Proofpoint
Manager, Sales Engineering - Data Security - Central & Southeast U.S.
Proofpoint, Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 30383
Manager, Sales Engineering - Data Security - Central & Southeast U.S.
Proofpoint is 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 looking for a Sales Engineering Manager (SEM) to lead a fast‑growing team of Sales Engineers focused on Data Security covering the Americas Central and Southeast regions.
Our SEMs lead from the front, are customer‑facing, hands‑on technical, and focused on enabling and empowering their teams to be successful.
Candidates should have experience leading/mentoring Sales Engineering teams, prior experience as a sales engineer, and a track record of being involved in complex customer deals. A background in data security or risk & governance is preferred.
Responsibilities
Coach, enable, and empower a team of experienced Specialist Sales Engineers.
Strengthen the team by setting shared goals, facilitating information sharing, and establishing mentoring relationships.
Ramp newer members on rules of engagement, building a relationship with their Specialist Sales Reps, technical training, and show them how to become self‑sufficient.
Develop and mentor your team to help them achieve their career goals, ideally here at Proofpoint.
Actively participate in escalations and resolve customer challenges.
Partner with Recruiting and HR to attract, hire and retain top talent to support our rapid growth.
Be customer‑facing; frequently attend meetings with members of your team.
Inspire Data Security SEs to become better story engineers by leveraging past field experiences and lessons learned on angles (pain points, use cases), unique ways to win, and competitive scenarios.
Work collaboratively with other groups—Sales, Professional Services, Support, Engineering, and Product Management—to ensure effective operation of your team, achieve the technical win, and ensure ongoing customer satisfaction.
Formulate best practices for presentations, demos, evaluations, and overall sales strategy.
Act as a trusted advisor to higher‑level management on strategic opportunity reviews, emerging competitive threats, product direction, and establishing sales objectives and strategies.
Participate in the ongoing technical training alongside your team.
Evangelize the Proofpoint vision to customers and prospects at all levels, from technical to C‑suite.
Put your individual‑contributor hat on when needed, engage with customers, and help formulate strategies for target accounts.
Build relationships with Sales Management and Sales Teams to acquire/grow accounts.
Build relationships with Product and Marketing teams to help prioritize technical features and perfect go‑to‑market strategy.
Track and maintain accurate records of SE engagements and effectively communicate this to management.
Establish a regular cadence with SEs to provide feedback on opportunities, discuss areas of improvement (skill development) in technical areas, and closely work with Sr. SE Leadership on a growth plan.
Responsible for completing periodic and annual performance reviews.
Partner with other groups such as Professional Services and Customer Success to continue our tradition of an outstanding customer experience and industry‑leading customer retention.
Become a student of our security and risk platform.
The role will require travel between 25‑75% within the region.
Job Requirements
Minimum 2+ years of proven track record in leading/mentoring/developing sales engineering teams and guiding them to success; ideally in the Data Security area.
Previous experience within a specialist/overlay sales structure.
Previous experience as a sales engineer, preferred 4‑6 years of experience.
Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑energy environment.
Good understanding of the cybersecurity market landscape and competition, ideally in Data Security.
Strong, related technical background in cyber‑security such as Enterprise DLP, Data Security Posture Management, and Insider Threat Management.
Solid sales acumen and ability to partner with account teams to drive new customer sales as well as add‑on revenue.
Lead‑from‑the‑front style, and ability to roll up sleeves and get technical.
Ability to work independently, adapt quickly, and maintain a positive attitude.
Proven ability to command a room, lead complex technical and business conversations with C‑suite executives and technical staff.
Bachelor’s or advanced degree in relevant field, or equivalent experience.
CISSP or similar industry certification optional.
Travel required in this role.
Benefits
Competitive compensation.
Comprehensive benefits.
Learning & Development: leadership and professional development workshops, stretch project assignments, and mentoring opportunities.
Flexible work environment—remote options, hybrid schedules, flexible hours.
Annual wellness and community outreach days.
Recognition for your contributions.
Global collaboration and networking opportunities.
