VP, Product Management, AI Data Security

About the Role

Reporting to the SVP of Product Management, Data Security, this leader will own the product vision, strategy, and execution for the fastest‑growing portfolio: AI Data Governance, Security & Identity Posture Mgmt, and Data Protection for AI.

This role requires a startup founder mentality – moving fast, learning fast, and driving differentiation in a rapidly evolving market. It is an entrepreneurial, build role, not a maintain role.

• Define and execute the product strategy for the AI Data Security portfolio, 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 – building 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 — serve as a magnet for A‑players and get hands dirty alongside the 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.

• 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 or closely adjacent domains (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, Data Protection for AI, DLP, cloud security, and/or compliance.
• AI/ML fluency – experience embedding AI into product experiences rather than just using AI as a buzzword.
• Owner mentality – hands‑on and detail‑driven.
• Startup mentality – comfortable with ambiguity, moves fast, learns fast, decisive.
• Strong technical acumen – capable of deep engineering discussion 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 (e.g., Cyera, Wiz, Lacework) or scaled security platforms.
• Background building AI Data Governance, Security & Identity Posture Mgmt, and Data Protection for AI or data classification products.
• M&A experience (evaluation, integration).
• BS in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field required.
• MBA or MS preferred.

• Competitive compensation.
• Comprehensive benefits.
• Learning & Development programs – leadership workshops, mentoring, stretch projects.
• Flexible work environment – remote, hybrid, flexible hours.
• Annual wellness and community outreach days.
• Recognition for contributions.
• Global collaboration and networking opportunities.

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. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. If you need accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact