📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Named Account Manager - SLED
🔹 Company: Palo Alto Networks
🔹 Location: Oregon, United States
🔹 Job Type: Remote
🔹 Category: 💼 Account Management
🔹 Date Posted: Tue Apr 01 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK
📌 Essential Job Details
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Partnering with customers to secure their digital experience
- Solving critical challenges in customer environments
- Driving company revenue and growth through strategic sales engagements
- Creating zero trust-based security architecture solutions
ASSUMPTION: The role involves significant engagement with both internal teams and external clients, focusing on the public sector (SLED - State, Local, and Education).
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Drive and orchestrate complex sales cycles
✅ Identify business challenges and create solutions
✅ Understand competitive landscape to effectively position solutions
✅ Develop detailed territory plans and forecast accurately
✅ Stay updated on industry trends and perform necessary travel as required
ASSUMPTION: The responsibilities assume frequent collaboration with internal partners and staying informed on new cybersecurity trends and products.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Not specified; assumed relevant knowledge or degree in Computer Science, Business, or a related field is advantageous.
Experience: Experience with SaaS-based architectures, with a focus on networking and/or security industries
Required Skills:
- SaaS-Based Architectures
- Networking and Security Industry Expertise
- SASE Technology Adoption
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with consultative sales techniques
- Proven track record in value and complex solution selling
ASSUMPTION: Strong technical aptitude in cybersecurity solutions is essential due to the complexity of the products offered.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $250,000 - $350,000 per year (base salary + commission target)
Benefits:
- FLEXBenefits wellbeing spending account
- Comprehensive mental and financial health resources
- Personalized learning opportunities
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility for travel as required
ASSUMPTION: The compensation package is heavily performance-driven, with potential incentives like RSUs and bonuses tied to sales performance.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Computer and Network Security, leading innovations in cybersecurity
Company Size: 10,001+ employees, reflecting a robust structure with significant global influence
Founded: Not specified, however, the company has a prominent presence as a market leader
Company Description:
- Global cybersecurity leader, focusing on cloud-centric solutions
- Committed to continuous innovation in AI, analytics, and automation
- Empowering a growing ecosystem of partners to protect digital assets globally
Company Specialties:
- Next-Generation Firewall
- Cloud and Network Security
- Threat Intelligence and Malware Prevention
Company Website: Palo Alto Networks
ASSUMPTION: The company is focused on protecting digital ecosystems and fostering a secure, innovative workplace.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid to Senior-level role with significant responsibility and influence
Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Regional or Sales Director, with potential direct reports of account executives or specialists
Work Arrangement: Remote with regional travel expectations and company-wide meetings
Growth Opportunities:
- Opportunity to influence large cybersecurity projects
- High visibility role with potential career advancement
- Chance to work with cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies
ASSUMPTION: Due to the nature of the role, progression might be significant especially in leadership or strategic roles within the company.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Primarily remote with regional engagement; home office setup is anticipated
Office Location(s): Oregon, United States, with potential travel to Palo Alto Networks’ nearest offices
Geographic Context:
- Located in a strategic tech hub with proximity to industry partners
- Potential to influence the cybersecurity landscape in regional State, Local, and Education sectors
- Part of a larger national and international network of professionals
Work Schedule: Weekday operations with flexibility for meetings and travel
ASSUMPTION: Work environment fosters autonomy and is suited for self-driven individuals with regional travel abilities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial application and resume submission
- Preliminary phone or video interview with HR
- Assessment of sales capabilities and technical competencies
Key Assessment Areas:
- Technical knowledge of networking and security solutions
- Ability to manage and close complex sales cycles
- Interpersonal skills and consultation expertise
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experiences with SaaS and security solutions
- Demonstrate successful past engagements and client relationships
- Prepare to discuss strategies for territory and account development
ATS Keywords: SaaS, SASE, cybersecurity, account management, value selling, consultative sales
ASSUMPTION: The application process will focus on technical expertise and sales success in the cybersecurity domain.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Palo Alto Networks Security Suite
- CRM Systems (such as Salesforce)
- Industry-standard cybersecurity tools and platforms
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with Palo Alto Networks’ product suite and CRM tools is crucial for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity in dealing with clients and coworkers
- Commitment to innovation and disrupting the status quo
- Collaboration and inclusive teamwork
Work Style:
- Highly autonomous with results-oriented approach
- Strategic thinker with a knack for creative problem-solving
- Effective communicator across diverse teams
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you adapt to changes in technology and customer needs?
- Describe your experience with managing long sales cycles.
- What strategies do you use to build trust with customers?
ASSUMPTION: A strong cultural fit will include adaptability, strategic insight, and effective communication skills.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing complex sales cycles with extended timelines
- Keeping up with rapid technological advances in cybersecurity
- Travelling frequently across the designated territory
- Balancing multiple client accounts with diverse needs
ASSUMPTION: The role will require coping with high-pressure sales environments and complex client demands.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to traditional account managers, this role requires deeper technical acumen.
- Often involves more strategic input into client security architectures.
- Slightly higher compensation potential compared to similar roles elsewhere due to complexity and company’s market standing.
ASSUMPTION: Comparatively more dynamic, requiring proactive engagement with evolving cybersecurity threats and technologies.
📝 Sample Projects
- Deployment of SASE solutions for a state education department
- Designing zero trust security frameworks for local government agencies
- Conducting comprehensive threat assessments in educational institutions
ASSUMPTION: Completed projects demonstrate strategic thinking and technical prowess in cybersecurity implementations.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What support mechanisms are in place for remote workers?
- How does the company foster ongoing development and learning?
- Can you describe the team dynamics and how cross-departmental collaboration is achieved?
- What are the key strategic goals for this territory in the next year?
- How is success measured for this role?
ASSUMPTION: Questions should be focused on understanding company support, growth opportunities, and specific team dynamics.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Palo Alto Networks careers page
- Ensure your resume highlights relevant experience and skills
- Prepare and practice responses for key interview questions
- Follow up with the hiring manager if you have not heard back within two weeks
- Stay updated with the latest company news and trends in cybersecurity
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
