Director, Sales Engineering

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

. How to Apply Interested? Submit your application here

. We can't wait to hear from you