General Manager of North America

About SANS

Founded in 1989, SANS Institute (SANS) began as a cooperative research and education organization. Over the next 25 years, it grew to become the most trusted and widely recognized provider of information security training and certification in the world. Today, SANS has served more than 300,000 cybersecurity professionals around the world, with more than 60,000 earning Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) security certifications—the leading certification that provides assurance to employers that their people and prospective hires can do the job.

At the heart of SANS is a community of practitioners, from auditors and network administrators to CISOs, who share their lessons learned and collaborate on solutions to the challenges they face. These experts, working across corporations, government agencies, and universities, come together to support and strengthen the global information security community.

Why SANS?

At SANS, our culture is defined by three pillars: Mission, Brand, and People.

• Our Mission is to hire people who understand the importance fighting against cybersecurity threats.
• Our Brand reflects a commitment to delivering the highest quality training. 
• Our People are grounded in a culture of fairness, honesty, customer focus, and a pragmatic approach.

What You'll Achieve at SANS

We are seeking a General Manager of North America to join our North America team. This role plays a key part in 

leading and managing the full P&L for the North American region. Additionally, this role is responsible for driving both topline revenue growth and bottom-line profitability by localizing and executing global revenue strategies and developing regional initiatives that optimize sales and backend consumption. The General Manager of North America will lead cross-functional collaboration with global teams, ensuring that North American goals align with global objectives while adapting to regional market dynamics.

This position reports directly to the COO and partners closely with the CRO (dotted-line) to align North America execution with global revenue and go-to-market strategy. The role leads the North America business unit team and regional operations, working through direct and matrixed leadership across sales and operations functions.

As a General Manager of North America, you will:

• Own the North America P&L, including the annual operating plan, budget, forecasting, expense management, and profitability levers.
• Deliver North America revenue targets and pipeline health through disciplined forecasting, operating cadence, and performance management.
• Partner closely with the CRO and global revenue leadership to translate global go-to-market strategy (segments, offers, pricing/discount guardrails, territories, and compensation levers) into North America execution and provide regional insights that inform global decisions.
• Lead regional execution across sales, customer success/account management, marketing activation, and operations to improve acquisition, renewals, and customer “consumption” of SANS training and certifications.
• Build and lead the North America leadership team; set clear goals, accountability, and performance standards; coach and develop talent.
• Develop and maintain executive relationships with key accounts and partners; engage directly in strategic deals, renewals, and escalations.
• Monitor market and competitive trends; identify regional growth opportunities and recommend investment shifts to maximize impact.
• Ensure a consistent customer experience and strong brand presence in North America, aligned with the SANS Promise.
• Drive cross-functional alignment with matrixed global teams (Global Marketing, GIAC, Digital, Product, Curriculum, Finance, HR, and others) to execute regional priorities and remove blockers.
  
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For

Every SANS employee brings something unique. For this role, we’re looking for candidates with:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, finance, or a related field; MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
• 10–15+ years of demonstrated general manager / business unit leadership experience with clear accountability for revenue and full P&L results.
• Proven success leading cross-functional and matrixed organizations, driving revenue and profitability targets across sales, marketing, and operations.
• Experience operating within a global revenue organization, partnering with a Chief Revenue Officer (or equivalent) to align regional execution with global strategy.
• Demonstrated ability to scale businesses and adapt strategies across a region, including working effectively with global teams and navigating cross-cultural dynamics.
• Strong strategic and financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and executive-level P&L management, with a track record of effective resource allocation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change and large-scale transformations while fostering innovation and thoughtful, calculated risk-taking.
• Strong decision-making skills, with experience setting priorities and driving execution in a complex, fast-paced environment.
• Experience in the cybersecurity, technology, or professional services industries (or related knowledge-services markets) strongly preferred.
• Passion for mission-driven work and advancing global cybersecurity capabilities.
  
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time.
• Unrestricted authorization to work in the USA; visa sponsorship is not available.

Benefits and Perks of Working at SANS

We’re committed to fair and equitable compensation. The expected salary range for this position is $200,000 base salary + bonus, depending on geographic location, skills, and experience. At SANS, pay equity and transparency are priorities.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports your total well-being so you can be and deliver your best. This means caring for you and your loved ones' physical, financial, and mental health, as well as providing the flexibility you need to thrive personally and professionally:

• Financial Benefits: Competitive base salary, bonus opportunities, and a 401(k) plan with company match.
• Health & Wellness: Robust medical, dental, and vision plans; company-provided short term disability; optional long-term disability, supplemental life and AD&D insurance for employees and dependents; voluntary benefits including accident insurance and identity theft protection; fitness and wellness programs; and a company paid employee assistance program (EAP).
• Time Off & Flexibility: Generous paid time off, including volunteer time.
• Learning & Development: Access to professional development and SANS training opportunities.

Flexibility and Balance at SANS

We support our colleagues with the tools and flexibility they need to thrive, both professionally and personally. As a primarily remote work environment, we are committed to maintaining strong connections, collaboration, and a vibrant culture across virtual teams. While most roles operate remotely, some positions may require occasional in-person presence depending on role-specific or business needs.

SANS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

SANS is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact SANS Human Resources.

US Job Seekers: Click here to view the “Know Your Rights” poster.

SANS complies with all applicable state and local laws regarding the consideration of applicants with arrest or conviction records. For positions governed by federal and/or state banking regulations, SANS will adhere to relevant requirements when evaluating candidates with criminal histories.

Employment eligibility in the United States is required. SANS does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Compensation$200,000 base salary + bonus