Sr Dir, Cortex Technical Services Strategy

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.

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.

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.

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.

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