Lead/Principal, Strategy & Business Operations - GTM Excellence

Palo Alto Networks; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 172,000 - 278,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks is seeking an exceptional individual contributor for Strategy & Business Operations to support the VP of GTM Excellence. This role blends strategic thinking with hands-on execution across AI initiatives and operating model changes.

You will shape strategy, drive high-priority initiatives, and communicate compelling narratives to senior leadership, including the CEO and executive staff. The position offers office-based collaboration with flexibility as needed.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Strategy, Business Operations, Chief of Staff, Management Consulting, Program Management, or Transformation roles within enterprise technology.
• MBA from a top-tier business school or equivalent experience in consulting, strategy, or business operations.
• Outstanding structured problem-solving, analytical, and executive communication skills, with exceptional PowerPoint and executive storytelling capabilities.
• Demonstrated success managing highly complex cross-functional initiatives, influencing senior stakeholders without direct authority, and operating effectively in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.
• High intellectual curiosity, strong business judgment, a bias for action, and a reputation for being adaptable, resourceful, and execution-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Drive the execution of the organization's highest-priority strategic initiatives, partnering across Sales, Product, GTM Strategy, Finance, IT, HR, and Engineering to align stakeholders, remove roadblocks, and deliver measurable business outcomes.
• Partner with executive leadership to design and implement AI-enabled operating models, organizational transformation initiatives, governance mechanisms, and scalable operating rhythms that improve execution across GTM.
• Develop executive-ready presentations, business reviews, strategic narratives, and communications for senior leadership, including the CEO, Chief Sales Officer, executive staff, and other cross-functional leaders.
• Act as a high-velocity problem solver and force multiplier—bringing structure to ambiguity, managing multiple complex workstreams simultaneously, rapidly synthesizing information, and doing whatever is required to move the business forward.

Skills

Executive storytelling

Powerful communication

Structured problem solving

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic thinking

Business acumen

Ambiguity navigation

Education

MBA from a top-tier business school

Tools

PowerPoint

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 The Team The Strategy & Business Operations team serves as the operating engine behind GTM Excellence, partnering across Enablement, Business Value Consulting, Industry Solutions, Sales, Product, and Corporate functions to accelerate business outcomes. We are looking for an exceptional individual contributor who combines strategic thinking with operational excellence. This person will serve as a trusted partner to the VP of GTM Excellence, helping drive the organization's most critical priorities—from AI transformation and operating model evolution to executive communications and cross-functional execution. The ideal candidate is a high-agency operator who thrives in ambiguity, learns new domains quickly, and consistently delivers high-quality outcomes at speed. As a Lead/Principal, Strategy & Business Operations, you will act as the strategic and operational right hand to the VP of GTM Excellence. You will help shape strategy while driving execution across the organization's highest-priority initiatives. This role requires exceptional business judgment, structured problem solving, executive presence, and the ability to navigate ambiguity while influencing senior stakeholders across the company. Success requires balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution, adapting quickly as priorities evolve, and consistently delivering results in a fast-moving environment. Your Impact Drive the execution of the organization's highest-priority strategic initiatives, partnering across Sales, Product, GTM Strategy, Finance, IT, HR, and Engineering to align stakeholders, remove roadblocks, and deliver measurable business outcomes. Partner with executive leadership to design and implement AI-enabled operating models, organizational transformation initiatives, governance mechanisms, and scalable operating rhythms that improve execution across GTM. Develop executive-ready presentations, business reviews, strategic narratives, and communications for senior leadership, including the CEO, Chief Sales Officer, executive staff, and other cross-functional leaders. Act as a high-velocity problem solver and force multiplier—bringing structure to ambiguity, managing multiple complex workstreams simultaneously, rapidly synthesizing information, and doing whatever is required to move the business forward. Qualifications Required Qualifications 10+ years of experience in Strategy, Business Operations, Chief of Staff, Management Consulting, Program Management, or Transformation roles within enterprise technology. MBA from a top-tier business school or equivalent experience in consulting, strategy, or business operations. Outstanding structured problem-solving, analytical, and executive communication skills, with exceptional PowerPoint and executive storytelling capabilities. Demonstrated success managing highly complex cross-functional initiatives, influencing senior stakeholders without direct authority, and operating effectively in fast-paced, ambiguous environments. High intellectual curiosity, strong business judgment, a bias for action, and a reputation for being adaptable, resourceful, and execution-oriented. Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting executive leadership teams and driving enterprise-wide transformation, AI initiatives, or operating model changes. Strong understanding of enterprise go-to-market organizations and experience working across Sales, Enablement, Business Value Consulting, Industry Solutions, or GTM Strategy organizations. 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. $171,800.00 - $277,925.00/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 Please use this form to provide us with information that will help direct your request and find your data in all of our systems