Senior Director, Head of Cybersecurity & Privacy Legal (San Jose)

About Zscaler

Zscaler accelerates digital transformation to ensure our customers can be more agile, efficient, resilient, and secure. As an AI‑forward enterprise , we are constantly pushing the envelope, leveraging the world’s largest security data lake to power our cloud‑native Zero Trust Exchange platform. This innovation protects our customers from cyberattacks and data loss by securely connecting users, devices, and applications in any location.

Here, impact in your role matters more than title and trust is built on results. We say, impact over activity. We seek innovators who actively use AI to amplify their impact and who thrive in an environment where we leverage intelligent systems to stay ahead of evolving threats. We believe in transparency and value constructive, honest debate —we’re focused on getting to the best ideas, faster. We build high‑performing teams that can make an impact quickly and with high quality. To do this, we are building a culture of execution centered on customer obsession , collaboration, ownership, and accountability.

We value high‑impact, high‑accountability with a sense of urgency where you’re enabled to do your best work and embrace your potential. If you’re driven by purpose, thrive on solving complex challenges, and want to be part of the team that’s helping to secure the AI age, we invite you to bring your talents to Zscaler and help shape the future of cybersecurity.

Role Overview

We are looking for a Senior Director, Head of Cybersecurity & Privacy Legal to lead our global data security and privacy legal function. Reporting directly to the Deputy General Counsel for Commercial Legal, you will be the primary legal architect for how we protect data across the entire Zscaler platform. This role is ideally Hybrid out of our San Jose, CA Headquarters, but can be fully remote for the right candidate.

This is a high‑impact senior leadership role where you will develop and execute a global legal strategy for cybersecurity, data security and privacy that aligns with Zscaler’s rapid growth and product innovation. You will be a trusted advisor to senior leaders across the organization, including the executive team and board of directors.

What you’ll do (Role Expectations)

As a key partner to our Security, Compliance, IT, and other internal teams, you will

• Provide expert guidance on a wide range of data security, cybersecurity, privacy, and compliance matters, ensuring that legal requirements are integrated seamlessly into our technical operations.

• Lead the legal side of incident management and response, providing strategic advice and legal guidance on all types of incidents to ensure the company navigates complex security events with precision and speed.

• Provide strategic guidance and recommendations for implementing Privacy/Security by Design across our expanding platform.

• Manage and mentor the existing privacy team consisting of four experienced privacy lawyers.

What We’re Looking for (Minimum Qualifications)

• J.D. from an accredited law school and an active license to practice law in the United States.

• 15+ years of experience practicing law with a deep focus on data security, cybersecurity, and privacy within the SaaS, Software, Tech and/or Cybersecurity sectors.

• Significant experience managing cyber incident response, in close partnership with Security professionals.

• Significant experience negotiating the security and privacy components of complex inbound and outbound commercial contracts.

• Experience advising executive leadership and boards of directors on cybersecurity and privacy matters.

• Experience providing guidance and implementing Privacy/ Security by Design across a technology company.

• Experience managing a global team of lawyers and guiding cross‑functional initiatives in a SaaS, Software, Tech and/or Cybersecurity company.

• A deep understanding of cloud architecture and how data flows through a modern SaaS ecosystem.

• A deep understanding of global privacy and AI laws, regulations and certifications including GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, EU AI Act and other international cybersecurity, data protection, privacy and AI frameworks.

• A pragmatic approach to law that prioritizes business enablement; you are someone who finds creative paths to growth while rigorously managing risk.

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications)

• Experience working with EU Works Councils and other global regulatory agencies/bodies.

• Experience with AI governance and machine learning data ethics.

• Experience with risk mitigation frameworks and corporate governance models for the enterprise‑wide deployment of generative AI, large language models (LLMs) and automated decision‑making systems.

• Relevant certifications such as CISM, CISSP and/or CIPP.

Pay and Benefits

Zscaler’s salary ranges are benchmarked and are determined by role and level. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations and could be higher or lower based on a multitude of factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

The base salary range listed for this full‑time position excludes commission/bonus/equity (if applicable) + benefits.

Base Pay Range

$231,000—$330,000 USD

At Zscaler, we are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve and the customers we work with. We foster an inclusive environment that values all backgrounds and perspectives, emphasizing collaboration and belonging. Join us in our mission to make doing business seamless and secure.

Our Benefits program is one of the most important ways we support our employees. Zscaler proudly offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families throughout their life stages, including:

• Various health plans.

• Time off plans for vacation and sick time.

• Parental leave options.

• Retirement options.

• Education reimbursement.

• In‑office perks, and more!

Learn more about Zscaler’s hybrid working model and benefits here (

By applying for this role, you adhere to applicable laws, regulations and Zscaler policies, including those related to security and privacy standards and guidelines.

Zscaler is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We strive to create a workplace where employees are treated with respect and have the chance to succeed. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or related medical conditions), age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. See more information by clicking on the Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal link (

Pay Transparency

Zscaler complies with all applicable federal, state and local pay transparency rules.

Zscaler is committed to providing reasonable support (called accommodations or adjustments) in our recruiting processes for candidates who are differently abled, have long‑term conditions, mental health conditions or sincerely held religious beliefs, or who are neurodivergent or require pregnancy‑related support.