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Principal, Strategy & Transformation

Company Description

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.

Who 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 FLEXBenefits wellbeing spending account with over 1,000 eligible items selected by employees, our mental and financial health resources, and our personalized learning opportunities - just to name a few!

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.

Job Description

Your Career

Palo Alto Networks is expanding its strategy organization and seeking a Principal for our central strategy and transformation team. 

The Strategy & Transformation team covers CEO-led initiatives ranging from AI to drive efficiency and effectiveness, margin improvement and central GTM initiatives. In addition this team drives the rhythm of the business and paints a picture of art of the possible future. 

In the short-term, this role will focus on designing & deploying AI at Scale for better Sales and Marketing initiatives and may expand to additional use-cases. In addition, this role will provide support in other corporate strategy and GTM initiatives. The role is beyond strategy and goes deep into execution to own and drive business outcomes. 

As a key leader, you will collaborate with top executives and cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, Finance, Sales, Operations, IT) to tackle mission-critical business challenges and contribute to our industry-leading growth. This role offers a supportive, dynamic, and meritocratic environment that values innovation, learning, and teamwork. In this role, your contributions will directly impact our strategic success and drive innovation in the constantly evolving security landscape.

Your Impact

  • Own and drive impactful business outcomes 
  • Drive transformative change within the organization, wearing multiple hats (strategy development, product & program management, execution) to do what it takes to “move the needle”
  • Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to gather insights, co-create deliverables, and drive execution to achieve business goals
  • Manage matrix teams and provide coaching & mentoring to team members
  • Structure and analyze complex business problems, develop hypotheses, and present data-driven recommendations
  • Develop high-quality deliverables for exec-level consumption, including business cases and roadmap/execution plans
  • Support strategy and business planning processes while fostering strategic capabilities across the organization

Qualifications

Your Experience 

  • 8+ years of experience with 4+ years post-MBA with a minimum of 2 years in management consulting (MBB preferred but open to others), or top-tier tech strategy or "bizops" roles
  • Preferred academic credentials include a top-tier MBA or similar qualifications
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage with senior leadership and bridge business and technical discussions
  • Proven relationship-building and influential leadership skills
  • Experience in program management and overseeing large-scale transformations
  • A proactive self-starter who excels in fast-paced, high-growth environments
  • Great teammate, willing to passionately roll up their sleeves and work cross-functionally to get things done
  • Expertise in the SaaS and/or Enterprise software industry is preferred - Knowledge of AI/ Gen-AI solutions and B2B GTM is a plus
  • Security experience is not mandatory

Additional Information

The Team

Our Strategy and Transformation team is a focused team that works on our most critical business challenges to drive and support our industry-leading growth. Your efforts will directly impact the overall strategy and success of a world-leading cybersecurity business. You will collaborate on complex business and technology problems that are top-of-mind for our executives.

Compensation Disclosure

The compensation offered for this position will depend on qualifications, experience, and work location. For candidates who receive an offer at the posted level, the starting base salary (for non-sales roles) or base salary + commission target (for sales/commissioned roles) is expected to be between $212000 - $291000/YR. The offered compensation may also include restricted stock units and a bonus. A description of our employee benefits may be found here.

Our Commitment

We’re problem solvers that take risks and challenge cybersecurity’s status quo. It’s simple: we can’t accomplish our mission without diverse teams innovating, together.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with a disability. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability or special need, please contact us at  [email protected].

Palo Alto Networks is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity in our workplace, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or other legally protected characteristics.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Is role eligible for Immigration Sponsorship?: Yes

Average salary estimate

$251500 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$212000K
$291000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Principal, Strategy & Transformation, Palo Alto Networks

As a Principal in Strategy & Transformation at Palo Alto Networks in Santa Clara, CA, you'll be stepping into a crucial role within our expanding strategy organization. Here, your mission will be to drive transformational change and own impactful business outcomes. Collaborating closely with top executives and cross-functional teams like Product, Engineering, Finance, and Sales, you'll be tackling some of the most mission-critical business challenges in the cybersecurity industry. Your focus will primarily revolve around designing and deploying AI at scale to enhance our Sales and Marketing initiatives. We’re a company that thrives on innovation and a culture of meritocracy, valuing each employee’s contributions to our collective success. With over 8 years of experience under your belt, including significant time in management consulting or tech strategy roles, you'll leverage your expertise to navigate complex business problems and deliver data-driven recommendations. In this role, you'll provide coaching and mentorship to matrix teams and structure high-quality deliverables for executive-level consumption. If you're a proactive self-starter with a strong background in SaaS or Enterprise software, and you're excited to shape the future of cybersecurity with us, we’d love to meet you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Principal, Strategy & Transformation Role at Palo Alto Networks
What are the responsibilities of the Principal, Strategy & Transformation at Palo Alto Networks?

The Principal, Strategy & Transformation at Palo Alto Networks has a diverse range of responsibilities centered around driving impactful business outcomes. You'll lead transformative change within the organization, own strategy development, program management, and execution to meet ambitious goals. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is crucial to gather insights and ensure effective implementation of strategic initiatives. Additionally, you'll formulate data-driven recommendations and prepare high-quality deliverables for CEO-level discussions.

