Sr Dir, Cortex Technical Services Strategy

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

1d•$260,400 - $357,375•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Preferred academic credentials include an MBA or similar qualifications.
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.

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.