Director of Sales Strategic Initiatives-Sunnyvale, CA
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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.
Role Summary The Director of Sales Strategic Initiatives is a strategic partner to the VP of Commercial, responsible for driving operational excellence, enablement strategy, and program execution across the Commercial organization. This role ensures alignment, consistency, and momentum across initiatives that directly impact sales performance, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness.
Key Responsibilities Operational Discipline & Cadence Management Reinforce operational discipline and consistency across the Commercial organization.
Actively participate in weekly team meetings, provide coaching, and drive adherence to standardized rhythms.
Ensure consistent execution of weekly, monthly, and quarterly cadences to promote predictable performance.
Enablement Leadership & Engagement Co-lead the Enablement strategy in partnership with the VP and leadership team.
Drive weekly “School Day” sessions for the org and monthly “Commitment to Growth & Excellence” forums for leaders.
Support the delivery of bite-sized enablement content for All Hands and ad hoc initiatives.
Lead the development and refresh of sales Playbooks to reflect current strategies, best practices, and evolving business needs.
Xvantage Program Ownership Serve as the primary point of contact for the Xvantage program.
Participate in weekly planning sessions and provide timely updates to the VP.
Collaborate with the Commercial team to gather feedback, align on needs, and ensure effective representation and execution.
Special Initiatives & Project Management Act as initiative driver and project manager for strategic pilots, spiff trackers, and other high-impact efforts.
Own execution timelines, stakeholder alignment, and reporting to ensure visibility and accountability.
Experience & Qualifications 8+ years of experience in sales operations, enablement, or strategic program management, preferably within a commercial or inside sales environment.
Proven track record of leading cross-functional initiatives and driving organizational change.
Strong understanding of sales cadence, enablement frameworks, and performance metrics.
Experience managing strategic programs and special projects from concept to execution.
Exceptional communication, coaching, organization, and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple priorities and a highly distributed team.
Familiarity with tools such as Salesforce, Clari, and enablement platforms is a plus.
Role will be hybrid in our Sunnyvale, CA office
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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 accessibility@proofpoint.com .
How to Apply Interested? Submit your application here https://www.proofpoint.com/us/company/careers . We can’t wait to hear from you!
Pay Transparency & Equity
Consistent with Proofpoint values and applicable law, we provide pay information to promote pay transparency and equity. Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets. The actual offer will be based on the individual candidate. This role may be eligible for variable compensation and/or equity. We offer a competitive benefits package, including flexible time off, a comprehensive well-being program with two paid Wellbeing Days and two paid Volunteer Days per year, plus a three-week Work from Anywhere option.
Base Pay Ranges:
SF Bay Area, New York City Metro Area: Base Pay Range: 194,475.00 - 285,230.00 USD
California (excludes SF Bay Area), Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Washington DC Metro, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Texas, Washington, Virginia, and Alaska: Base Pay Range: 162,375.00 - 238,150.00 USD
All other cities and states excluding those listed above: Base Pay Range: 148,425.00 - 217,690.00 USD
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.
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- Location:
- Sunnyvale, CA, United States
- Salary:
- $200,000 - $250,000
- Job Type:
- FullTime
- Category:
- Sales