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

How to Apply

Interested? Submit your application along with any supporting information- we can't wait to hear from you!