Senior Director, Sales Engineering - Advanced Technologies - People Protection

Posted:
12/11/2025, 11:34:31 AM

Location(s):
Wisconsin, United States ⋅ Colorado, United States ⋅ Florida, United States ⋅ Texas, United States ⋅ California, United States ⋅ Illinois, United States ⋅ Georgia, United States

Experience Level(s):
Expert or higher ⋅ Senior

Field(s):
Sales & Account Management

Workplace Type:
Hybrid

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

Proofpoint

Website: https://www.proofpoint.com/

Headquarter Location: Sunnyvale, California, United States

Employee Count: 1001-5000

Year Founded: 2002

IPO Status: Public

Last Funding Type: Post-IPO Debt

Industries: Email ⋅ Enterprise Software ⋅ Information Technology ⋅ Network Security ⋅ SaaS