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What qualifications are needed for the Principal, Strategy & Transformation role at Palo Alto Networks?

To qualify for the Principal, Strategy & Transformation role at Palo Alto Networks, candidates should have at least 8 years of relevant experience, including a minimum of 4 years post-MBA, ideally with a focus on management consulting or top-tier tech strategy roles. A top-tier MBA or similar qualification is preferred, and strong communication skills are essential for engaging with senior leadership. Experience in program management and large-scale transformations is also necessary.

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What kind of impact can I expect to make as the Principal, Strategy & Transformation at Palo Alto Networks?

As the Principal, Strategy & Transformation at Palo Alto Networks, your contributions will be pivotal in shaping the future of our cybersecurity strategies. You will directly influence the strategic direction of the company through innovative solutions and impactful business outcomes. Your role will involve collaborating with high-level executives and driving initiatives that cater to industry-leading growth, ultimately enhancing both operational efficiency and effectiveness.

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What is the work environment like for the Principal, Strategy & Transformation at Palo Alto Networks?

Palo Alto Networks fosters a dynamic and collaborative work environment for the Principal, Strategy & Transformation role. While the team generally works full-time from the office to encourage in-person interactions, flexibility is offered to cater to individual needs. This setup promotes trust and casual conversations, enabling you to build strong relationships and tackle complex business challenges effectively. The company also emphasizes learning and development, offering various wellbeing resources and personal growth opportunities.

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Is relocation assistance available for the Principal, Strategy & Transformation position at Palo Alto Networks?

Yes, the Principal, Strategy & Transformation position at Palo Alto Networks is eligible for immigration sponsorship, which may include relocation assistance depending on the circumstances. The company is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for qualified candidates who may need to relocate to Santa Clara, CA, to join our innovative team.

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Common Interview Questions for Principal, Strategy & Transformation
How do you approach driving transformational change in an organization?

When tackling transformational change, I prioritize understanding the organization’s current landscape and identifying key areas for improvement. By analyzing data and collaborating with stakeholders, I develop strategic plans tailored to foster engagement and drive adoption. I emphasize open communication, ensuring everyone feels included in the process.

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Can you provide an example of a complex business problem you've solved?

Certainly! In my previous role, I faced a decline in sales due to inefficient marketing strategies. I analyzed data to pinpoint gaps and worked cross-functionally with the marketing and sales teams to redesign our approach. Through targeted campaigns and streamlined communication, we saw a 25% increase in lead generation within three months.

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What skills do you consider essential for the Principal, Strategy & Transformation role?

Key skills for this role include strong analytical abilities, excellent communication skills, and influential leadership. Proficiency in program management and the ability to foster collaboration across different departments are critical in executing strategies effectively. Additionally, understanding emerging technologies and the SaaS landscape can greatly enhance the role's impact.

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How would you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects?

Prioritizing tasks requires a clear understanding of project goals and timelines. I use frameworks to assess urgency and impact, allowing me to allocate resources efficiently. I also keep open communication with team members to adjust priorities based on ongoing feedback and changing business needs.

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What experience do you have in engaging with senior leadership?

Throughout my career, I have regularly engaged with senior leadership by delivering strategic presentations and driving discussions on business initiatives. I tailor my communication to their priorities and provide insights backed by data, ensuring they understand the implications of our strategies on overall business objectives.

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Can you describe a successful strategy you implemented and its impact?

One successful strategy I implemented involved enhancing our customer engagement model by utilizing AI analytics. This allowed us to predict customer needs better and drive personalized marketing efforts. As a result, we improved customer satisfaction scores and retention rates significantly, reflecting the direct positive impact of data-driven decisions.

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What is your approach to coaching and mentoring team members?

My approach to coaching involves understanding each team member's unique strengths and areas for development. I provide guidance through regular feedback sessions and encourage open dialogue. I foster an environment where team members feel safe to take risks and innovate while guiding them towards achieving their professional goals.

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How do you stay updated on industry trends and best practices?

I stay updated on industry trends by engaging in professional networks, attending relevant conferences, and subscribing to leading publications in technology and cybersecurity. Additionally, I actively participate in webinars and workshops, which helps me gain insights from industry leaders and apply these best practices within my organization.

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What role does collaboration play in your work style?

Collaboration is at the core of my work style. I believe that diverse perspectives lead to more robust solutions. I engage with cross-functional teams early in projects and encourage contribution from all stakeholders to identify the best path forward. This collaborative approach not only fosters a sense of shared ownership but also drives successful outcomes.

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How do you measure the success of a strategy?

Measuring the success of a strategy involves establishing specific KPIs aligned with our business goals. I track progress through quantifiable metrics and gather qualitative feedback from stakeholders. This dual approach provides a comprehensive view of performance, enabling adjustments and optimizing strategies for sustained success.

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Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
December 13, 2024

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