Director, Channel Sales Engineering - EMEA

About the job

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

The Director, Channel Sales Engineering — EMEA is the channel-facing technical leader responsible for partner practice building, partner GTM, and technical enablement across EMEA.

This leader scales partner capability (SE Experts, CDP), drives partner-sourced NARR, and operationalizes SaaS lifecycle motions (Acquire → Adopt → Expand → Renew) with strong focus on AI/Data Security, agentic-workspace risk, and services-first economics.

Operationalize Proofpoint’s sales plays through partner GTM, enablement, and practice building.

• Multi-Layer Protection Against AI Threats
• Stop Email Data Loss with AI (Adaptive Email DLP)
• AI-Ready Data Security (Secure Copilot & AI Tools)
  

This is an EMEA role with matrixed responsibility across multiple countries; we will hire candidates based in the UK or Paris. The role reports to the Global Channel SE leader and partners closely with Channel Sales, Technology Alliances, Customer Success, and Premium Security Services.

What Success Looks Like

• Measurable uplift in partner-sourced NARR and partner-led pipeline progression across EMEA
• Partners able to position, demo, and validate AI/Data Security and Agent Integrity plays (improved POC throughput and win rates)
• Growth in partner delivery capability (SE Experts, CDP coverage) and adoption/retention motions delivered by partners. Responsibilities
• Design and run partner technical GTM programs that map to core plays: AI/Data Security, Secure Copilot, DLP modernization, and agentic-workspace risk remediation
• Build repeatable partner practice models and enable partners to package services (Health Checks, CISO Decks, managed services)
• Drive partner technical enablement (certification pathways), demo/POC factories, labs, and partner scorecards that measure adoption & PS deflection
• Serve as executive technical sponsor for strategic partner relationships and selected strategic deals
• Hire, coach and scale channel SEs and partner-facing technical talent across EMEA.

Coverage, Language & Travel Expectations

• Coverage: Pan-EMEA (all countries). Primary sub-regions of focus include UKI, DACH, France, Southern, META, North, and EE
• Candidate must demonstrate experience selling through VAR/SI/MSP/MSSP ecosystems in EMEA and operating across multiple countries
• Languages: Business-level English required. Fluency in at least one major European language is strongly preferred; French fluency preferred for the Paris hire
• Travel: Expect ~30–50% travel across the region; more during launches, partner events, and major programs.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in cybersecurity/cloud security/SaaS with strong technical pre-sales or partner GTM experience
• Proven experience leading partner/channel technical motions in EMEA or equivalent multinational experience
• People leadership experience essential
• Executive presence with partner practice leaders and distributors; business English required. Preferred
• Experience building/scaling partner services (deployment, health checks, program design, managed services)
• Track record driving partner technical certification programs (SE Expert, CDP)
• Deep knowledge of data security (DLP modernization, DSPM), insider risk, and agentic workspace / AI governance
• BS in Computer Science/Engineering or related (MS/MBA a plus)

#LI-CB1

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 accessibility@proofpoint.com.

How to Apply

Interested? Submit your application along with any supporting information- we can’t wait to hear from you!