Director, Sales Engineering - Advanced Technologies - People Protection at Proofpoint

Texas, United States

Proofpoint Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
CybersecurityIndustries

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

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

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Sales EngineeringCybersecurityPeople ProtectionImpersonation ProtectionUser ProtectionAdaptive Email DLPProof-of-ConceptsDemosTechnical DivesLab DevelopmentTeam LeadershipPipeline Execution

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the team size and structure for this role?

You will lead a team of approximately 20 technical specialists, including 2–3 front-line managers.

Is travel required for this position?

Yes, travel is required as needed (25–50%) to support team and customer needs.

What experience is required for this Director role?

Proven experience leading technical sales or sales engineering teams in cybersecurity or SaaS, experience managing managers and scaling technical teams, and the ability to lead through ambiguity are required.

What are Proofpoint's core values?

Proofpoint is guided by 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.

What makes a strong candidate for this Sales Engineering Director position?

Candidates with proven leadership of technical sales teams in cybersecurity or SaaS, experience managing managers, strong technical acumen, and the ability to drive teams through ambiguity while fostering innovation will stand out.

Proofpoint

Cybersecurity solutions for email and digital communication

About Proofpoint

Proofpoint specializes in cybersecurity, focusing on protecting organizations from advanced threats and compliance risks. The company offers a range of solutions that secure email, social media, and other digital communication channels against cyber threats like phishing, malware, and ransomware. Its products work by utilizing advanced technologies, including machine learning and artificial intelligence, to detect and respond to threats in real-time. Proofpoint differentiates itself from competitors by providing user-friendly solutions that easily integrate into existing IT systems, along with subscription-based services that allow clients to select service tiers tailored to their needs. The company's goal is to enhance the cybersecurity defenses of various organizations, from large enterprises to small businesses, ensuring their digital communications remain secure.

Sunnyvale, CaliforniaHeadquarters
2002Year Founded
$55.4MTotal Funding
IPOCompany Stage
Cybersecurity, AI & Machine LearningIndustries
1,001-5,000Employees

Benefits

Health, dental, & vision
Employer-paid life, disability & employee assistance programs
Unlimited PTO
401K match
Remote work option

Risks

Integration challenges with Tessian and Illusive could disrupt operations.
Regulatory scrutiny may delay acquisition closings, affecting strategic plans.
Reliance on AI poses risks if technologies fail to adapt to new threats.

Differentiation

Proofpoint leverages AI and machine learning for real-time threat detection.
The company offers a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity solutions for digital communication.
Proofpoint's subscription-based model ensures recurring revenue and flexible service tiers.

Upsides

Acquisitions of Tessian and Illusive enhance AI-driven threat protection capabilities.
Growing demand for ITDR solutions boosts Proofpoint's market position.
Increased focus on AI-driven email security solutions aligns with industry trends.

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