Senior Director Security Operations

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Corporate Overview

Proofpoint is a leading cybersecurity company protecting organizations’ greatest assets and biggest risks: vulnerabilities in people. With an integrated suite of cloud-based solutions, Proofpoint helps companies around the world stop targeted threats, safeguard their data, and make their users more resilient against cyber-attacks. Leading organizations of all sizes, including more than half of the Fortune 1000, rely on Proofpoint for people-centric security and compliance solutions mitigating their most critical risks across email, the cloud, social media, and the web. We are singularly devoted to helping our customers protect their greatest assets and biggest security risk: their people. That’s why we’re a leader in next-generation cybersecurity. Protection Starts with People.

Proofpoint is seeking a dynamic and visionary Senior Director of Security Operations to lead our Security Operations Center (SOC) and drive our global security strategy. Reporting directly to the CISO, this key leader will define and execute a forward-thinking vision for detecting, responding to, and managing security threats while fostering a high-performing team dedicated to protecting Proofpoint and its customers.

Key Responsibilities:

Vision & Strategy

• Develop and implement a comprehensive Security Operations vision and strategy aligned with Proofpoint’s business objectives and risk management framework.

• Drive innovation in security detection, response, and incident management capabilities to ensure resilience against evolving threats.

• Partner with executive leadership to define and communicate security priorities and key performance indicators (KPIs).

24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC)

• Oversee the operation of a global 24/7 SOC, ensuring its ability to identify, investigate, and respond to threats in real time.

• Continuously enhance SOC processes, tools, and technologies to maintain industry-leading efficiency and effectiveness.

• Lead the development and refinement of advanced detection and response capabilities, integrating proactive threat hunting and intelligence-driven insights into day-to-day operations.

• Collaborate with engineering and IT teams to enhance monitoring and telemetry across Proofpoint’s infrastructure.

• Implement metrics-driven approaches to measure and optimize detection and response effectiveness.

Crisis Management

• Build and oversee Proofpoint’s cybersecurity crisis management program, ensuring readiness to address large-scale disruptions.

• Serve as the Global Incident Commander for major global security incidents, orchestrating cross-functional teams and ensuring timely resolution.

• Develop and maintain an enterprise-wide incident management framework, incorporating best practices and lessons learned.

• Lead tabletop exercises and simulations to prepare the organization for potential scenarios, fostering resilience and preparedness.

• Provide regular post-incident reporting to executive stakeholders, emphasizing continuous improvement opportunities.

People Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of security professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation.

• Attract and retain top talent while emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring practices.

• Promote career development and continuous learning within the security operations team.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, information technology, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.

• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in security operations, with at least 5 years in senior leadership roles.

• Expertise in managing global, 24/7 SOCs and large-scale incident response programs.

• Strong understanding of threat landscapes, adversary tactics, and emerging technologies in the cybersecurity domain.

• Exceptional crisis management and communication skills, with the ability to lead under pressure and convey complex information to executive stakeholders.

• Proven ability to build and inspire high-performing teams in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment.

Why Proofpoint

As a customer focused and driven-to-win organization with leading edge products, there are many exciting reasons to join the Proofpoint team. We believe in h