Lead Legal Counsel, Group DPO

Bitpanda; Berlin; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

Stock option plan

Udemy access

OpenUP mental health support

Extended parental leave

Job summary

Bitpanda seeks a seasoned privacy leader to define and execute the global data protection strategy for the Bitpanda Group. You will act as the Group Data Protection Officer and primary contact for supervisory authorities across Europe, the UK and beyond, ensuring privacy-by-design across a rapidly expanding product portfolio.

You will partner with the C-suite, engineering and product teams to provide pragmatic guidance on data privacy, AI, and blockchain initiatives while maintaining a robust

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in data protection, ideally with international exposure and prior DPO appointment.
• Strong understanding of GDPR and regulatory frameworks across markets.
• Ability to provide pragmatic, commercially viable privacy advice while balancing risk.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute Bitpanda Group's global data protection strategy.
• Liaise with supervisory authorities across Europe, the UK and beyond.
• Collaborate with C-suite, engineering and product teams on privacy aspects of initiatives.
• Oversee the DPMS, monitoring, remediation of gaps and reporting to senior management.
• Manage DSARs, incident response for data breaches, and DPAs/ transfers negotiations.

Skills

Legal experience

German proficiency

English fluency

Stakeholder management

Job description

We simplify wealth creation. Founded in 2014 in Vienna, Austria by Eric Demuth, Paul Klanschek and Christian Trummer, we’re here to help people trust themselves enough to build their financial freedom — for now and the future. Our user-friendly, trade-everything platform empowers both first-time investors and seasoned experts to invest in the cryptocurrencies, crypto indices, stocks*, precious metals and commodities* they want — with any sized budget, 24/7. Our global team works across different cultures and time zones, bringing our products to more than 7 million customers, making us one of Europe’s safest and most secure platforms that powers modern investing.

Headquartered in Austria but operating across Europe, our products are built by fast-moving, talented, “roll-up-your-sleeves-and-make-it-happen” kind of people. It’s these diverse perspectives and innovative minds operating as ONE TEAM that keep Bitpanda at the cutting edge of our industry. So if you’re someone who thinks big, moves fast and wants to make an impact right from day one, then get ready to join our industry-changing team. Let’s go!

About the Role

As Europe’s leading multi-asset broker, Bitpanda operates at the cutting edge of FinTech, Web3, and AI. With hyper-growth comes the responsibility of safeguarding our users' trust. In this lead role, you will define and execute the global data protection strategy for the Bitpanda Group. You will serve as the primary point of contact for supervisory authorities, and act as a crucial business enabler; ensuring that our innovative product pipeline scales securely and completely in line with the GDPR and emerging regulatory frameworks.

What You’ll Do

• Strategic Lead: Design, implement, and continuously evolve the Bitpanda Group's enterprise-level data protection management system (DPMS), ensuring a robust internal compliance framework across all international markets.
• Regulatory & Authority Liaison: Serve as the official Group Data Protection Officer and primary point of contact for data protection supervisory authorities across Europe, UK and the UAE. Lead the response to high-level inquiries and regulatory audits.
• Business Enablement & AI: Partner directly with the C-suite, engineering, and product divisions to provide pragmatic, solution-oriented privacy advice on complex, cutting-edge initiatives; specifically at the intersection of data privacy, blockchain technology, and AI.
• Control Framework & Monitoring: Own the Group's data protection control framework, oversee regular monitoring and control testing, drive remediation of identified gaps, and report on framework effectiveness to senior management to ensure continuous improvement.
• Operational Excellence: Oversee the escalation of complex data subject access requests (DSARs), lead the incident response strategy for personal data breaches, and handle high-stakes negotiations for critical data processing agreements (DPAs) and international data transfers.

Who You Are

• Extensive Legal Experience: You bring 7+ years of experience in data protection , ideally with a mix of top-tier international law firms, regulatory authority, and in-house legal or privacy departments and you acted as an appointed Data Protection Officer.
• Strategic Management: you navigate complex regulatory environments surrounding digital assets and regulated financial services. You understand how to balance aggressive business growth with strict risk and compliance frameworks.
• Pragmatic Problem Solver: You don't just point out legal roadblocks; you navigate them. You are known for delivering precise, reliable, and commercially viable legal advice while managing multiple competing priorities.
• Communication Skills: You are fully fluent in English and C1 or higher level of German is a must have.
• Certifications: Recognized privacy certifications (e.g., CIPP/E, CIPM) are highly advantageous.

What’s in it for you

• Flexibility to work where you thrive – Enjoy the freedom of our Hybrid working model, combining onsite collaboration and remote work, with an additional 25 days per year to work from a city or country of your choice.
• Reward for your impact – Receive a competitive total compensation package aligned with Bitpanda’s pay-for-impact policy, including participation in our stock option plan.
• Support for your mental wellbeing – Access confidential coaching, counselling, and mental health resources whenever you need them through OpenUP.
• Time to recharge – On top of your standard annual leave, prioritise your wellbeing in 2027 with 3 additional days of paid time off to rest, reset, and recharge, available once you’ve been with us for 6 months.
• Continuous learning and growth – Grow your skills and stay ahead in your career with unlimited access to Udemy’s library of online courses at your own pace.
• Exclusive perks and rewards – Enjoy discounts, rewards, and perks from partners worldwide across lifestyle, wellness, tech, and travel.
• Support during life milestones – Take advantage of up to 8 additional weeks of gender-neutral new parent leave to welcome and bond with your new addition to the family.
• Fuel and focus on-site – Pandas in Vienna, Bucharest, Barcelona, and Berlin can enjoy free onsite dining, with freshly prepared lunches and snacks to keep you fueled and focused all day long.
• Recognition for your contributions – Celebrate milestones and achievements with recognition and rewards for your Tenure at Bitpanda.
• Show your Bitpanda pride – Access exclusive Bitpanda-branded merchandise and gear to represent.
• Connect and celebrate with your team – Join unforgettable company events, from our Winter Party in Vienna to gatherings worldwide, fostering fun, connection, and celebration

.…and even more location-specific benefits designed to make life at Bitpanda even more rewarding wherever you are.

Above all, you will have the opportunity to learn and grow as part of Bitpanda’s incredible journey towards being Europe’s future #1 investment platform.

Bitpanda is committed to fostering a fair and equal environment based on trust and mutual respect. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace is paramount to our success and we are committed to building a team that represents a wide variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.

* These benefits may be adjusted at Bitpanda’s discretion and do not apply to our internships and exceptions to our Hybrid Working policy apply to teams with shift schedules or for folks whose roles require them to be in-office (think: Workplaces team or IT).