Senior Director, Global Executive Recruiting

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

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Director of Global Executive Recruiting to lead and redefine how executive recruiting is done across the company. This role will partner closely with our most senior leaders to drive high-impact, strategic executive searches while building a scalable, best-in-class executive recruiting function.

This leader will own the end-to-end executive search strategy, from advisory partnership and market intelligence to candidate experience and offer execution. The ideal candidate brings deep executive search expertise, strong executive presence, and a builder’s mindset—someone who can design the model, not just run searches.

This role will report to the Vice President of Talent Acquisition.

Location & Work Model  

*This role requires an onsite presence at our Sunnyvale office four days per week and includes a lunch stipend along with opportunities to participate in onsite events 

What You’ll Do

Executive Search Leadership

• Lead and deliver complex, high-stakes executive searches across the C-suite and senior leadership levels
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior executives, providing guidance on talent strategy, role design, market dynamics, and succession planning
• Build compelling executive narratives and assess senior talent with rigor, discretion, and judgment

Design & Build Executive Recruiting

• Define and implement the executive recruiting strategy, operating model, and standards across the company
• Establish best practices for executive search, including assessment, calibration, candidate experience, and confidentiality
• Determine when to leverage internal search vs. external firms, and manage search firm partnerships when needed

Strategic Partnership

• Partner with senior leaders from different organizations (Engineering, Product Management, GTM teams, etc.) to understand business strategy and translate it into executive talent needs
• Provide proactive market insights and talent mapping to inform leadership decisions
• Influence and align stakeholders through data, insight, and executive-level communication

Team & Capability Development

• Build, lead, and mentor executive recruiting talent as the function scales
• Collaborate closely with People Partners, Total Rewards, Legal, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless execution

What We’re Looking For

Experience

• 12+ years of executive recruiting or executive search experience
• Proven experience conducting executive-level searches in a complex, fast-growing organization
• Combination of in-house executive recruiting and retained search firm experience strongly preferred
• Experience partnering directly with global, C-suite leaders

Skills & Attributes

• Exceptional executive presence, judgment, and discretion
• Strategic thinker with the ability to design systems and processes from the ground up
• Strong consultative and influencing skills with senior stakeholders
• Deep understanding of executive assessment, market mapping, and compensation considerations

Why This Role Matters

This role is not just about filling executive roles—it’s about shaping the future leadership of the company. You’ll have the opportunity to build something enduring, influence at the highest levels, and leave a lasting mark on how executive talent is identified, attracted, and hired.

#LI-JK1

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!

Consistent with Proofpoint values and applicable law, we provide the following information to promote pay transparency and equity. Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets as set out below. Pay within these ranges varies and depends on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The actual offer will be based on the individual candidate. The range provided may represent a candidate range and may not reflect the full range for an individual tenured employee. 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:

California (excludes SF Bay Area), Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Washington DC Metro, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Texas, Washington, Virginia, and Alaska:

All other cities and states excluding those listed above: