📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Director, Cloud Next Generation Firewall GTM (Global)
Company: Palo Alto Networks
Location: Santa Clara, California, United States
Job Type: On-site, Full-time
Category: Executive, Business Development
Date Posted: June 24, 2025
Experience Level: 10+ years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Lead the strategic vision and execution plan for the Cloud Next Generation Firewall business, focusing on sustained accelerated growth.
Collaborate with senior leadership to establish clear strategic direction and business objectives aligned with broader company goals.
Drive cross-functional alignment across Sales, Product, Marketing, Finance, and Operations to ensure the successful execution of GTM strategy.
Identify product and commercial strengths, gaps, and opportunities to refine and evolve the product value propositions and packaging.
Build and deliver executive-level presentations and strategic recommendations using data-driven insights and market intelligence.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong understanding of the cybersecurity landscape, with a focus on cloud technologies and next-generation firewall solutions. The ideal candidate will have experience working with enterprise-level customers and driving strategic initiatives in a fast-paced environment.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Execution: Define and own the strategic GTM vision and execution plan for the Cloud Next Generation Firewall business, with a focus on sustained accelerated growth.
Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead cross-functional initiatives across Sales, Product, Marketing, Finance, and Operations to ensure alignment and execution of GTM strategy.
Market Analysis & Insights: Identify product and commercial strengths, gaps, and opportunities to refine and evolve the product value propositions and packaging.
Performance Monitoring & Reporting: Measure and monitor key performance metrics, delivering predictable forecasting and performance reporting.
Executive Communication: Build and deliver executive-level presentations and strategic recommendations using data-driven insights and market intelligence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities for this role revolve around strategic planning, cross-functional leadership, and data-driven decision-making. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of driving growth and executing strategic initiatives in a dynamic environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field. An MBA is preferred but not required.

Experience:

12+ years of experience in Sales Leadership, Go-To-Market Strategy, or related roles in the technology sector.
7+ years of experience leading large-scale strategic initiatives, ideally within SaaS, B2B tech, cybersecurity, or enterprise software.
Current and/or previous people management experience (5-7+ years preferred).

Required Skills:

Strong executive presence with a proven ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive decision-making at senior levels.
Exceptional problem-solving skills with a data-first approach to analysis, strategy development, and execution.
Deep understanding of enterprise sales motions and experience supporting large deal structures and renewals.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex topics into clear, actionable messaging for diverse audiences.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing market conditions.
Ability to conduct travel up to 30% of the time across the region.

Preferred Skills:

Experience working with cloud technologies and next-generation firewall solutions.
Familiarity with the cybersecurity industry and market trends.
Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans that drive long-term growth and customer value.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required and preferred skills for this role emphasize strategic thinking, data-driven decision-making, and strong communication skills. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of driving growth and executing strategic initiatives in the technology sector.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements (N/A for this role)

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $212,000 - $292,000/yr (based on qualifications, experience, and work location)

Benefits:

Stock Options
Equity
Wellbeing Spending Account
Mental Health Resources
Financial Health Resources
Personalized Learning Opportunities

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with the ability to work additional hours as needed to support business objectives.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Cybersecurity technology

Company Size: Large (over 10,000 employees)

Founded: 2005

Team Structure:

The Business Development team works hand in hand with organizations around the world as they move to a more secure environment.
The team finds and creates opportunities, forming relationships with organizations seeking a trusted partner.
Team members are empowered with unmatched systems and tools, including constantly updated research and sales libraries and a team built on joint success.

Development Methodology:

Palo Alto Networks operates with a data-driven approach to decision-making, using market intelligence and performance metrics to guide strategic initiatives.
The company fosters a culture of collaboration and cross-functional teamwork, with a focus on driving customer value and long-term growth.

Company Website: Palo Alto Networks

📝 Enhancement Note: Palo Alto Networks is a leading cybersecurity technology company that focuses on protecting the digital way of life. The company's culture emphasizes collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and a commitment to driving customer value and long-term growth.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Executive, Business Development

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Senior Vice President of Business Development and will lead a team of cross-functional stakeholders across Sales, Product, Marketing, Finance, and Operations.

Technical Impact: This role has a significant impact on the strategic direction and growth of the Cloud Next Generation Firewall business. The ideal candidate will be responsible for driving long-term growth and ensuring sustainable customer value.

Growth Opportunities:

Strategic Leadership: This role offers the opportunity to develop and refine strategic planning skills, working with senior leadership to establish clear business objectives and drive cross-functional alignment.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: The ideal candidate will have the opportunity to work with various departments, fostering a culture of collaboration and driving customer value.
Market Expertise: This role provides the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the cybersecurity landscape, with a focus on cloud technologies and next-generation firewall solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth opportunities for candidates looking to develop their strategic planning, cross-functional leadership, and market expertise skills in the cybersecurity technology industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with the ability to work remotely up to 30% of the time.

