VP, Product Management, AI Data Security

Proofpoint • Sunnyvale, CA

2d • Remote

About The Position

Reporting to SVP, Product Management, Data Security, this leader will own the product vision, strategy, and execution for our fastest-growing portfolio: DSPM, AI Data Governance, and SIPM. 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.

Requirements

• 10+ years of product management experience, with 5+ years leading product teams in cybersecurity or data security
• Direct experience in DSPM, AI data security, 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: DSPM, 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
• BS in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field required

Nice To Haves

• Experience at high-growth cybersecurity startups (Cyera, Wiz, Lacework, etc.) or scaled security platforms
• Background building DSPM or data classification products specifically
• M&A experience (evaluation, integration)
• MBA or MS preferred

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the product strategy for the AI Data Security portfolio (DSPM, AI Data Governance, SIPM), 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 narrative
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive