📍 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, Strategic Leadership
Date Posted: June 11, 2025
Experience Level: 10+ years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Lead the strategic vision and execution plan for Palo Alto Networks' Cloud Next Generation Firewall business, focusing on sustained accelerated growth.
Collaborate with senior leadership to establish clear strategic direction and drive cross-functional alignment across Product, Sales, Marketing, and Operations.
Define and refine product value propositions and packaging, and develop long-range business development plans to drive customer lifetime value and repurchase behaviors.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strategic leader with deep cybersecurity experience, strong executive presence, and a passion for developing scalable growth strategies in fast-paced environments.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Define and own the strategic GTM vision and execution plan for the Cloud Next Generation Firewall business, with a focus on sustained accelerated growth.
Partner with executive leadership to establish clear strategic direction and business objectives aligned with broader company goals.
Lead cross-functional initiatives across Sales, Product, Marketing, Finance, and Operations to ensure alignment and execution of GTM strategy.
Identify product and commercial strengths, gaps, and opportunities to refine and evolve the product value propositions and packaging.
Develop long-range business development plans that drive customer lifetime value and repurchase behaviors.
Build and deliver executive-level presentations and strategic recommendations using data-driven insights and market intelligence.
Measure and monitor key performance metrics, delivering predictable forecasting and performance reporting.
Act as the internal champion for the Cloud Next Generation Firewall business, guiding regional field teams and leadership on GTM priorities, messaging, and strategy.

🎓 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.

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:

Previous people management experience (5-7+ years preferred).
Experience working in a global role with a remote team.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Not applicable for this executive role.

Technical Documentation:

Not applicable for this executive role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

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

Benefits:

Wellbeing Spending Account
Mental Health Resources
Financial Health Resources
Personalized Learning Opportunities
Restricted Stock Units
Bonus

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility for project deadlines and maintenance windows.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Cybersecurity

Company Size: Large (over 10,000 employees)

Founded: 2005

Team Structure:

The Business Development team works hand in hand with organizations around the world, forming relationships with organizations seeking a trusted partner.
The team is 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 using Agile methodologies, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.

Company Website: Palo Alto Networks

📝 Enhancement Note: Palo Alto Networks is 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 them at [email protected].

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Executive, Strategic Leadership

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Senior Vice President of Business Development.

Technical Impact: This role has a significant impact on the strategic direction and growth of Palo Alto Networks' Cloud Next Generation Firewall business, driving long-term growth and ensuring sustainable customer value.

Growth Opportunities:

Opportunities for growth within the Business Development team or other strategic roles within the company.
The ability to shape the future of Palo Alto Networks' GTM strategy and make a significant impact on the company's success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Palo Alto Networks offers a competitive benefits package, including a wellbeing spending account, mental and financial health resources, and personalized learning opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate headquarters with a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

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

Workspace Context:

The workspace is designed to facilitate collaboration and innovation, with access to unmatched systems and tools.
The office is equipped with multiple monitors and testing devices to support web development and cybersecurity projects.
The work environment encourages cross-functional collaboration between developers, designers, and stakeholders.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is typically Monday through Friday, with flexibility for project deadlines and maintenance windows. Some travel may be required (up to 30% of the time).

📝 Enhancement Note: Palo Alto Networks is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with a disability.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Initial phone or video screen to assess communication skills and cultural fit.
In-depth behavioral and situational interviews to evaluate strategic thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
Final presentation or case study to demonstrate strategic vision and execution plan for the Cloud Next Generation Firewall business.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Not applicable for this executive role.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Not applicable for this executive role.

ATS Keywords:

Cybersecurity
Strategic Leadership
Executive Presence
Problem-Solving
Data Analysis
Communication Skills
Adaptability
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Business Development
Market Intelligence
Performance Reporting
Customer Value
Forecasting

📝 Enhancement Note: Palo Alto Networks is looking for a strategic leader with deep cybersecurity experience, strong executive presence, and a passion for developing scalable growth strategies in fast-paced environments.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies:

Not applicable for this executive role.

Backend & Server Technologies:

Not applicable for this executive role.

Development & DevOps Tools:

Not applicable for this executive role.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses on strategic leadership and does not require a deep understanding of specific web technologies or infrastructure tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Not applicable for this executive role.

Collaboration Style:

Palo Alto Networks fosters a collaborative work environment, with a focus on cross-functional integration between teams and stakeholders.
The company encourages code review culture and peer programming practices to ensure high-quality products and services.
Knowledge sharing, technical mentoring, and continuous learning are valued and encouraged.

📝 Enhancement Note: Palo Alto Networks celebrates diversity in its workplace and is committed to providing an inclusive environment for all employees.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Staying up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity trends and threats.
Developing scalable growth strategies in fast-paced environments.
Driving long-term growth and ensuring sustainable customer value for the Cloud Next Generation Firewall business.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Opportunities for growth within the Business Development team or other strategic roles within the company.
The ability to shape the future of Palo Alto Networks' GTM strategy and make a significant impact on the company's success.
Access to personalized learning opportunities, including training and development programs.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Not applicable for this executive role.

Company & Culture Questions:

How do you approach strategic planning and execution in a fast-paced, dynamic environment?
Can you provide an example of a time when you drove cross-functional alignment and executed a successful strategic initiative?
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity trends and threats?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Not applicable for this executive role.

📌 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.
Tailor your resume to highlight your strategic leadership experience, problem-solving skills, and data-driven approach to analysis and decision-making.
Prepare for behavioral and situational interviews by reflecting on your past experiences and developing concise, structured responses.
Research Palo Alto Networks' company culture, mission, and values to demonstrate your fit and commitment to the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Palo Alto Networks is an equal opportunity employer and is 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 them at [email protected].

Director, Cloud Next Generation Firewall GTM (Global)