Office Location(s): Santa Clara, California, United States

Workspace Context:

Palo Alto Networks provides a collaborative workspace with access to unmatched systems and tools, including constantly updated research and sales libraries.
The company fosters a culture of teamwork and joint success, with a focus on driving customer value and long-term growth.

Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, with the ability to work additional hours as needed to support business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Palo Alto Networks offers a collaborative work environment that emphasizes teamwork and joint success. The company provides access to unmatched systems and tools, fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making and continuous learning.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss the role, qualifications, and fit with the company culture.
On-site Interview: A full-day on-site interview with various stakeholders, including senior leadership, cross-functional team members, and potential peers. The interview will consist of behavioral questions, case studies, and strategic discussions.
Final Interview: A final interview with the Senior Vice President of Business Development to discuss the role, fit, and next steps.

Portfolio Review Tips: (N/A for this role)

Technical Challenge Preparation: (N/A for this role)

ATS Keywords:

Business Development
Strategic Planning
Cross-Functional Leadership
Data-Driven Decision-Making
Cybersecurity
Cloud Technologies
Next-Generation Firewall
Enterprise Software
Sales Leadership
Market Intelligence
Performance Metrics
Executive Presence

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's strategic thinking, cross-functional leadership, and data-driven decision-making skills. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of driving growth and executing strategic initiatives in a dynamic environment.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure (N/A for this role)

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Customer Focus: Palo Alto Networks prioritizes customer value and long-term growth, with a focus on driving sustainable customer success.
Data-Driven Decisions: The company emphasizes a data-first approach to analysis, strategy development, and execution.
Collaboration: Palo Alto Networks fosters a culture of teamwork and joint success, with a focus on driving customer value and long-term growth.
Innovation: The company encourages continuous learning and adaptation, with a commitment to staying at the forefront of the cybersecurity technology industry.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: The ideal candidate will work closely with various departments, fostering a culture of collaboration and driving customer value.
Data-Driven Decision-Making: Palo Alto Networks emphasizes a data-first approach to analysis, strategy development, and execution.
Continuous Learning: The company encourages continuous learning and adaptation, with a commitment to staying at the forefront of the cybersecurity technology industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: Palo Alto Networks fosters a culture of collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and continuous learning. The company prioritizes customer value and long-term growth, with a focus on driving sustainable customer success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Strategic Planning: Developing and executing strategic plans that drive long-term growth and customer value in a dynamic market.
Cross-Functional Leadership: Collaborating with various departments to ensure alignment and execution of GTM strategy.
Data-Driven Decision-Making: Using market intelligence and performance metrics to guide strategic initiatives and drive customer value.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Strategic Planning: Developing and refining strategic planning skills, working with senior leadership to establish clear business objectives and drive cross-functional alignment.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Working with various departments to foster a culture of collaboration and drive customer value.
Market Expertise: Developing a deep understanding of the cybersecurity landscape, with a focus on cloud technologies and next-generation firewall solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant technical challenges and learning opportunities for candidates looking to develop their strategic planning, cross-functional leadership, and market expertise skills in the cybersecurity technology industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Strategic Planning: Questions focused on developing and executing strategic plans that drive long-term growth and customer value in a dynamic market.
Cross-Functional Leadership: Questions focused on collaborating with various departments to ensure alignment and execution of GTM strategy.
Data-Driven Decision-Making: Questions focused on using market intelligence and performance metrics to guide strategic initiatives and drive customer value.

Company & Culture Questions:

Company Culture: Questions focused on understanding Palo Alto Networks' culture, values, and commitment to driving customer value and long-term growth.
Team Dynamics: Questions focused on working with various departments, fostering a culture of collaboration, and driving customer value.
Market Trends: Questions focused on understanding the cybersecurity landscape, with a focus on cloud technologies and next-generation firewall solutions.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy: (N/A for this role)

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's strategic thinking, cross-functional leadership, and data-driven decision-making skills. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of driving growth and executing strategic initiatives in a dynamic environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Director, Cloud Next Generation Firewall GTM (Global) position at Palo Alto Networks:

Submit your application through the application link provided.
Prepare for the phone screen by reviewing the role, qualifications, and company culture.
Research Palo Alto Networks, focusing on the company's commitment to driving customer value and long-term growth.
Prepare for the on-site interview by reviewing strategic planning, cross-functional leadership, and data-driven decision-making skills.
Practice case studies and strategic discussions to demonstrate your ability to drive long-term growth and execute strategic initiatives in a dynamic environment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Director, Cloud Next Generation Firewall GTM (Global)