Remote Lead Data Privacy Counsel

Placements24; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Bonuses

Equity options

Private health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Professional development funding

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Data Privacy Counsel to join a globally distributed legal team in a fully remote capacity. This senior role will develop and oversee the company's global privacy strategy and compliance program, with a focus on GDPR, POPIA, and cross-border data transfers.

Responsibilities include DPIAs/PIAs, incident response, privacy training, and advising product teams on privacy impact, data governance, and data sharing.

Qualifications

• LLB or equivalent legal qualification.
• Admission as Attorney/Advocate of the High Court.
• Minimum 10 years legal experience with 7+ years in privacy.
• Expertise in POPIA, GDPR, CCPA and global privacy frameworks.
• Experience developing enterprise privacy programs.
• Certifications such as CIPP/E, CIPM are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee global data privacy policies and guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with GDPR, POPIA and other privacy laws.
• Advise on data processing, sharing agreements and cross-border transfers.
• Conduct DPIAs/PIAs and manage privacy impact assessments.
• Manage data breach incidents and notification processes.
• Provide strategic privacy counsel for new products and tech.
• Develop privacy training for employees at all levels.
• Liaise with authorities and external counsel on privacy matters.
• Oversee privacy monitoring and audit programs.
• Foster a strong data privacy culture across the org.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Privacy expertise

Regulatory knowledge

Policy development

Communication

Education

LLB or equivalent

Admission as Attorney/Advocate

10+ years legal experience (privacy focus)

POPIA/GDPR/CCPA expertise

Job description

About the Role

Our client seeks an experienced and forward-thinking Lead Data Privacy Counsel to join their globally distributed legal team, operating in a fully remote capacity. This senior role is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing the company's global data privacy strategy and compliance program. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in data protection laws (such as POPIA, GDPR), data governance, and privacy risk management. This position requires strong leadership skills, a proactive approach to complex legal challenges, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in a virtual environment. This is a unique opportunity to shape privacy practices at a leading organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive data privacy policies, procedures, and guidelines across the organization.


• Ensure compliance with global data protection regulations including POPIA, GDPR, and other relevant privacy laws.


• Advise on data processing activities, data sharing agreements, and cross-border data transfers.


• Conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs).


• Manage data breach incidents, including investigation, remediation, and notification processes.


• Provide strategic advice on privacy implications of new products, services, and technologies.


• Develop and deliver privacy training programs for employees at all levels.


• Liaise with data protection authorities and external counsel on privacy-related matters.


• Oversee the company's privacy compliance monitoring and auditing processes.


• Foster a strong data privacy culture throughout the organization.

Requirements

• An LLB degree or equivalent legal qualification.


• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court.


• A minimum of 10 years of legal experience, with at least 7 years focused specifically on data privacy and protection law.


• Demonstrated expertise in POPIA, GDPR, CCPA, and other major global privacy frameworks.


• Proven experience in developing and managing enterprise-wide privacy programs.


• Excellent understanding of data governance, data security, and technology law.


• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.


• Ability to work autonomously, manage complex projects, and lead a virtual team effectively.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.


• Relevant certifications such as CIPP/E, CIPM are highly desirable.

Benefits

This fully remote role offers a significant degree of flexibility and autonomy. Our client provides a top-tier compensation package, with an annual salary ranging up to ZAR, plus substantial performance-based bonuses and equity options. Comprehensive private health insurance, a leading retirement savings plan, and generous professional development funding are included. This position offers the chance to lead global privacy initiatives from anywhere within South Africa , working with a collaborative and innovative international team.