Senior Compensation Business Partner -Sunnyvale Office

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

The Senior Compensation Business Partner is a strategic advisor responsible for aligning compensation practices with business priorities while ensuring market competitiveness, internal equity, and effective decision-making.

This role partners closely with People Strategy Partners (PSPs) and business leaders to deliver data-driven insights, scalable frameworks, and impactful compensation solutions. The ideal candidate builds trust and credibility quickly through sound judgment, clear communication, strong client partnership, and a solutions-oriented approach.

Location & Work Model

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

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Business Partnership:

• Serve as a trusted compensation advisor to PSPs, business leaders, and internal clients
• Partner with stakeholders to align compensation strategies with business goals and workforce priorities
• Provide expert guidance on offers, promotions, and retention decisions
• Enable timely, business-aligned decisions through clear frameworks and proactive consultation
• Build strong relationships and deliver a consistent, high-quality advisory experience

Compensation Advisory & Governance

• Ensure consistent application of compensation philosophy, policies, and practices
• Identify and address pay gaps, compression issues, and retention risks
• Establish and promote frameworks that drive fairness and consistency

Analytics & Insights

• Analyze compensation data, market benchmarks, and workforce trends
• Translate complex data into clear, actionable insights
• Use data storytelling to communicate recommendations, risks, and tradeoffs
• Monitor market movement and internal equity to guide compensation decisions

Program Design & Execution

• Support the design and implementation of compensation programs, structures, and policies
• Develop tools, guidelines, and processes to improve scalability and effectiveness
• Drive continuous improvement based on feedback, market trends, and business outcomes

Mergers & Acquisitions

• Lead compensation-related activities for M&A, including due diligence and integration planning
• Evaluate compensation structures and identify risks
• Support harmonization efforts across organizations
• Partner cross-functionally to ensure equitable, competitive integration outcomes

Qualifications:

• 8+ years of experience in compensation consulting or corporate compensation
• Experience supporting Sales and Engineering organizations at a senior level
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights
• Proven ability to build trust and credibility with senior leaders and HR partners
• Experience influencing stakeholders and navigating complex or ambiguous situations
• Experience in M&A compensation (preferred)
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to simplify complex concepts

Key Competencies:

• Trusted advisor mindset with strong client-service orientation
• Solutions-oriented problem solving
• Strategic thinking and business acumen
• Data-driven decision-making
• Strong stakeholder partnership and influence
• Ability to build trust and credibility quickly
• Sound judgment and discretion
• Attention to detail and execution excellence

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: