Director, Sales Engineering - Advanced Technologies - People Protection
Job Description
- CISSP or similar certifications
- Lead and develop a high-performing team of Specialist Sales Engineers
- Support technical sales efforts across multiple product lines
- Drive execution of POCs, demos, deep dives, and lab events
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Product, Marketing, and Enablement teams
- Work closely with Product Management to provide customer feedback and influence product direction
- Lead enablement for core counterparts on product lines
- Make data-informed decisions and guide the team through ambiguity
- Foster a culture of innovation, agility, and continuous learning
- Act as a technical leader and contributor in strategic customer engagements
- Partner with recruiting and HR to attract and retain top talent
- Travel as needed (25–50%)
- Proven experience leading technical sales or sales engineering teams in cybersecurity or SaaS
- Experience managing managers and scaling technical teams
- Ability to lead through ambiguity and drive clarity in complex technical scenarios
- Demonstrated success in partnering with Product Management to influence roadmap and strategy
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- Competitive compensation
- Comprehensive benefits
- Learning & Development programs
- Flexible work environment
- Annual wellness and community outreach days
- Always on recognition for your contributions
- Global collaboration and networking opportunities
About Us:
We are the leader in human-centric cybersecurity. Half a million customers, including 87 of the Fortune 100, rely on Proofpoint to protect their organizations. We’re driven by a mission to stay ahead of bad actors and safeguard the digital world. Join us in our pursuit to defend data and protect people.
How We Work:
At Proofpoint, you’ll be part of a global team that breaks barriers to redefine cybersecurity, guided by our BRAVE core values: Bold in how we dream and innovate, Responsive to feedback, challenges, and opportunities, Accountable for results and best-in-class outcomes, Visionary in future-focused problem-solving, Exceptional in execution and impact.
The Role and the Team
Proofpoint is seeking a highly motivated Director of Advanced Technologies – People Protection to lead a team of Sales Engineers supporting our People Protection business. This role is critical in driving technical excellence across a diverse and evolving product portfolio, including Impersonation Protection, User Protection, Adaptive Email DLP (AEDLP), and other emerging technologies.
You will lead a team of approximately 20 technical specialists, including 2–3 front-line managers, in supporting customer engagements through demos, proof-of-concepts (POCs), deep technical dives, hands-on lab development, and lab event execution. You’ll also play a key role in pipeline build execution and strategic enablement across the business.
This is a player-coach role that requires strong technical acumen, leadership experience, and the ability to make informed decisions using both limited information and performance metrics.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop a high-performing team of Specialist Sales Engineers focused on People Protection technologies.
- Support technical sales efforts across multiple product lines, including new and emerging solutions.
- Drive execution of POCs, demos, deep dives, and lab events to support customer success.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Product, Marketing, and Enablement teams to align on go-to-market strategies.
- Work closely with Product Management to provide customer feedback, influence product direction, and develop relevant use cases.
- Lead enablement for our core counterparts on the product lines that this team is responsible for.
- Make data-informed decisions and guide the team through ambiguity and evolving priorities.
- Foster a culture of innovation, agility, and continuous learning.
- Act as a technical leader and contributor in strategic customer engagements.
- Partner with recruiting and HR to attract and retain top talent.
- Travel as needed (25–50%) to support team and customer needs.
Job Requirements
- Proven experience leading technical sales or sales engineering teams in cybersecurity or SaaS.
- Experience managing managers and scaling technical teams.
- Ability to lead through ambiguity and drive clarity in complex technical scenarios.
- Demonstrated success in partnering with Product Management to influence roadmap and strategy.
- CISSP or similar certifications preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
Why Proofpoint? At Proofpoint, we believe that an exceptional career experience includes a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Here are just a few reasons you’ll love working with us:
- Competitive compensation
- Comprehensive benefits
- Learning & Development: We are committed to the growth and development of our team members, offering a range of programs including leadership and professional development workshops, stretch project assignments, and mentoring opportunities to help employees reach their full potential.
- Flexible work environment: [Remote options, hybrid schedules, flexible hours, etc.].
- Annual wellness and community outreach days
- Always on recognition for your contributions
- Global collaboration and networking opportunities
Our Culture:
Our culture is rooted in values that inspire belonging, empower purpose and drive success-every day, for everyone. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. If you need accommodation during the application or interview process, please reach out to accessibility@proofpoint.com.
