Lead, AI Strategy and Transformation

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 177,000 - 286,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks is scaling its strategy and transformation organization and looking for its next senior leader to drive AI transformation. Your work as a Strategy Lead will directly and visibly shape how our Finance organization uses AI to address transformation initiatives and strategic priorities.

You will partner with senior Finance leaders, prototype AI solutions, and drive end-to-end execution across IT and Finance to deliver measurable business value for a global cybersecurity leader.

Qualifications

• 8+ years relevant work experience with at least 3 years in top-tier strategy consulting (McKinsey, BCG or Bain).
• MBA graduate from a top-tier business school or similar credentials, “direct promote” in consulting or equivalent military experience.
• Strong generalist problem-solver with a track record of structuring ambiguous problems and delivering results across a wide range of topics.
• Proven ability to perform in high-pressure, fast-paced environments, owning workstreams against tight timelines with minimal supervision.
• Hands-on experience using generative AI tools to build prototypes or automate workflows, and a practical understanding of what the technology can and cannot do.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including executive-ready presentations, and comfort with both business and technical discussions with senior audiences.
• Experience building relationships and leading through influence across business and technical teams.
• Experience managing projects and large-scale transformations from strategy through implementation.
• Self-starter and great teammate, willing to go beyond “paper strategy” and roll up their sleeves to own and deliver outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Define AI transformation strategy and roadmaps, identify where AI can fundamentally change how work gets done, size the value and prioritize initiatives with Finance and IT leaders
• Develop and present high-quality recommendations and deliverables for executive-level consumption to align Finance leadership on strategy, priorities and key decisions
• Prototype AI solutions hands-on to rapidly test and validate ideas before committing to a full build
• Partner with IT to take proven prototypes into production, define requirements, manage trade-offs and ensure solutions deliver the intended business value
• Work with Finance teams to redesign existing workflows and processes as AI-native and drive adoption, rethinking roles, handoffs and controls rather than automating current steps
• Own execution of the transformation portfolio end to end, managing plans, milestones, dependencies and risks to keep multiple workstreams across Finance and IT on track
• Structure and break down complex, ambiguous business problems, develop a hypothesis, drive analysis and deliver recommendations
• Drive change across the organization and be willing to wear multiple hats (strategy development, prototyping, project management and execution) to do what it takes to “move the needle”

Skills

Strategy consulting

Executive communication

Problem solving

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

AI prototyping

Project management

Influence

Self-starter

Education

MBA from top-tier business school

Tools

Generative AI tools

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.

The Team

Our Strategy and Business Operations is a focused team that works on our most critical business challenges to drive and support our industry‑leading growth. Your efforts will directly affect the overall strategy and success of a world‑leading cybersecurity business. You will collaborate on complex business and technology problems that are top of mind for our executives. You possess a unique blend of business insight, business strategy experience, big‑picture thinking, and influencing skills and the ability to collaborate with a large number of constituents within Palo Alto Networks.

Job Summary

Palo Alto Networks is scaling its strategy and transformation organization and looking for its next senior leader to drive AI transformation. Your work as a Strategy Lead will directly and visibly shape how our Finance organization works with AI. You will work directly with senior Finance leaders on transformation initiatives to solve complex problems that are top of mind for our executives.

Key Responsibilities

• Define AI transformation strategy and roadmaps, identify where AI can fundamentally change how work gets done, size the value and prioritize initiatives with Finance and IT leaders
• Develop and present high‑quality recommendations and deliverables for executive‑level consumption to align Finance leadership on strategy, priorities and key decisions
• Prototype AI solutions hands‑on to rapidly test and validate ideas before committing to a full build
• Partner with IT to take proven prototypes into production, define requirements, manage trade‑offs and ensure solutions deliver the intended business value
• Work with Finance teams to redesign existing workflows and processes as AI‑native and drive adoption, rethinking roles, handoffs and controls rather than automating current steps
• Own execution of the transformation portfolio end to end, managing plans, milestones, dependencies and risks to keep multiple workstreams across Finance and IT on track
• Structure and break down complex, ambiguous business problems, develop a hypothesis, drive analysis and deliver recommendations
• Drive change across the organization and be willing to wear multiple hats (strategy development, prototyping, project management and execution) to do what it takes to “move the needle”

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years relevant work experience with at least 3 years in top‑tier strategy consulting (McKinsey, BCG or Bain)
• MBA graduate from a top‑tier business school or similar academic credentials, “direct promote” in consulting or equivalent military experience
• Strong generalist problem‑solver with a track record of structuring ambiguous problems and delivering results across a wide range of topics
• Proven ability to perform in high‑pressure, fast‑paced environments, owning workstreams against tight timelines with minimal supervision
• Hands‑on experience using generative AI tools to build prototypes or automate workflows, and a practical understanding of what the technology can and cannot do
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including executive‑ready presentations, and comfort with both business and technical discussions with senior audiences
• Experience building relationships and leading through influence across business and technical teams
• Experience managing projects and large‑scale transformations from strategy through implementation
• Self‑starter and great teammate, willing to go beyond “paper strategy” and roll up their sleeves to own and deliver outcomes

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in AI strategy, digital transformation or operating model and process redesign is a plus
• Exposure to Finance functions is a plus but not required
• Knowledge of the enterprise technology or cybersecurity industry is a plus but not required

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.

$176,800.00 - $286,000.00/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