Proofpoint SME

Role: Proofpoint SME

Location: Wokingham, UK (Hybrid)

Duration: 6 months

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Proofpoint Subject Matter Expert (SME) to lead the design, implementation, administration, and optimization of Proofpoint security solutions within a large enterprise environment. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in email security, threat protection, data loss prevention (DLP), and email authentication technologies, ensuring robust protection against phishing, malware, and other cyber threats.

Your Key Responsibilities:

Serve as the primary SME for the Proofpoint platform and related email security technologies.

Design, deploy, configure, and maintain Proofpoint solutions, including:

Proofpoint Email Protection (PEP)
Proofpoint Targeted Attack Protection (TAP)
Proofpoint Threat Response Auto-Pull (TRAP)
Proofpoint Email Fraud Defense (EFD)
Proofpoint Information Protection/DLP

Manage email security policies, spam filtering, malware protection, and threat detection rules.
Monitor, investigate, and respond to email-based security incidents.

Configure and maintain email authentication protocols:

SPF
DKIM
DMARC

Conduct threat analysis and provide recommendations to enhance email security posture.
Perform platform upgrades, health checks, troubleshooting, and performance tuning.
Collaborate with SOC, Security Operations, Infrastructure, and Microsoft 365 teams on security initiatives.
Develop operational procedures, knowledge articles, and technical documentation.
Support audits, compliance activities, and security reviews.
Provide L3/L4 technical support and mentor junior security engineers.

Essential Skills/Qualification/Experience:

8+ years of experience in Cyber Security, Messaging Security, or Enterprise Security Administration.
4+ years of hands-on experience with Proofpoint solutions.

Strong expertise in:
Email Security

Anti-Phishing Controls
Email Gateway Technologies
Threat Intelligence
Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

Experience with:

Microsoft 365/Exchange Online
Exchange Server
SMTP Routing
Mail Flow Architecture

Hands-on knowledge of SPF, DKIM, DMARC, and email fraud prevention.
Experience in security incident investigation and remediation.
Strong understanding of malware analysis and advanced email threats.
Familiarity with SIEM platforms such as Splunk, Microsoft Sentinel, or QRadar.
Knowledge of Scripting/automation using PowerShell or Python is desirable.

Key Competencies

Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
Stakeholder management and communication skills.
Incident management and problem-solving capability.
Ability to work in a high-pressure operational environment.
Excellent documentation and knowledge-sharing skills.

Security Clearance (Preferred)

SC Cleared or SC Eligible (preferred for customers supporting Critical National Infrastructure, Utilities, or Government programs)