Sales Director, Public Sector (UKI)

Sales Director, Public Sector (UKI)

Full-Time 85500 - 104500 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a talented sales team and drive growth in the Public Sector.
  • Company: Join Proofpoint, a leader in cybersecurity protecting people and data.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible work, wellness days, and global networking.
  • Other info: Dynamic culture that values diversity and empowers success.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in cybersecurity while building your career.
  • Qualifications: Experience in public sector sales and strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 85500 - 104500 £ 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.

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: We are seeking an experienced, proven, entrepreneurial Sales Director to lead our Public Sector, Enterprise Account Team covering the UK territory. You will be responsible for:

  • Recruiting, developing, and retaining a highly talented field sales team
  • Achieve annual Enterprise bookings quota with monthly and quarterly targets
  • Identify, grow, and close new business at executive levels (CISO/CIO/CTO) in Public Sector accounts within the designated territory.
  • Presenting compelling business cases to senior stakeholders both internally and externally
  • Creating positive momentum in the cybersecurity market
  • Implementing strategic growth within the region, setting the direction, and ensuring execution against plan.

Your day-to-day:

  • Lead sales for new and existing enterprise customers, consistently achieving or exceeding quarterly and annual revenue targets capturing market share
  • Define and report on metrics to measure performance of sales activities, accurately forecast and present deal analysis
  • Determine resource requirements, identify significant and profitable growth opportunities
  • Develop and maintain client and partner relationships to increase business scalability
  • Effectively support and manage contract negotiations facilitating resolution of major sales objections presented by customers
  • Working with the EMEA leadership team provide insight on value proposition, positioning, local market knowledge and agree priorities for region and Public Sector market
  • Recruit, lead, coach and inspire a talented team of senior sales executives
  • Manage employee goal setting, performance assessments, career planning and development driving the adoption of solution selling
  • Collaborate with Sales Engineering, Professional Services, Marketing and Support to close deals, drive revenue and adoption, and to meet and exceed customer satisfaction

What you bring to the team:

  • Experience in hyper growth, building out large organizations at scale, within the Public Sector (Central and Regional)
  • Knowledge of the cyber security market and current threat landscape
  • Familiarity and experience using consultative, value based sales methodologies (Force Management, Challenger Sales, MEDDIC, etc)
  • Proven record of leading a successful new business sale team as well as a hunger for success beyond targets and sustained growth
  • Channel-centric in approach to go-to-market and experience of working effectively within a direct sale led and Channel-led sales organisation
  • Expert team builder, team player and leader who understands you win as a team, and has the ability to inspire and create loyalty, trust, and respect across not only their team, but also cross-functionally
  • Commercial acumen and attention to detail, thinks strategically, but stays on top of tactical execution as well as the ability to lead a large and culturally diverse team in coordination with managers and through managers
  • Able to create a business plan, build a strong business pipeline, accurately forecast and close business
  • Existing influential customer relationships and able to understand the security threat landscape, and become the trusted advisor of the CSO

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!

Sales Director, Public Sector (UKI) employer: Proofpoint

At Proofpoint, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our Benelux team is dedicated to employee growth, offering extensive training and development opportunities while working in a dynamic environment that values diversity and inclusion. With competitive benefits and a focus on meaningful work, joining us means becoming part of a mission-driven company committed to protecting organisations from advanced threats.

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Contact Details:

Proofpoint Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Sales Director, Public Sector (UKI)

Leverage Your Network

In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!

Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results

When targeting a full-time role like Sales Director, Public Sector (UKI) at Proofpoint, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!

Engage with Sales Communities

Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.

Direct Applications Matter

While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Proofpoint. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Sales Director, Public Sector (UKI). Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!

We think you need these skills to ace Sales Director, Public Sector (UKI)

Sales Leadership
Public Sector Knowledge
Cybersecurity Market Understanding
Consultative Sales Methodologies
New Business Development
Team Building and Leadership
Commercial Acumen

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!

Tailor Your Message for Proofpoint:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Proofpoint. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!

Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!

Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!

How to prepare for a job interview at Proofpoint

Know Your Sales Methodologies

Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Proofpoint that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.

Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills

Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Proofpoint that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.

Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios

In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!

Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision

Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Proofpoint’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.