Manager/Lead, Cortex GTM Strategy & Ops

Jobs Paloaltonetworks; California (MO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 243,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks is seeking a Strategy Lead for the Cortex GTM team to shape the next growth phase of Endpoint Security. You will develop multi-year roadmaps, translate strategy into actionable plans, and collaborate with executives across functions.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter, analytically rigorous, and thrives in high-growth environments. Responsibilities include driving data-driven insights, leading strategic analyses, and coordinating with Sales Operations and Planning to ensure

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in management consulting or top-tier strategy functions
• MBA or equivalent credentials required or direct promote in consulting
• Effective verbal and written communication with senior audiences
• Proven ability to build relationships and lead through influence
• Experience managing projects and large-scale transformations

Responsibilities

• Contribute to GTM operating plan with data-driven insights
• Lead market sizing, coverage model analyses and strategic recommendations
• Support sales excellence through post-sales motions and renewals optimization
• Drive growth and profitability across Cloud & Cortex portfolios
• Collaborate with Operations and Planning teams across multiple theaters
• Wear multiple hats: strategy development, GTM program design, project execution
• Build expansive internal networks to mobilize expertise for projects

Skills

Management consulting

Executive communication

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Strategic thinking

Education

MBA or equivalent

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

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.

Your Career

We are seeking a Strategy Lead for our Cortex GTM team to drive the next growth phase for the Endpoint Security business. This individual will support GTM Strategy by developing a multi‑year roadmap to scale the business and creating an actionable execution plan. The ideal candidate is a self‑starter, an independent thinker, deeply analytical, and capable of working in a structured manner to thrive in ambiguity. This role blends Corporate Strategy, Planning, and Sales Operations, offering a unique opportunity to apply strategic skills in a high‑growth industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the GTM operating plan by providing data‑driven insights to support quarterly business attainment.
• Lead thoughtful, creative and rigorous analysis (e.g., market sizing, coverage model analysis, business models) to synthesize insights and provide recommendations to GTM leadership.
• Support efforts to achieve sales excellence by analyzing and identifying best practices related to post‑sales motions, including renewals, upsell, and cross‑sell, to maximize customer lifetime value.
• Support strategic pivotal initiatives to drive both top‑line growth and profitability improvement across Cloud & Cortex portfolio and markets.
• Closely collaborate with the Operations and Planning teams in various Theaters to drive consistency in the approach for performance measurement, deployment, and customer retention.
• Drive change and be willing to wear multiple hats (strategy development, GTM program design, project management and execution) to do what it takes to move from ideation to execution.
• Build an expansive internal network to bring all possible expertise and resources to bear on your projects - it is through these relationships, and the knowledge that they bring, that our sales strategy will be impactful.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years relevant work experience with at least 3 years in management consulting (McKinsey, Bain, BCG, Deloitte, etc.), private equity or top‑tier tech strategy or “bizops” functions (Google, Facebook, Amazon, etc.)
• MBA graduate from a top‑tier B- school or similar academic credentials or “direct promote” in Consulting or equivalent military experience required
• Effective verbal and written communication ability and comfort with both business and technical discussions with senior audiences
• Experience in building relationships and leading through influence
• Experience managing projects and large‑scale transformations
• Great teammate, willing to passionately roll up their sleeves and work cross‑functionally to get things done
• Self‑starter who thrives in fast‑paced, high‑growth environments with minimal supervision
• Expertise in the Enterprise technology industry is a must

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of 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.

$150,300.00 - $243,100.00/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