Manager, Sales Engineering (Enterprise Security Advisors & Architects)

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 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!