Strategy and Program Operations Lead

Seattle, Washington, United States Corporate Functions Imagine what you could do here. At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. We’re a diverse collection of problem solvers and doers, continually reimagining our products, systems, and practices to help people do what they love in new ways. This is a deeply reciprocal place, where everything we build is the result of people in different roles and teams working together to make each other’s ideas stronger. That same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices, strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it!Apple Information Security (AIS) protects the trust our customers place in Apple every day. We're looking for a Strategy & Operations Lead to serve as the connective tissue between our security mission and the operational excellence required to deliver on it—driving financial planning, building cross-functional partnerships, and bringing an AI-first mindset to how we work. Description The Strategy & Operations Lead will be the operational backbone of Apple Information Security (AIS), translating strategic priorities into executable plans, managing critical financial and vendor relationships, and driving the systems that enable our teams to scale. This role demands someone who thrives at the intersection of strategy and execution—a leader who can partner with senior leadership, manage complex budgets, and continuously seek opportunities to modernize how we operate. You'll serve as the architect of disciplined planning across AIS, bringing structure to ambiguity, surfacing key insights, and ensuring the organization delivers with precision and impact. This is an opportunity to shape how a critical security function operates and grows. Responsibilities Own the financial strategy for AIS, driving end-to-end planning, forecasting, and budget management that ensures resources are aligned to the highest-impact security priorities Lead procurement strategy and vendor partnerships, ensuring AIS has the right capabilities at the right cost while building relationships that scale with the organization Serve as the primary connector across AIS, Finance, and business units—building durable cross-functional partnerships that enable aligned execution and shared accountability Design and deliver executive-ready reporting that surfaces progress, risks, interdependencies, and strategic trade-offs with clarity and precision Translate AIS strategy into clear, measurable goals and actionable work streams—ensuring all initiatives have defined outcomes, explicit ownership, and a path to impact. Proactively identify and implement opportunities to enhance operational efficiency, clarity, and scalability through AI-enabled tools and optimized processes. Champion operational excellence and AI-first thinking across the team, continuously evolving systems and processes to support how AIS operates and performs. Minimum Qualifications 5+ years of experience in program management, finance operations, strategic planning, or business operations Strong financial acumen, including budget management, cost modeling, and procurement processes Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with executive leadership, crafting materials that clarify priorities, surface risks, and enable timely decision-making Experience partnering with or supporting IT or technology organizations Proven track record of building cross-functional relationships and driving alignment across competing priorities Systematic, analytical approach to problem-solving with a focus on process optimization Comfortable operating in ambiguity and navigating complex, fast-moving environments MBA degree, or equivalent experience Preferred Qualifications 8+ years of experience, including direct exposure to enterprise security, IT operations, or compliance programs Background at a mid-to-large technology company (for example, enterprise software, IT services, or security-focused organizations) Demonstrated experience using AI tools (for example, workflow automation, AI assistants, or analytics platforms) to streamline operations or enhance productivity Experience with strategic planning frameworks such as OKRs, portfolio management, or balanced scorecards Strong business acumen with the ability to synthesize complex data into insights and influence senior leaders A self-starter with a proactive approach to identifying opportunities and driving solutions At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $163,300 and $245,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits. Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program. Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant . Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis. #J-18808-Ljbffr Apple Inc.