VP, Product Management, AI Data Security

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

About Us:

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.

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

Reporting to SVP , Product Management, Data Security, this leader will own the product vision, strategy, and execution for our fastest-growing portfolio: AI Data Governance, Security & Identity Posture Mgmt, and Data Protection for AI. This leader will operate with a startup founder mentality — moving fast, learning fast, and driving differentiation in a rapidly evolving market. This is an entrepreneurial, build role, not a maintain role.

Your day-to-day

Product Strategy & Vision

• Define and execute the product strategy for the AI Data Security portfolio (AI Data Governance, Security & Identity Posture Mgmt, and Data Protection for AI), driving market leadership in a category growing 22-41% CAGR

• Own the roadmap, prioritization, and business outcomes for the Blue portfolio

• Identify and pursue organic innovation and targeted M&A opportunities to

accelerate growth and close competitive gaps

• Establish Proofpoint as the leader in AI Data Security through differentiated

capabilities and compelling market narrativeStartup Execution

• Operate with urgency and a bias for action — this is an early-stage business within a scaled enterprise

• Build rapid feedback loops with customers, field teams, and engineering to learn

fast and iterate

• Drive a culture of experimentation, innovation, and calculated risk-taking

• Balance long-term vision with short-term wins that build momentum and credibility

AI-Native Product Development

• Embed AI/GenAI throughout the product experience — classification, remediation, user experience

• Drive AI-powered differentiation that creates distance from competitors

• Ensure products leverage modern cloud-native architectures for scale and

reliability

Go-to-Market Partnership

• Partner closely with sales, marketing, and customer success to drive adoption, win rates, and retention

• Develop compelling positioning and competitive differentiation against Cyera,

Microsoft, Varonis, and emerging players

• Build lighthouse customer relationships and secure public references

Team Leadership

• Attract and develop top talent — you're a magnet for A-players and you get hands

dirty alongside your team

• Build, develop, and inspire a high-performing product team

• Establish clear accountability, rigorous execution, and a culture of ownership

• Partner cross-functionally with engineering, design, and GTM leaders

What you bring to the team

• 10+ years of product management experience, with 5+ years leading product teams in cybersecurity or data security

• Direct experience in AI Data Governance, Security & Identity Posture Mgmt, and Data Protection for AI, data classification, or closely adjacent domains — this is non-negotiable• Proven track record of building and scaling early-stage products or businesses within larger organizations

• Deep understanding of the data security landscape: AI Data Governance, Security & Identity Posture Mgmt, and Data Protection for AI, DLP, cloud security,

and/or compliance

• AI/ML fluency — experience embedding AI into product experiences, not just using AI as a buzzword

• Owner mentality — you build, you don't just manage. You get into the details when needed.

• Startup mentality — comfortable with ambiguity, moves fast, learns fast, decisive

• Strong technical acumen — can go deep with engineering on architecture and trade-offs

• Excellent communication skills — can articulate vision to executives, customers,

and teams

• Experience with enterprise SaaS, cloud-native products, and capacity-based pricing models

• Experience at high-growth cybersecurity startups (Cyera, Wiz, Lacework, etc.) or

scaled security platforms

• Background building AI Data Governance, Security & Identity Posture Mgmt, and Data Protection for AI or data classification products specifically

• M&A experience (evaluation, integration)

• BS in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field required

• MBA or MS preferred

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

• Learning & Development: We are committed to the growth and development of our team members, offering a range of programs including leadership and professional development workshops, stretch project assignments, and mentoring opportunities to help employees reach their full potential.

• Flexible work environment: [Remote options, hybrid schedules, flexible hours, etc.].

• 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 View email address on click.appcast.io.

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 View email address on click.appcast.io .

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.

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.