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Manager, Sales Engineering (Enterprise Security…
- Proofpoint (San Diego, CA)
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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.
Location
Flexible (25% travel expected)
About the Role
We are seeking a proven people leader to manage a high-performing presales team of Enterprise Security Advisors and Architects—former practitioners and consultants in Data Security—who deliver customer-facing executive workshops and act as 'field CISO' advisors. This leader will coach and scale a team that drives outcomes in Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Insider Risk, and AI Governance, advancing customer security maturity and accelerating strategic sales cycles. You will own team performance, enablement, operating rhythms, and stakeholder alignment—partnering closely with Sales Leadership, Product Management, and Marketing/Enablement to influence product roadmap, shape market narratives, and deliver measurable business impact.
Key Responsibilities
+ Team Leadership & People Management: Lead, coach, and develop a team of Enterprise Security Advisors/Architects; build a culture of customer-outcomes, technical excellence, inclusion, and accountability; recruit and onboard talent; conduct regular 1:1s and performance reviews.
+ Customer Value & 'Field CISO' Advisory: Oversee delivery of executive Data Security workshops (DLP, Insider Risk, AI Governance); ensure team provides prescriptive guidance across policy, process, controls, tooling, and adoption.
+ Sales Partnership & Deal Acceleration: Partner with Sales Leadership and Account Teams to align coverage, prioritize opportunities, and drive pipeline velocity and win rates.
+ Product & Roadmap Influence: Create closed-loop feedback mechanisms with Product Management to represent field/customer needs; contribute to product beta programs and roadmap prioritization.
+ Operational Excellence & Metrics: Own weekly operating rhythms, forecasting, resource allocation, and capacity planning; define and report KPIs and drive continuous improvement.
+ Cross-Functional Collaboration: Align with Professional Services, Customer Success, Legal/Compliance, and Partners/SIs to extend reach and accelerate customer programs.
Required Qualifications
+ 8–12+ years in Data Security, Information Security, or Risk—including time as a practitioner and/or consultant.
+ 3–5+ years leading technical presales, solution architecture, or advisory teams.
+ Demonstrated expertise delivering executive workshops and advisory engagements across DLP, Insider Risk, and AI Governance.
+ Strong command of data security maturity models and controls mapping to frameworks such as NIST CSF/800-53, ISO 27001, CIS, SOC 2, and privacy regulations.
+ Hands-on familiarity with enterprise data security tooling (DLP platforms, CASB/SSE, DSPM, IRM, SIEM/SOAR, EDR/XDR, cloud-native controls).
+ Executive communication skills and proven ability to set metrics, forecast, and run operational cadences.
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 has been honored with six Best Places to Work Awards in 2024 by workplace culture leader Comparably, including Best Company Career Growth, Best Company Outlook, Best Global Culture, Best Engineering Teams, Best Sales Teams, and Best HR Teams.
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.
Our BRAVE Values:
At Proofpoint, we are BRAVE in everything we do, and our values aren’t just words—they shape how we work, collaborate, and grow.
We seek people who are bold enough to challenge the status quo, responsive in the face of ever-evolving threats, and accountable for delivering real impact.
We value those with a visionary mindset who anticipate what’s next and push cybersecurity forward, and we celebrate exceptional execution that ensures we continue to defend data and protect people.
Proofpoint is an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.
Find your network, your allies, and your biggest fans. We know that work is simply better when you’re surrounded by people who inspire you—who share ideas, cheer you on, and genuinely want to see you succeed. That’s why we offer social circles, sponsored networks, and connection points across teams and time zones—to help you find your people, build your community, and thrive together.
This isn’t just a job—it’s a mission to protect people and defend data in a world that never slows down. We’re building the future of human-centric cybersecurity, and that future belongs to all of us. We take ownership, move fast, and hold ourselves accountable—because that’s what it takes to stay ahead. And we do it together, winning as one.
Be empowered to reach your full potential through meaningful challenges and personalized support—designed around you and your goals. Whether you're growing as a leader or leveling up from great to exceptional as an individual contributor, we’re here to help you get there.
Proofpoint is an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.
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