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
Proofpoint is seeking a high-performing, results-driven Named Account Executive with a proven hunter mentality to drive net-new business acquisition across Enterprise organizations with 2,000–6,000 mailboxes. This is a highly prospecting-focused role where success is driven by creating pipeline, winning new logos, and expanding Proofpoint's presence within a defined territory.
You will own a targeted list of named accounts consisting primarily of whitespace opportunities and will be responsible for developing and executing strategic account plans, generating demand through outbound prospecting, and partnering with our channel ecosystem to accelerate new customer acquisition. While the primary focus is new business, you will also identify opportunities to expand existing customer relationships through cross-sell and upsell motions.
As a trusted advisor, you will position the full Proofpoint Human-Centric Security platform while working closely with Sales Engineering, Channel, Marketing, Customer Success, and executive leadership to deliver outstanding customer outcomes. This role reports to the Named Account Sales Director and supports the DMV territory of DC, Maryland, Virginia.
If you're energized by building pipeline, opening new doors, and consistently exceeding quota in a fast-paced cybersecurity environment, we'd love to hear from you.
Your Day-to-Day
- Own and execute a territory plan centered on net-new logo acquisition, pipeline creation, and predictable revenue growth.
- Dedicate significant time each week to proactive outbound prospecting through cold calling, email campaigns, social selling, executive networking, and partner collaboration.
- Build and maintain a healthy self-generated pipeline while leveraging channel partners and marketing programs to maximize territory coverage.
- Engage executive decision-makers including CISOs, CIOs, CTOs, and other business leaders through value-based and outcome-driven sales conversations.
- Manage the full sales cycle from prospecting through close while maintaining accurate forecasting and CRM hygiene.
- Develop strategic account plans that identify whitespace opportunities, competitive displacement strategies, and expansion potential.
- Deliver compelling business and technical presentations demonstrating the value of the Proofpoint platform.
- Collaborate with Sales Engineering, Channel, Marketing, Customer Success, and executive leadership to execute complex sales strategies.
- Consistently exceed activity expectations, including executive meetings, outbound prospecting, pipeline generation, and opportunity progression.
What You Bring to the Team
- 5+ years of successful B2B technology or cybersecurity sales experience, with a strong emphasis on new business development and prospecting.
- Proven success selling into Enterprise organizations with approximately 2,000–6,000 mailboxes.
- Demonstrated track record of consistently exceeding quota through self-generated pipeline and new logo acquisition.
- Hunter mentality with a passion for opening new accounts, creating opportunities, and winning competitive deals.
- Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder sales cycles and multi-product, multi-year opportunities.
- Strong executive presence with the ability to engage CISOs, CIOs, IT leaders, and business executives.
- Experience leveraging channel partners, distributors, and alliance partners to drive new business growth.
- Excellent presentation, negotiation, and value-selling skills with the ability to align Proofpoint solutions to customer business outcomes.
- Strong territory planning, forecasting, and CRM discipline.
- Ability to orchestrate cross-functional resources and lead complex opportunities from initial outreach through successful close.
#JK-LI
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 [email protected].
How to Apply
Interested? Submit your application along with any supporting information- we can’t wait to hear from you!
Skills Required
- 5+ years of successful B2B technology or cybersecurity sales experience
- Strong emphasis on new business development and prospecting
- Proven success selling to enterprise organizations with approximately 2,000–6,000 mailboxes
- Track record of consistently exceeding quota through self-generated pipeline and new logo acquisition
- Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder sales cycles and multi-product, multi-year opportunities
- Ability to engage CISOs, CIOs, CTOs, IT leaders, and business executives
- Experience leveraging channel partners, distributors, and alliance partners
- Excellent presentation, negotiation, and value-selling skills
- Strong territory planning, forecasting, and CRM discipline
- Ability to orchestrate cross-functional resources and lead complex opportunities from outreach through close
Proofpoint Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Proofpoint and has not been reviewed or approved by Proofpoint.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage spans medical, dental, vision, life, and disability, complemented by global physical, mental, and financial health programs. Wellbeing resources such as mindfulness, resilience, and meditation courses are explicitly highlighted.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time-off provisions include PTO, paid holidays and sick days, with parental and family medical leave available. Added flexibility appears in wellness days, a hybrid-first model, and limited work-from-anywhere periods.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is considered competitive in many roles and settings, with external recognition indicating strong standing relative to peers. Feedback suggests employees in several departments view compensation favorably when considering base, bonus, and benefits together.
Proofpoint Insights
What We Do
We provide the most effective cybersecurity and compliance solutions to protect people on every channel including email, the web, the cloud, and social media.
