Functional Operations Principal Distributed Cloud

F5•San Jose, CA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

At F5, we strive to bring a better digital world to life. Our teams empower organizations across the globe to create, secure, and run applications that enhance how we experience our evolving digital world. We are passionate about cybersecurity, from protecting consumers from fraud to enabling companies to focus on innovation. Everything we do centers around people. That means we obsess over how to make the lives of our customers, and their customers, better. And it means we prioritize a diverse F5 community where each individual can thrive. F5 Distributed Cloud Services are SaaS-based security, networking, and application delivery/management services that enable customers to deploy, secure, and operate their applications in a hybrid multi-cloud environment with consistent outcomes. We are seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Functional Operations Principal to partner closely with the product management leadership team and stakeholders in engineering, marketing and sales leadership. In this pivotal role, you will serve as the strategic backbone of the product organization—enhancing clarity, ensuring operational excellence, and fostering cross-functional alignment. Acting as a force multiplier, you will help drive strategic initiatives, streamline execution, and translate high-level priorities into measurable and actionable outcomes. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with exceptional organizational and analytical skills, thriving in fast paced, high-impact, behind-the-scenes leadership roles. They excel at influencing and collaborating across functions, seamlessly navigating complex and ambiguous environments with limited direction. Adaptive and versatile, this individual will confidently lead and execute initiatives across a wide range of disciplines, driving meaningful impact and ensuring organizational success.

Requirements

Proven track record of driving strategic planning, product operations, and cross-functional programs in fast-paced environments.
Exceptional communication skills with experience preparing executive-ready materials with strong proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint (board decks, strategic updates, offsite content).
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities (qualitative and quantitative), with proficiency in working with complex and diverse data sets. Microsoft Excel proficiency is essential.
Ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of an organization with limited authority.
7+ years experience in product management, strategy, or business operations with increasing levels of responsibility
Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, information technology, related field or equivalent experience

Responsibilities

Lead quarterly and annual strategic planning processes, ensuring alignment between the organization’s long-term vision and near-term execution goals.
Partner with product management leadership to manage the operating rhythm of the product organization, including key activities such as quarterly business reviews (QBRs), roadmap planning, and leadership team syncs.
Function as the primary liaison and partner with product operations, cultivating a strong, productive and collaborative relationship
Translate high-level product strategy into actionable execution plans, clear metrics (KPIs), and measurable deliverables.
Track, report, and drive progress against strategic goals, key value streams, and organizational initiatives to ensure accountability and momentum.
Serve as a key strategic advisor and thought partner to the product leadership team, contributing to decision-making and strategic direction.
Navigate governance processes and facilitate collaboration to ensure seamless alignment during periods of organizational or strategic change.
Act as a primary connector and liaison between Product Management and cross-functional partners, including Engineering, Design, Go-to-Market (GTM), Technology Services, Human Resources and Finance teams.
Drive the adoption of tools, systems, and processes that enhance planning, execution, reporting, and decision-making—designing tailored solutions when necessary to address unique business needs.
Create a process and lead execution for a tight engagement with F5 customers and field, including driving engagement and escalation to right teams to address customer needs in a timely manner.