Director, Technical Program Management

Zscaler; San Jose (CA); Hybrid; USD 200,000 - 285,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

In-office perks

Job summary

Zscaler is seeking a Director of Technical Program Management for Shared Platform Engineering to lead strategic engineering initiatives. This hybrid role reports to executive leadership and requires building robust program management frameworks, aligning cross‑functional teams, and translating priorities into actionable plans.

You will drive OKRs, manage dependencies, and champion transformational change across product and platform engineering, with a focus on AI-enabled workflows and scalable

Qualifications

• Curiosity and active exploration of AI tools and workflows.
• 12+ years in technical program management or related field.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field; Master’s preferred.
• Experience applying Agile/Scrum and influencing large-scale engineering teams.
• Deep understanding of API platforms and Java/Spring frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead definition, planning, and delivery of complex cross-functional programs.
• Drive customer retention by tracking deployment and health metrics.
• Establish interlocks, timelines, and workflows for platform engineering OKRs.
• Design and refine program management frameworks for efficiency and scale.
• Coordinate dependencies and communicate status to executive leadership.

Skills

AI tools

12+ years PM

Bachelor's degree

Agile/Scrum

Java/Spring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/CS

Master's preferred

Tools

Six Sigma

PMP/SAFe/Scrum Master

Job description

Zscaler (NASDAQ: ZS) accelerates digital transformation so customers can be more agile, efficient, resilient, and secure. The Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange platform protects thousands of customers from cyberattacks and data loss by securely connecting users, devices, and applications in any location. Distributed across 200+ public data centers globally and thousands of private sites at the edge, the SASE-based Zero Trust Exchange is the world’s largest in-line cloud security platform.

We believe the future of work is Human + AI and are building an AI-native enterprise where human potential is amplified by machine intelligence to solve the world’s hardest security challenges. Driven by deep customer obsession, we are committed to the mission, outcome, and to each other. We bring these commitments to life through three core behaviors: ownership and collaboration, trust through outcomes and impact, and a challenge culture with ongoing feedback. Ready to make an impact at the company pioneering security transformation in the AI era? Join us at Zscaler.

Role

We are looking for a Director of Technical Program Management for Shared Platform Engineering to join our team. This is a Hybrid role, reporting to Executive leadership in the Shared Platform Engineering department. As the Director of Technical Program Management for Shared Platform Engineering, you will be responsible for the successful execution of Zscaler’s most strategic engineering initiatives. You will establish the rhythm of the business for critical technical programs, translating organizational priorities into actionable plans. This role requires a strategic leader who can design and implement robust program management frameworks, operationalize transformational change, and drive cross-functional planning across the product and platform engineering organization.

What you’ll do (Role Expectations)

• Lead the definition, planning, and delivery of complex, cross-functional technical programs aligned with Zscaler’s strategic goals and R&D objectives

• Drive critical customer retention initiatives by tracking support tickets, deployment progress, and telemetry data, maintaining a targeted focus on high-priority customer health metrics

• Establish and manage the key interlocks, timelines, and workflows that define the operational rhythm for platform engineering to ensure the successful achievement of OKRs

• Design, implement, and refine program management frameworks, processes, and tools to drive efficiency, scalability, and a culture of continuous improvement

• Drive cross-functional alignment by managing dependencies, effectively communicating program status and risks to executive leadership, and operationalizing key transformational change management plans

Who You Are (Success Profile)

• Bring exceptional organizational skill and attention to detail, ensuring precision in program administration and operational execution.

• Demonstrate utmost discretion and integrity when managing highly sensitive strategic information and cross-functional programs.

• Act proactively to anticipate organizational needs, effectively driving high-level technical programs in a fast-paced executive environment.

• Leverage outstanding interpersonal and communication skills to coordinate cross-functional alignment and build strong partnerships.

• Maintain high adaptability and multi-tasking capabilities, thriving within a dynamic, rapidly evolving technical workplace.

What We’re Looking for (Minimum Qualifications)

• Demonstrated curiosity and active exploration of AI tools, with a proven history of integrating new technologies to enhance daily workflows and augment problem-solving

• 12+ years of experience in technical program management or related technical field, with leadership of large-scale initiatives

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field (Master’s preferred)

• Proven track record in applying methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum) and influencing organizational strategy and experience collaborating across large-scale engineering teams and influencing executive leadership

• Deep understanding of API Platforms and software application frameworks such as Java and Spring (e.g., Spring Boot, Spring Cloud)

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)

• Proven ability to leverage AI technologies and workflows to drive measurable operational efficiency

• Experience in a high-growth SaaS or cybersecurity organization

• Experience with public cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure)

• Advanced knowledge of process improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma) and certification in PMP, SAFe, or Scrum Master

#LI-CM3

#LI-Hybrid

Zscaler’s salary ranges are benchmarked and are determined by role and level. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations and could be higher or lower based on a multitude of factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

The base salary range listed for this full-time position excludes commission/ bonus/ equity (if applicable) + benefits.

Base Pay Range

$199,500—$285,000 USD

At Zscaler, we are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve and the customers we work with. We foster an inclusive environment that values all backgrounds and perspectives, emphasizing collaboration and belonging. Join us in our mission to make doing business seamless and secure.

Our Benefits program is one of the most important ways we support our employees. Zscaler proudly offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families throughout their life stages, including:

• Various health plans

• Time off plans for vacation and sick time

• Parental leave options

• Retirement options

• Education reimbursement

• In-office perks, and more!

Learn more about Zscaler's hybrid working model and benefits here (https://www.zscaler.com/candidate-resource-hub) .

By applying for this role, you adhere to applicable laws, regulations, and Zscaler policies, including those related to security and privacy standards and guidelines.

Zscaler is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We strive to create a workplace where employees are treated with respect and have the chance to succeed. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or related medical conditions), age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, and local laws. See more information by clicking on the Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf) link.

Pay Transparency

Zscaler complies with all applicable federal, state, and local pay transparency rules.

Zscaler is committed to providing reasonable support (called accommodations or adjustments) in our recruiting processes for candidates who are differently abled, have long term conditions, mental health conditions or sincerely held religious beliefs, or who are neurodivergent or require pregnancy-related support.