Sr Director, Cortex Technical Services Strategy

Palo Alto Networks; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 260,000 - 357,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks is seeking a Senior Director in our Strategy & Operations team to shape the future of the Cortex post-sales organization. You will partner with Cortex leadership and cross-functional executives to drive transformational initiatives, translate strategy into scalable programs, and accelerate AI-first growth across one of our fastest-growing businesses.

You will lead a team responsible for designing programs, evolving operating models, and delivering long-term value for

Qualifications

• 12+ years total experience in top-tier consulting or tech strategy roles.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; MBA preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication with senior audiences.
• Proven relationship-building and influential leadership skills.
• Long term strategic outlook with project management of large transformations.
• Proactive, analytical, fast-paced problem solver with collaboration.
• Experience in SaaS/Enterprise Services; GenAI knowledge a plus.

Responsibilities

• Structure and analyze complex business challenges; present executive-ready roadmaps and plans.
• Define Cortex post-sales strategy; identify opportunities to improve effectiveness and growth.
• Translate priorities into scalable programs and initiatives.
• Lead enterprise-wide transformation modernizing workflows and AI-first work styles.
• Establish governance, rhythms, and metrics for strategic initiatives.
• Lead strategic planning and change management with stakeholders across functions.
• Develop and lead a high-performing Strategy & Operations team.

Skills

Strategy leadership

Operations leadership

Executive communication

Program management

Change management

Cross-functional

Data analysis

SaaS knowledge

GenAI familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA preferred

Equivalent experience

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

Palo Alto Networks is seeking a Senior Director within our Strategy & Operations team to help shape the future of our post-sales organization supporting the Cortex business.

In this highly visible leadership role, you will partner with Cortex leadership and cross-functional executives to solve complex business challenges, influence strategic decision-making, and drive transformational initiatives across the organization. You will help define and evolve the strategic direction of the post-sales organization while improving operational effectiveness, accelerating AI-first transformation, and enabling scalable growth across one of Palo Alto Networks' fastest-growing businesses.

You will lead a team responsible for translating strategy into execution by designing transformative programs, evolving operating models, and driving organizational change. Through strategic planning, operational excellence, and cross-functional execution, you will deliver long-term value for our customers while positively impacting multiple areas of the Cortex business. This role offers a supportive, dynamic, and meritocratic environment that values innovation, learning, and teamwork.

Key Responsibilities

• Structure and analyze complex business challenges, develop data-driven recommendations, and present executive-ready business cases, roadmaps, and strategic plans that drive business outcomes.
• Develop and evolve the strategic direction of the Cortex post-sales organization by identifying opportunities to improve organizational effectiveness, simplify operating models, and accelerate business growth.
• Translate executive priorities into scalable programs and operational initiatives that improve execution, accountability, and measurable business outcomes.
• Lead enterprise-wide transformation initiatives that modernize workflows, advance AI-first ways of working, and improve organizational scale across the Cortex post-sales organization.
• Establish governance frameworks, operating rhythms, and performance metrics that provide visibility into strategic initiatives, organizational health, and business performance.
• Lead strategic planning and change management initiatives, influencing executive stakeholders and cross-functional teams to drive alignment, accelerate execution, and remove organizational barriers.
• Develop and lead a high-performing Strategy & Operations team while fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 12+ years total experience, including direct experience in-top-tier consulting at the Principal / Associate Partner level (McKinsey, Bain, BCG, Deloitte, etc.), or top-tier tech strategy or business operations roles.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience mandatory. Preferred academic credentials include an MBA or similar qualifications.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage with senior audiences and bridge business and technical discussions.
• Proven relationship-building and influential leadership skills.
• Long term strategic outlook with ability to project manage, oversee large-scale transformations and break them down into achievable & measurable roadmaps.
• A proactive self-starter with exceptional problem solving & analytical skills who excels in fast-paced, high-growth environments.
• Great teammate, willing to passionately roll up their sleeves and work cross-functionally with an “operator” mindset to get things done.
• Ability to create diverse teams and a customer obsessed, outcomes focused culture.
• Expertise in the SaaS and/or Enterprise Services industry is preferred. Knowledge and experience in AI/ GenAI solutions and post-sales function is a plus.

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 (https://benefits.paloaltonetworks.com/) .

$260,400.00 - $357,375.00/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? No. Please note that we will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.