Cortex Partner Development Manager

Our Mission

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!

This role is remote, but distance is no barrier to impact. Our hybrid teams collaborate across geographies to solve big problems, stay close to our customers, and grow together. You will be part of a culture that values trust, accountability, and shared success where your work truly matters.

Job Summary

The Team

The channel organization at Palo Alto Networks is a strategic pillar for our continued growth within cybersecurity, and a critical component to accomplishing our mission. Channel development is an extension of the territory sales team, with the ultimate goal to train and enable our channel partners to become empowered in the use and sales of our products.

Role Summary 

As a strategic Partner Development Manager you will lead the expansion of our Cortex ecosystem. Unlike generalist channel roles, this is a specialized position focused exclusively on our Cortex platform (SecOps and Cloud Security) including XDR, XSIAM, XSOAR, and CLOUD. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing a high-performance ecosystem of specialized SOC partners. Your primary objective is to drive measurable revenue growth and market share by integrating the Cortex platform into the core service offerings of our most strategic partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive business plans that align partner capabilities with Cortex growth targets, ensuring a long-term, mutually beneficial GTM strategy.

• Support partners in building, operating, and scaling Managed Security Services (MSS) powered by our Cortex platform.

• Formulate and communicate compelling value propositions that differentiate Palo Alto Networks within the partner’s security stack.

• Lead regular business performance reviews (QBRs) and maintain accurate performance dashboards for senior leadership and key stakeholders.

• Ensure partners are technically positioned and certified to deliver high-quality customer implementations across the full Cortex platform.

• Coordinate with regional sales, marketing, local channel and technical teams to ensure seamless execution of joint partner initiatives.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Fluent German and English.

• Extensive experience in Channel Management, GSI/MSSP Business Development, or Sales Leadership within the enterprise cybersecurity ecosystem.

• Significant experience with SOC technologies is required, specifically regarding SIEM, XDR, EDR, and CNAPP (DevSecOps/CloudOps) solutions.

• A proactive, 'hunter' mentality with a track record of managing complex negotiations and resolving high-stakes channel conflicts.

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with a demonstrated ability to influence key stakeholders at partner organizations.

• Ability to understand the difference between local markets, analyze market trends and develop data-driven business cases for strategic partnerships.

• Deep subject matter expertise on the Cortex technology stack to identify where our portfolio fits within a partner’s organizational structure to drive maximum relevance and revenue.

Our Commitment

We’re trailblazers that dream big, 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  accommodations@paloaltonetworks.com.

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? No. Please note that we will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.