initiatives and vendor integration in M&A scenarios.
• Expertise in spend modeling, cost-per-unit economics, and benchmarking to drive data-backed decisions.

Responsibilities

• Elevate global sourcing strategy and operations across the company.
• Lead AI-first transformation for end-to-end sourcing lifecycle to optimize timelines and costs.
• Drive M&A sourcing integration, onboarding acquired vendors, and realizing synergies.
• Build scalable global playbooks and processes enabling growth with controlled overhead.
• Develop spend analytics, vendor scorecards, and renewal calendars to inform leadership.

Skills

Strategic sourcing leadership

Vendor management

M&A integration

Spend analytics

AI-driven tools & automation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Finance/Economics

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

• Strategic & Operational Leadership: Elevate the global sourcing strategy and operations across the company, shifting the focus from transactional savings to strategic value creation, business velocity, and long‑term resilience.


• AI-First E2E Transformation: Spearhead the AI‑first transformation for the end‑to‑end sourcing lifecycle. Drive adoption of AI‑driven automation, spend intelligence, and self‑service tools to optimize contract cycle times and operational and drive cost efficiencies.


• M&A Sourcing Integration: Lead strategic sourcing integration efforts for mergers and acquisitions, capturing synergies, streamlining vendor contracts, and seamlessly onboarding acquired technology and service relationships.


• Build Scalable Infrastructure: Develop global playbooks and scalable processes that empower the organization to grow without proportional increases in manual overhead.


• Master Spend Intelligence: Build a world‑class spend analytics function. You will track global vendor spend, identify savings via benchmarking/competitive bids, and maintain rigorous vendor scorecards and renewal calendars.


• Optimize the RFP Process: Design and manage a high‑efficiency RFP lifecycle that ensures Palo Alto Networks partners with the most innovative and reliable vendors in the market.


• Architect Governance & Compliance: Define global policies and approval workflows that ensure all sourcing activities are audit‑ready, compliant, and integrated into our broader financial controls.


• Develop High-Performance Teams: Hire, train, and mentor an AI‑first, world‑class global team focused on delivering measurable business results, significant cost savings, and exceptional internal customer service.

Qualifications

Required Experience:

• 8-10+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement operations, or vendor management within a high‑growth, global technology environment, or relevant consulting experience.


• Proven capability leading cross‑functional strategic initiatives and teams, with experience driving operational transformation and vendor integration in M&A scenarios.


• Expert‑level capability in spend modeling, cost-per‑unit economics, and competitive benchmarking to drive data‑backed decision‑making.


• You are comfortable starting from a blank slate, navigating ambiguity, and iterating quickly in a fast‑paced, \"fail-fast\" environment.


• Demonstrated track record of implementing AI‑driven tools, automation, and modernized operational workflows across end‑to‑end sourcing processes.


• Exceptional ability to convey complex financial risks and strategic opportunities to senior leadership and cross‑functional partners in IT, Legal, and Product.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or Economics; MBA is highly preferred.

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.

$202,800.00 - $278,250.00/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? No. Please note that we will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.