Data Security Sales Specialist- Bay Area

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 Department Overview The Data Security Specialist team at Proofpoint is an exciting, fast-growing organization comprised of passionate, talented professionals dedicated to helping customers protect their most valuable asset: Data. As one of Proofpoint’s key growth engines, the team supports a world-class customer base and drives adoption of an industry-leading Data Security platform and solutions spanning Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Data Security Posture Management (DSPM), Insider Risk Management, SaaS Data Protection, and Data Security for AI capabilities. As organizations increasingly embrace Generative AI and AI-powered business workflows, the Data Security team plays a critical role in helping customers innovate securely while maintaining visibility, governance, and control over sensitive information. Role Overview We are seeking an experienced Data Security Sales Specialist to align with our Enterprise Named NorthWest team. Must reside in Northern California Reporting to the Director of Data Security Specialists, you will partner closely with Proofpoint’s core sales organization to drive growth across the region. Acting as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert, you will help customers develop and execute modern data security strategies that address evolving risks across cloud, SaaS, insider threats, and AI-driven environments. As organizations accelerate the adoption of AI, you will guide customers in protecting sensitive data, reducing AI-related risk, and enabling innovation securely through Proofpoint’s Data Security platform. In this role, you will act as a strategic Data Security Specialist, partnering with account teams to develop, influence, and advance data security opportunities. You will bring consultative expertise to customer conversations, collaborate with partners, sales leadership, and technical teams, and help align Proofpoint’s data security capabilities to customer priorities, risk reduction goals, and measurable business outcomes. Your Day-to-Day Build strong relationships across customer organizations and within Proofpoint to drive opportunities from discovery through close. Partner with core account teams to expand Proofpoint’s Data Security footprint within existing customers while identifying and capturing net-new opportunities. Lead customers and core sellers through the Data Security sales cycle utilizing industry best practices and Proofpoint’s proven methodologies for evaluating modern data security platforms. Act as a strategic advisor to customers navigating data security challenges related to cloud transformation, insider risk, regulatory compliance, and AI adoption. Drive conversations around Data Security for AI, helping organizations secure sensitive data used by Generative AI applications, AI copilots, SaaS AI capabilities, and emerging agentic workflows. Collaborate with Sales Engineers to develop account strategies, deliver impactful demonstrations, facilitate workshops, and execute proof-of-value and proof-of-concept programs. Partner with the channel ecosystem to expand market share and accelerate Data Security growth across the region. Develop and execute strategic account plans focused on pipeline generation, customer expansion, competitive displacement, and long-term platform adoption. Drive ongoing enablement of Proofpoint’s Data Security portfolio across the sales organization through training sessions, office hours, sales updates, role plays, and territory-specific support. Maintain accurate pipeline management, forecasting, and opportunity progression through Salesforce, and related sales tools. What You Bring to the Team Proven success selling Data Security solutions into Enterprise and Strategic accounts. Experience with one or more of the following solution areas: Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Data Security Posture Management (DSPM), Insider Risk Management (IRM/ITM), Cloud and SaaS Data Protection, Security Service Edge (SSE)/SASE, AI Security, AI Governance, or AI Risk Management. Strong understanding of modern data security challenges across cloud, SaaS, AI, and hybrid enterprise environments. Ability to engage executive stakeholders and articulate both business value and technical differentiation. Exceptional discovery, presentation, relationship-building, and consultative selling skills. Strong strategic account planning, territory management, and forecasting capabilities. Ability to thrive in a matrixed environment and build trust across cross-functional stakeholders. #LI-KJ1 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! 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.