Senior Director, Sales Engineering - Advanced Technologies - People Protection

Proofpoint is a leader in human-centric cybersecurity, protecting half a million customers including 87 of the Fortune 100. We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Director of Advanced Technologies – People Protection to lead a team of Sales Engineers. This role drives technical excellence across a diverse product portfolio, including Impersonation Protection, User Protection, and Adaptive Email DLP. The director will lead a team of approximately 20 technical specialists, supporting customer engagements through demos, POCs, and deep technical dives, while also playing a key role in pipeline build and strategic enablement.

Must Have

• 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
• 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

Good to Have

• CISSP or similar certifications

Perks & Benefits

• 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. How to Apply Interested? Submit your application here https://www.proofpoint.com/us/company/careers. We can’t wait to hear from you!