Principal, NetSec Strategy

Our Mission

At Palo Alto Networks® everything starts and ends with our mission:
Being the cybersecurity partner of choice, protecting our digital way of life. Our vision is a world where each day is safer and more secure than the one before. We are a company built on the foundation of challenging and disrupting the way things are done, and we’re looking for innovators who are as committed to shaping the future of cybersecurity as we are.

We take our mission of protecting the digital way of life seriously. We are relentless in protecting our customers and we believe that the unique ideas of every member of our team contributes to our collective success. Our values were crowdsourced by employees and are brought to life through each of us everyday—from disruptive innovation and collaboration, to execution. From showing up for each other with integrity to creating an environment where we all feel included.

As a member of our team, you will be shaping the future of cybersecurity. We work fast, value ongoing learning, and we respect each employee as a unique individual. Knowing we all have different needs, our development and personal wellbeing programs are designed to give you choice in how you are supported. This includes our FLEX Benefits wellbeing spending account with over 1,000 eligible items, our mental‑health and financial‑health resources, and our personalized learning opportunities.

At Palo Alto Networks, we believe in the power of collaboration and value in‑person interactions. This is why our employees generally work full‑time from our office, with flexibility offered where needed. This setup fosters casual conversations, problem‑solving, and trusted relationships. Our goal is to create an environment where we all win with precision.

• This role is based in our Santa Clara, CA headquarters with a hybrid office schedule of at least 3 days /week in‑office.

Palo Alto Networks is scaling its world‑class strategy organization and looking for its next Strategy leader in the area of Network Security.

• Work closely with our Business and GTM leaders to develop and architect our cohesive GTM strategy and ongoing transformation—identifying, prioritizing and scoping GTM initiatives across direct sales, ecosystems/RTMs & shared services.
• Combine your core strategy toolkit (framing/structure, hypothesis‑driven approach, data‑driven insight, best practices, etc.) with business judgment to directly lead and deliver major GTM initiatives.
• Act as an advisor and sounding board for our senior GTM leaders as they consider GTM acceleration efforts, strategic org choices or any other strategically critical decisions.
• Work cross‑functionally with other strategy teams, business operations, finance, IT, and other groups to see efforts through to operationalization and the actual outcomes.
• Drive change across the organization and be willing to wear multiple hats (strategy development, project management, and execution) to move the needle.
• Be a Player‑Coach that raises everyone’s capabilities around you.

• Required direct experience in top‑tier consulting at the Principal / Associate Partner level (McKinsey, Bain, BCG, Deloitte, etc.), private equity or top‑tier tech strategy or “biz‑ops” functions (Google, Meta, Amazon, etc.).
• MBA graduate from a top‑tier business school or equivalent academic credentials or direct promotion in consulting.
• Strong business skills and GTM knowledge—deep understanding of typical enterprise tech business models and GTM strategies across multiple disciplines including field sales, indirect sales, shared services, marketing, and post‑sales.
• A track record of consistently developing and executing integrated GTM strategies that deliver excellent results, even in challenging and ever‑changing environments.
• Leadership ability with experience leading multiple strategy teams and efforts simultaneously; large‑scale transformation experience is a plus.
• Executive presence and ability to engage with senior leadership in a constructive and collaborative manner, driving decisions and outcomes through influence.
• Willingness to go beyond ‘paper strategy’ to…