Director, Channel Sales Engineering - EMEA

Proofpoint; Reading; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits

Career success on your terms

Flexible work environment

Annual wellness and community outreach

Recognition for contributions

Global collaboration and networking

Job summary

Proofpoint seeks a Director, Channel Sales Engineering — EMEA to lead partner GTM and technical enablement across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This role scales partner capability and drives NARR with a focus on AI/data security and agentic-workspace risk.

Based in the UK or Paris, you will work with Channel Sales, Technology Alliances, and Customer Success to deliver scalable partner programs and certifications for executives and field engineers. Travel is 30–50%.

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 leaders and distributors; business English required.
• Preferred experience building/scaling partner services (deployment, health checks, managed services).
• Track record driving partner technical certification programs (SE Expert, CDP).
• Deep knowledge of data security (DLP modernization, DSPM), insider risk, and AI governance.
• BS in Computer Science/Engineering; MS/MBA a plus.

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.

Skills

Cybersecurity

Channel GTM

Pre-sales

People leadership

Executive presence

Partner services

Certification programs

Data security

Education

BS in Computer Science/Engineering

MS or MBA a plus

Job description

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. 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.

Multi-Layer Protection Against AI Threats

Stop Email Data Loss with AI (Adaptive Email DLP) AI-Ready Data Security (Secure Copilot & AI Tools)

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 [e-mail].

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’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.