Manager, Sales Engineering

About Us: Proofpoint is a global leader in human- and agent-centric cybersecurity. We protect how people, data, and AI agents connect across email, cloud, and collaboration tools. Over 80 of the Fortune 100, 10,000 large enterprises, and millions of smaller organizations trust Proofpoint to stop threats, prevent data loss, and build resilience across their people and AI workflows. Our mission is simple: safeguard the digital world and empower people to work securely and confidently. 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 an experienced Sales Engineering Manager (SEM) to lead a fast growing team of sales engineers focused on Enterprise opportunities in the South Eastern US. Our SEMs lead from the front, are customer facing, are hands on technical, and focused on enabling and empowering their teams to be successful. Candidates should have experience managing sales engineering teams, prior experience as a sales engineer, and a track record of being involved in complex customer deals. We prefer a background in cyber-security, cloud security, or risk & governance. Candidates for this role should be located in Georgia, Tennessee, the Carolinas or Northern Florida. You will coach, enable and empower a team of experienced Field Sales Engineers: Strengthen the team by setting shared goals, information sharing, and establishing mentoring relationships Ramp newer members of the team on rules of engagement, building a relationship with their AMs, technical training, and showing them how to become self-sufficient Develop and mentor your team to help them achieve their career goals, ideally here at Proofpoint Active part of escalations and resolving 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! 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 Partner with other groups such as Professional Services and Customer Success to help us 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 experience leading sales engineering teams, ideally in the cyber-security industry Previous experience as a sales engineer, preferred 4-6 years of experience Strong, related technical background in cyber-security such as cloud security, network security, incident response, messaging or related field Proven track record of mentoring and developing team members and guiding them to success 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 your sleeves and get technical You can thrive in a fast paced, high energy environment 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, as well as technical staff Bachelor’s or advanced degree in relevant field, 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 Career success on your terms Flexible work environment 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 [apply contact hidden]. How to Apply Interested? Submit your application along with any supporting information- 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.