Lead, AI Strategy and Transformation

Palo Alto Networks•Office - USA - CA - Headquarters, CA

1d•$176,800 - $286,000•Onsite

About The Position

Palo Alto Networks is seeking a senior leader to drive AI transformation across its Finance organization. The role works directly with senior Finance leaders and collaborates with Finance and IT teams to define and execute transformation initiatives that address complex, executive-level business challenges. The Strategy Lead develops AI strategy and roadmaps, identifies opportunities to change how work is done, evaluates and prioritizes initiatives, and prototypes AI solutions to test ideas before production development. The role also redesigns Finance workflows to be AI-native, leads adoption and change, and owns transformation execution across multiple workstreams from strategy through implementation. The position is part of the Strategy and Business Operations team, which tackles critical business challenges and supports Palo Alto Networks’ growth. Success requires combining business insight, structured problem-solving, hands-on experimentation, project execution, and the ability to influence across business and technical teams. The company says most teams work from the office full time, with flexibility when needed.

Requirements

At least 8 years of relevant work experience, including at least 3 years in top-tier strategy consulting (McKinsey, BCG, or Bain).
MBA from a top-tier business school or similar academic credentials, direct promotion in consulting, or equivalent military experience.
Strong generalist problem-solving ability and a record of structuring ambiguous problems and delivering results across a wide range of topics.
Ability to perform in high-pressure, fast-paced environments and own workstreams against tight timelines with minimal supervision.
Hands-on experience using generative AI tools to build prototypes or automate workflows, and practical understanding of the technology’s capabilities and limitations.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including executive-ready presentations, and comfort with business and technical discussions with senior audiences.
Experience building relationships and leading through influence across business and technical teams.
Experience managing projects and large-scale transformations from strategy through implementation.
Self-starter and collaborative teammate willing to work hands-on beyond developing strategy and take ownership of outcomes.

Nice To Haves

Experience in AI strategy, digital transformation, or operating model and process redesign.
Exposure to Finance functions.
Knowledge of the enterprise technology or cybersecurity industry.

Responsibilities

Define AI transformation strategy and roadmaps; identify opportunities for AI to fundamentally change how work gets done, assess value, and prioritize initiatives with Finance and IT leaders.
Develop and present executive-ready recommendations and deliverables to align Finance leadership on strategy, priorities, and key decisions.
Build AI prototypes hands-on to rapidly test and validate ideas before committing to a full build.
Partner with IT to bring validated prototypes into production, define requirements, manage trade-offs, and ensure solutions deliver intended business value.
Redesign Finance workflows and processes to be AI-native, driving adoption and rethinking roles, handoffs, and controls rather than simply automating existing steps.
Own end-to-end execution of the transformation portfolio, managing plans, milestones, dependencies, and risks across Finance and IT workstreams.
Structure complex and ambiguous business problems, develop hypotheses, drive analysis, and deliver recommendations.
Drive organizational change and contribute across strategy development, prototyping, project management, and execution to achieve outcomes.