Data Protection Manager

MerkleTech, Unipessoal Lda; Lisboa; Híbrido; EUR 70 000 - 110 000; Tempo integral

Vantagens oferecidas por esta oferta de emprego

25 vacation days

Volunteer days

Health insurance

Hybrid and flexible hours

Dentsu Academy access

Resumo da oferta

Merkle, part of the dentsu network, is seeking a senior Data Protection/Privacy Compliance professional to lead regulatory compliance across the group. You will advise on privacy risks, manage data subject rights responses, and monitor evolving laws.

The role requires leadership, strong legal knowledge, and the ability to translate complex concepts for diverse teams. The position is based in Lisbon with hybrid working arrangements and a focus on cross‑regional privacy initiatives.

Qualificações

• Law degree, with a Master’s or postgraduate qualification in Data Protection or IT law advantageous.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in data protection, privacy or compliance roles in corporate environments.

Responsabilidades

• Oversight and advice on data protection compliance issues.
• Management of data subject rights responses, including complex requests and complaints.
• Maintenance of up-to-date knowledge of evolving data protection laws and policy environment.

Conhecimentos

Portuguese-English fluency

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Effective communication

Formação académica

Law degree

Master’s or postgraduate qualification in Data ProtectionIT Law

Ferramentas

OneTrust

TrustArc

Descrição da oferta de emprego

Job Description

We Dream. We Do. We Deliver. At Merkle, a dentsu company, we power the experience economy. Whether we’re building the next great app, running CRM at scale for global brands, delivering technology architectures that support millions of users, or providing world‑class data, identity, and insights solutions, it’s all in the name of crafting experiences that set brands apart from the competition. Backed by dentsu's legacy of innovation and creativity originating in Japan, we’ve spent over 35 years helping brands build loyalty, drive growth, and connect meaningfully with their audiences. We’ve been named a global “Leader” by top industry analyst firms in categories as wide-ranging as digital transformation and commerce, experience design, engineering and technology integration, digital marketing, data science, CRM and loyalty, and customer data management.

Why choose Merkle?

Innovation at Our Core: As part of dentsu’s global network, Merkle pushes the boundaries of customer experience, integrating creativity, technology, and data to drive real‑world impact. For over 35 years, we’ve been innovating to meet the changing needs of our clients.

Global Reach with Local Expertise: With over 16,000 employees across 30+ countries, and part of a 70,000 employees’ network at dentsu, Merkle blends global insights with a deep understanding of local markets to deliver personalized, effective solutions.

Collaborative Culture: At Merkle, your ideas and contributions truly matter. You’ll join a team that fosters innovation, collaboration, and creative problem‑solving. Together, we work on impactful international projects, making meaningful connections every step of the way.

Key responsibilities

• Oversees and provides advice on data protection compliance issues.
• Manages responses to individuals’ rights requests, including responses to more complex requests and complaints.
• Monitors and analyses the data protection legal and policy environment and makes necessary changes to polices or procedures.
• Manages compliance with data protection and privacy compliance activities within the group, region or market.
• Devises and delivers training on data protection and privacy issues.
• Assists Data Protection Officers in regulatory liaison activity.
• Provides advice on data protection risks arising from the collection and use of personal data.
• Oversees and undertakes research on data protection law and policy issues.
• Manages people, for example Data Protection Compliance Executives.
• Manages internal communications on data protection and privacy activities.
• Monitors and challenges performance and progress made against data protection compliance frameworks.
• Maintains ongoing and current knowledge of evolving data protection and privacy laws.
• Undertakes investigations in relation to potential or alleged non‑compliances with data protection and privacy requirements.

Requirements

• Law degree, with a Master’s or postgraduate qualification in Data Protection, IT Law or related fields considered an advantage.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in data protection, privacy or compliance roles within corporate environments, legal consultancy or the media/communications sector.
• Strong knowledge of GDPR and Portuguese legislation, including Law 58/2019, Law 41/2004 and the broader EU privacy framework.
• Experience handling core privacy operations such as data subject rights requests, DPIAs, data breach management and interactions with supervisory authorities.
• Familiarity with CNPD and EDPB guidance and the ability to apply regulatory decisions to practical scenarios.
• Experience drafting and implementing policies, procedures and training programmes related to data protection.
• Fluency in Portuguese and fluent English, with additional languages considered an asset.
• Registration with the Portuguese Bar Association valued but not mandatory.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to interpret complex legal issues.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of translating legal concepts into clear, accessible language for non‑legal audiences.
• High attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proactive and autonomous working style combined with a collaborative approach across business areas.
• Leadership and team‑management capability, with the ability to guide and support others.

Preferred Requirements

• Professional certifications such as CIPP/E, CIPM, CIPT or equivalent.
• Experience in multinational environments or corporate groups operating across multiple jurisdictions.
• Team leadership experience with demonstrated ability to manage and develop others.
• Familiarity with compliance tools such as OneTrust, TrustArc or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of the advertising, media or digital marketing sector

Benefits and Perks

• 25 vacation days
• Enjoy 2 additional volunteering days to support your passion project
• Mental Health: Benefit from 3 extra wellness days on top of your vacation days and a Mental Health First Aider and Employee Assisstance program to support your well‑being
• Health insurance (also possible for family members)
• Cutting Edge Technology & Latest IT tools
• Software‑house environment
• Agile and Flexible working hours
• Hybrid working: we combine flexibility with in‑person collaboration, with an expectation of 1 day per week/ 4 days per month in the office
• Digital nomad policy
• Focus on career development
• Full access to Dentsu Academy, our global online learning platform
• Beers, foosball, and ping‑pong!
• #workhardplayhard
• Free breakfast every second Wednesday of the month
• Employee discounts
• Team & Company events
• Referral bonus program

Work visa sponsorship is not available. For local documentation (NIF, NISS), please consult Portuguese authorities.

Job Details

Location: Lisbon

Brand: Dentsu

Time Type: Full time

Contract Type: Permanent

At dentsu, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is central to our vision: "To be at the forefront of people‑centered transformations that shape society." We cherish the unique talents and perspectives of all individuals, welcoming applicants regardless of gender, gender identity, nationality, religion, ethnicity, cultural background, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental ability. By embracing diverse perspectives, we create meaningful change and sustainable growth for our people, clients, and society. Our hiring decisions are guided by qualifications and role‑specific requirements, ensuring a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.

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