Cortex and Cloud Channel Director

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!

Your Career

As the Cortex & Cloud Channel Director you will be responsible for driving growth across our partner ecosystem for Cortex and Cloud solutions. This role requires strategic forethought in architecting GTM programs for Cortex Cloud for GSI’s, National VAR’s, CSP’s and MSSP’s.  The candidate will also bring strong collaboration across the central channel organization, sales leadership, and partner managers to align business priorities, enable partners, and deliver measurable results in revenue, market share, and customer success. This is a leadership role which will act to connect and influence in a matrixed environment, ensuring Cortex & Cloud initiatives are fully integrated into the global channel strategy while building trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

Your Impact

• Develop and execute the Cortex & Cloud partner strategy, aligned with Palo Alto Networks’ overall channel priorities

• Collaborate with central channel leaders, sales executives, and partner managers to ensure successful execution of joint initiatives

• Drive partner enablement and activation, ensuring partners are equipped to position and deliver Cortex & Cloud solutions

• Lead business reviews and performance discussions with senior partner stakeholders and PANW executives to measure progress, identify gaps, and optimize execution

• Champion Cortex & Cloud within the partner ecosystem, ensuring integration into global channel programs, incentives, and services

• Partner with marketing, enablement, and product leadership to design campaigns, training, and partner services that accelerate adoption

• Represent Cortex & Cloud in executive partner forums and advisory councils, providing thought leadership and insights on market trends

• Use data-driven insights to track channel performance, guide investment decisions, and ensure accountability across stakeholders

Your Experience 

• Director level: 10+ years in Channel Management, Business Development, or Partner Strategy within cybersecurity, SaaS, or Cloud industries

• Demonstrated success influencing stakeholders and driving outcomes in a matrixed organization

• Strong understanding of channel operating models, partner economics, and ecosystem dynamics

• Proven track record of creating and executing strategic business plans that deliver revenue growth

• Excellent executive communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage senior leaders at both partner and internal levels

• Experience engaging directly with C-level executives at top strategic partners

• Understanding of at least two (2) of the following: 1.) Cyber-security, 2.) SIEM, 3.) End-point and 4.) Cloud.

• Bachelor’s degree required

The Team

Our sales team members work hand-in-hand with large organizations around the world to keep their digital environments protected.  We educate, inspire, and empower our potential clients in their journey to security. 

As part of our sales team, you are empowered with unmatched systems and tools, constantly updated research and sales libraries, and a team built on joint success. You won’t find someone at Palo Alto Networks that isn’t committed to your success – with everyone pitching in to assist when it comes to solutions selling, learning, and development. As a member of our sales team, you are motivated by a solutions-focused sales environment and find fulfillment in working with clients to resolve incredibly complex cyber threats. 

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 $356,000 - $414,000/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.

Motor-Vehicle Requirement: 
This role may require travel to and from Palo Alto Networks, Inc. business meetings and events and requires reliable transportation to do so.  If a hire chooses to drive in connection with company business, the hire for this role must maintain a valid driver’s license.