Culture Our culture is rooted in values that inspire belonging, empower purpose, and drive success every day. 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 Submit your application on our careers page at https://www.proofpoint.com/us/company/careers.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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 looking for a Sales Engineering Manager (SEM) to lead a fast‑growing team of Sales Engineers focused on Data Security covering the Americas Central and Southeast regions.
Our SEMs lead from the front, are customer‑facing, hands‑on technical, and focused on enabling and empowering their teams to be successful.
Candidates should have experience leading/mentoring Sales Engineering teams, prior experience as a sales engineer, and a track record of being involved in complex customer deals. A background in data security or risk & governance is preferred.
Responsibilities
Coach, enable, and empower a team of experienced Specialist Sales Engineers.
Strengthen the team by setting shared goals, facilitating information sharing, and establishing mentoring relationships.
Ramp newer members on rules of engagement, building a relationship with their Specialist Sales Reps, technical training, and show them how to become self‑sufficient.
Develop and mentor your team to help them achieve their career goals, ideally here at Proofpoint.
Actively participate in escalations and resolve customer challenges.
Partner with Recruiting and HR to attract, hire and retain top talent to support our rapid growth.
Be customer‑facing; frequently attend meetings with members of your team.
Inspire Data Security SEs to become better story engineers by leveraging past field experiences and lessons learned on angles (pain points, use cases), unique ways to win, and competitive scenarios.
Work collaboratively with other groups—Sales, Professional Services, Support, Engineering, and Product Management—to ensure effective operation of your team, achieve the technical win, and ensure ongoing customer satisfaction.
Formulate best practices for presentations, demos, evaluations, and overall sales strategy.
Act as a trusted advisor to higher‑level management on strategic opportunity reviews, emerging competitive threats, product direction, and establishing sales objectives and strategies.
Participate in the ongoing technical training alongside your team.
Evangelize the Proofpoint vision to customers and prospects at all levels, from technical to C‑suite.
Put your individual‑contributor hat on when needed, engage with customers, and help formulate strategies for target accounts.
Build relationships with Sales Management and Sales Teams to acquire/grow accounts.
Build relationships with Product and Marketing teams to help prioritize technical features and perfect go‑to‑market strategy.
Track and maintain accurate records of SE engagements and effectively communicate this to management.
Establish a regular cadence with SEs to provide feedback on opportunities, discuss areas of improvement (skill development) in technical areas, and closely work with Sr. SE Leadership on a growth plan.
Responsible for completing periodic and annual performance reviews.
Partner with other groups such as Professional Services and Customer Success to continue our tradition of an outstanding customer experience and industry‑leading customer retention.
Become a student of our security and risk platform.
The role will require travel between 25‑75% within the region.
Job Requirements
Minimum 2+ years of proven track record in leading/mentoring/developing sales engineering teams and guiding them to success; ideally in the Data Security area.
Previous experience within a specialist/overlay sales structure.
Previous experience as a sales engineer, preferred 4‑6 years of experience.
Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑energy environment.
Good understanding of the cybersecurity market landscape and competition, ideally in Data Security.
Strong, related technical background in cyber‑security such as Enterprise DLP, Data Security Posture Management, and Insider Threat Management.
Solid sales acumen and ability to partner with account teams to drive new customer sales as well as add‑on revenue.
Lead‑from‑the‑front style, and ability to roll up sleeves and get technical.
Ability to work independently, adapt quickly, and maintain a positive attitude.
Proven ability to command a room, lead complex technical and business conversations with C‑suite executives and technical staff.
Bachelor’s or advanced degree in relevant field, or equivalent experience.
CISSP or similar industry certification optional.
Travel required in this role.
Benefits
Competitive compensation.
Comprehensive benefits.
Learning & Development: leadership and professional development workshops, stretch project assignments, and mentoring opportunities.
Flexible work environment—remote options, hybrid schedules, flexible hours.
Annual wellness and community outreach days.
Recognition for your contributions.
Global collaboration and networking opportunities.
Culture Our culture is rooted in values that inspire belonging, empower purpose, and drive success every day. 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 Submit your application on our careers page at https://www.proofpoint.com/us/company/careers.
#J-18808-Ljbffr