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 Field CTO, DACH (M/W/D) The Role Proofpoint is seeking an experienced and dynamic Field CTO who will lead strategic engagements and briefings with CIO/CISO level individuals of the largest enterprise organizations in the DACH region. You are a recognized IT and security practitioner leveraging your extensive knowledge and experience to advise customers on how they can combine existing technology, people and processes with Proofpoint’s Human-Centric platform to accomplish their cybersecurity and business goals. This individual will be a major contributor to our aggressive growth plans in EMEA, and should ideally be located in Germany. Your day-to-day As a senior member of the EMEA Proofpoint sales team, engage and build trusted relationships with CxO’s, advocating a strategic agenda centered around cybersecurity transformation leveraging Proofpoint’s platform to enable business outcomes Leading and facilitating executive briefings and speaking at leading IT and security events across the DACH region Technical lead of our largest and most complex ‘platform’ and solution opportunities across DACH Provide valuable customer insight and real-world experiences to the CTO office, Product Management and Marketing teams to keep our platform the best in the industry, and align on future vision and market trends to take to the EMEA market Stay at the cutting edge of the threat landscape – understanding the latest Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTP’s) of major threat actors, and how they impact our customers and prospects Develop and mentor selected EMEA SE’s and leaders who show an aptitude for Enterprise Solution Architecture What you bring to the team Minimum 5 years as a practitioner of a cybersecurity program as part of a multinational customer, SI or MSSP, or supporting as an Enterprise Architect Minimum 10 years of broad IT experience, preferably including some vendor, SI or MSSP experience An evangelist with genuine passion and enthusiasm for cybersecurity, with a mature lens on how it can deliver business impact and outcomes You employ strong consultation and facilitation skills to collaborate with people and help them to address their problems and challenges. A persuasive leader with strong executive presence, commercial acumen, presentation and communication skills A regular speaker at industry events with audiences >100 people, and preferably media trained A strong background in a broad range of cybersecurity & risk areas incorporating technology (threat protection, data protection, cloud security, identity management, SecOps and/or insider threat management), people and process Relevant IT and Security certifications such as TOGAF, SABSA, CISSP, etc. would be considered beneficial A bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in IT and/or cybersecurity A fluent English and German speaker. Other European languages seen as highly beneficial The ability to travel up to 50% across the region 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! 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.