At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical partner strategies and drive cybersecurity solutions across EMEA.
- Company: Join Proofpoint, a global leader in cybersecurity protecting people and data.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible work, wellness days, and global networking opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic culture that values diversity and encourages personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cybersecurity while working with innovative technologies.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in cybersecurity and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 120000 € per year.
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)
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!
Director, Channel Sales Engineering - EMEA employer: Proofpoint
At Proofpoint, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the cybersecurity sector, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive benefits, flexible work arrangements, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion. With opportunities for global networking and career advancement, particularly in the vibrant EMEA region, joining our team means being part of a mission-driven organisation dedicated to safeguarding the digital world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Channel Sales Engineering - EMEA
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Proofpoint on LinkedIn and ask about their experiences. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding Proofpoint's core values. Think of examples from your past that showcase how you've been bold, responsive, accountable, visionary, and exceptional in your work.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your technical expertise! Be ready to discuss your experience with AI/Data Security and partner enablement. Bring real-life examples of how you've driven success in similar roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the Proofpoint team.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Channel Sales Engineering - EMEA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Director, Channel Sales Engineering role. Highlight your experience in cybersecurity and partner enablement to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about cybersecurity and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team at Proofpoint.
Showcase Your Achievements:Quantify your successes in previous roles. Whether it's increasing partner-sourced NARR or leading successful technical enablement programs, we want to see how you've made an impact!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Proofpoint
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of cybersecurity, especially around AI/Data Security and DLP. Familiarise yourself with Proofpoint's products and how they fit into the market. This will help you answer technical questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director, you'll need to demonstrate your people leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, particularly in a partner/channel environment. Highlight your ability to coach and scale talent, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Partner Ecosystem
Since this role involves working closely with partners, be ready to discuss your experience with VAR/SI/MSP/MSSP ecosystems. Think about specific instances where you've driven partner technical enablement or built successful partner practice models, and be prepared to share those stories.
✨Embrace the BRAVE Values
Familiarise yourself with Proofpoint's BRAVE core values: Bold, Responsive, Accountable, Visionary, and Exceptional. Be ready to discuss how these values resonate with you and how you've embodied them in your previous roles. This will show that you're a good cultural fit for the company.
