Functional Operations Principal, BIG-IP

At F5, we strive to bring a better digital world to life. Our teams empower organizations across the globe to create, secure, and run applications that enhance how we experience our evolving digital world. We are passionate about cybersecurity, from protecting consumers from fraud to enabling companies to focus on innovation. 
 

Everything we do centers around people. That means we obsess over how to make the lives of our customers, and their customers, better. And it means we prioritize a diverse F5 community where each individual can thrive.

We are seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Functional Operations Principal to partner closely with the BIG-IP leadership team. In this pivotal role, you will serve as the strategic backbone of the product organization—enhancing clarity, ensuring operational excellence, and fostering cross-functional alignment. Acting as a force multiplier, you will help drive strategic initiatives, streamline execution, and translate high-level priorities into measurable and actionable outcomes. 

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with exceptional organizational and analytical skills, thriving in high-impact, behind-the-scenes leadership roles. They excel at influencing and collaborating across functions, seamlessly navigating complex and ambiguous environments with limited direction. Adaptive and versatile, this individual will confidently lead and execute initiatives across a wide range of disciplines, driving meaningful impact and ensuring organizational success. 

Primary Responsibilities 

• Lead quarterly and annual strategic planning processes, ensuring alignment between the organization’s long-term vision and near-term execution goals.  

• Partner with product management and engineering leadership to manage the operating rhythm of the product organization, including key activities such as quarterly business reviews (QBRs), roadmap planning, and leadership team syncs.  

• Function as the primary liaison and partner with product operations, cultivating a strong, productive and collaborative relationship 

• Translate high-level product strategy into actionable execution plans, clear metrics (KPIs), and measurable deliverables.  

• Track, report, and drive progress against strategic goals, key value streams, and organizational initiatives to ensure accountability and momentum.  

• Serve as a key strategic advisor and thought partner to the product leadership team, contributing to decision-making and strategic direction.  

• Navigate governance processes and facilitate collaboration to ensure seamless alignment during periods of organizational or strategic change.  

• Act as a primary connector and liaison between Product Management and cross-functional partners, including Engineering, Design, Go-to-Market (GTM), Digital, Human Resources and Finance teams.  

• Drive the adoption of tools, systems, and processes that enhance planning, execution, reporting, and decision-making—designing tailored solutions when necessary to address unique business needs.  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Proven track record of driving strategic planning, product operations, and cross-functional programs in fast-paced environments. 

• Exceptional communication skills with experien