Director Product Operations (Cortex)

At Palo Alto Networks®, we're united by a shared mission-to protect our digital way of life. We thrive at the intersection of innovation and impact, solving real-world problems with cutting-edge technology and bold thinking. Here, everyone has a voice, and every idea counts. If you're ready to do the most meaningful work of your career alongside people who are just as passionate as you are, you're in the right place.

Who We Are

In order to be the cybersecurity partner of choice, we must trailblaze the path and shape the future of our industry. This is something our employees work at each day and is defined by our values: Disruption, Collaboration, Execution, Integrity, and Inclusion. We weave AI into the fabric of everything we do and use it to augment the impact every individual can have. If you are passionate about solving real-world problems and ideating beside the best and the brightest, we invite you to join us!

We believe collaboration thrives in person. That's why most of our teams work from the office full time, with flexibility when it's needed. This model supports real-time problem-solving, stronger relationships, and the kind of precision that drives great outcomes.

Job Summary

As Director of Product Operations, you will shape and scale how the Cortex Product organization operates and executes.

This is a high-impact individual contributor role centered on hands-on leadership, operational strategy, and execution. You will partner closely with Product leadership and cross-functional teams to drive strategic initiatives, design scalable operating models, and strengthen execution across the Cortex platform.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with Product leadership to translate strategy into execution, accountability, and measurable outcomes.
• Define and scale Product Operations processes and operating models across the Cortex platform
• Lead complex cross-platform initiatives across Product, Engineering, GTM, Finance, IT, and customer-facing teams.
• Drive key processes including NPI, launches, migrations, platform initiatives, and licensing changes.
• Improve governance, visibility, and decision-making across the Product organization.
• Leverage AI, automation, and data to improve efficiency and scale.
• Identify systemic gaps and drive cross-functional improvements.
• Build and lead a high-performing Product Operations function.

• 10+ years of experience in Product Operations, Program Management, or related roles in enterprise technology.
• Proven experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives at scale.
• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to drive execution.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and senior stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience operating in fast-paced, highly matrixed environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in cybersecurity or enterprise software.
• Experience leading Product Operations teams.