Data Protection Specialist

Realtime Recruitment; Cork; On-site; EUR 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment company in County Cork is seeking an experienced Data Protection Analyst to enhance privacy and compliance efforts. The successful candidate will lead projects and provide expert guidance on GDPR, ensuring compliance is integrated into business practices. The role requires 3–5 years of experience in data protection and strong stakeholder management skills.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in data protection, privacy, or compliance roles.
• Ability to work autonomously and deliver results quickly.
• Broad understanding of GDPR and related privacy regulations.

Responsibilities

• Support the Data Protection Officer in developing the privacy frameworks.
• Lead data protection projects ensuring compliance from the outset.
• Conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments and risk assessments.

Skills

GDPR compliance

Stakeholder management

Privacy-by-design

Data Protection Impact Assessments

Education

CIPP/E

CIPM

CDPO

Tools

OneTrust

TrustArc

ServiceNow

Job description

Experienced Data Protection Analyst who can hit the ground running and make an immediate impact within a fast-paced, compliance-driven environment.

This role is ideal for someone with broad industry experience in data protection and privacy compliance, who enjoys working across multiple business areas and delivering project-focused outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Data Protection Officer in maintaining and developing the organisation’s privacy and data protection framework.
• Lead and participate in data protection projects, ensuring compliance is built into new systems, processes, and initiatives from the outset.
• Conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and risk assessments for new technologies, vendors, and business processes.
• Maintain and update the Record of Processing Activities (RoPA) and other key compliance documentation.
• Provide expert advice and practical guidance on GDPR, ePrivacy, and related legislation.
• Support the management of data breaches, incidents, and subject rights requests (DSARs, erasure, rectification, etc.).
• Collaborate with stakeholders across Legal, IT, Security, HR, and Operations to integrate privacy into everyday business practices.
• Assist in vendor due diligence and review of Data Processing Agreements (DPAs).
• Contribute to training, awareness, and communication initiatives to promote a culture of data protection.
• Track and report on key privacy metrics and compliance performance indicators.

About You

• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in a data protection, privacy, or compliance role.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and deliver results quickly — comfortable taking ownership of projects and seeing them through.
• Broad understanding of GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, and related privacy regulations across sectors.
• Strong background in privacy-by-design and experience supporting cross-functional, project-based initiatives.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills — able to translate complex privacy concepts into clear, actionable guidance.
• Experience using privacy management tools (e.g., OneTrust, TrustArc, ServiceNow, or similar) is an advantage.
• Relevant certification preferred (e.g., CIPP/E, CIPM, or CDPO).
• High attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and a proactive, solutions-driven mindset.