Principal / Sr. Director, Strategy & AI Transformation (GCS)

Jobs Paloaltonetworks; California; On-site; USD 267,000 - 366,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks is seeking a Principal (Senior Director), GCS Strategy & Ops to own the 0-to-1 reimagining of post-sales workflows through a highly ambitious, AI-first transformation. This role reports to the Strategy & Operations leadership and collaborates across product, engineering, and GTM teams.

You will lead an AI-driven, cross-functional program, set strategic direction, and drive operational excellence while mentoring the post-sales Strategy & Operations team.

Qualifications

• Tier-1 Consulting Pedigree: 12+ years of total experience, including direct experience in top-tier consulting (McKinsey, Bain, BCG and Deloitte) at the Principal or Associate Partner level.
• AI Transformation Expertise: Hands-on experience architecting and overseeing large-scale transformations, specifically using AI & automation.
• The "Operator" Mindset: A proactive self-starter who is willing to roll up their sleeves and work cross-functionally to get things done in a fast-paced environment.
• Strategic Communication: Strong verbal and written skills with the ability to engage with senior audiences and bridge business and technical AI discussions.
• Industry Knowledge: Deep expertise in the SaaS and/or Enterprise Technology industry is preferred.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree mandatory; MBA from a top-tier program is preferred.

Responsibilities

• 0-to-1 AI Architect: Strategize, conceptualize, and execute a complete redesign of post-sales workflows using an AI-first approach.
• Enterprise Transformation: Lead the strategy and execution of transformative programs that deliver long-term value and introduce operational efficiencies across the business.
• Cross-Functional Orchestration: Drive strategic alignment and accountability across Product, Engineering, GTM, IT, and Post-Sales leadership teams.
• Strategic Problem Solving: Structure and analyze complex business problems, develop hypotheses, and present data-driven recommendations to the C-suite.
• Operational Excellence: Own the operating cadence of accountability for all AI-driven goals and drive program management and operating performance.
• Team Leadership: Develop and lead the post-sales Strategy & Operations team, fostering a customer-obsessed and outcomes-focused culture

Skills

Consulting pedigree

AI transformation

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic communication

SaaS/Enterprise tech

Education

Bachelor’s degree

MBA (preferred)

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

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.

Your Career

Palo Alto Networks is seeking a Principal (Senior Director), GCS Strategy & Ops to own the 0-to-1 reimagining of the post‑sales workflows through a highly ambitious, AI‑first transformation. This is a unique opportunity to move beyond traditional workflows and architect a new, first‑principles transformation driven by agentic AI.

Our Impact

• 0-to-1 AI Architect: Strategize, conceptualize, and execute a complete redesign of post‑sales workflows using an AI‑first approach.
• Enterprise Transformation: Lead the strategy and execution of transformative programs that deliver long‑term value and introduce operational efficiencies across the business.
• Cross‑Functional Orchestration: Drive strategic alignment and accountability across Product, Engineering, GTM, IT, and Post‑Sales leadership teams.
• Strategic Problem Solving: Structure and analyze complex business problems, develop hypotheses, and present data‑driven recommendations to the C‑suite.
• Operational Excellence: Own the operating cadence of accountability for all AI‑driven goals and drive program management and operating performance.
• Team Leadership: Develop and lead the post‑sales Strategy & Operations team, fostering a customer‑obsessed and outcomes‑focused culture

Qualifications

• Tier‑1 Consulting Pedigree: 12+ years of total experience, including direct experience in top‑tier consulting (McKinsey, Bain, BCG and Deloitte) at the Principal or Associate Partner level.
• AI Transformation Expertise: Hands‑on experience architecting and overseeing large‑scale transformations, specifically using AI & automation.
• The "Operator" Mindset: A proactive self‑starter who is willing to roll up their sleeves and work cross‑functionally to get things done in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strategic Communication: Strong verbal and written skills with the ability to engage with senior audiences and bridge business and technical AI discussions.
• Industry Knowledge: Deep expertise in the SaaS and/or Enterprise Technology industry is preferred.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree mandatory; MBA from a top‑tier program is 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.

$267,000.00 - $366,450.00/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