Director - Tech Consulting - Cybersecurity - Data Privacy & Protection - KSA

Ernst & Young Advisory Services Sdn Bhd; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A global consulting firm in Riyadh seeks a Data Privacy & Protection Leader to define and lead data governance strategies. This role involves advising executive leadership on privacy regulations while overseeing comprehensive data protection programs. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in data privacy and technical regulatory knowledge, making a notable impact in a digital-first environment.

Benefits

Competitive compensation package

Continuous learning opportunities

Diverse and inclusive culture

Qualifications

• 12–15+ years of progressive experience in data privacy, protection, or cybersecurity.
• 6+ years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of GDPR, CCPA, PDPL and similar regulations.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the vision, strategy, and growth plan for services.
• Lead programs for data privacy and regulatory compliance.
• Advise boards on privacy risk and cross-border data transfers.

Skills

Leadership skills

Regulatory expertise

Communications skills

Business acumen

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in law, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

DLP solutions

Encryption technologies

Data classification tools

Job description

Location: Riyadh

Other locations: Primary Location Only

Date: Oct 27, 2025

Requisition ID: 1653185

As the Data Privacy & Protection Leader, you will define and lead the strategy, delivery, and growth of data privacy, protection, and governance services across the region. You will advise boards, CISOs, and regulators on emerging privacy regulations and best practices, oversee the design and implementation of enterprise-wide data protection programs, and ensure that organizations can protect sensitive data while enabling digital transformation. This role combines executive leadership, regulatory expertise, practice development, and business growth.

The opportunity

We’re looking for a visionary leader with deep expertise in data privacy and protection to join our Cyber Technology Consulting team. This is a unique opportunity to shape enterprise-wide privacy and protection programs, drive compliance with global and regional regulations, and be part of a leading firm helping clients build trust, resilience, and responsible innovation in a digital-first world.

Your key responsibilities

• Define and execute the vision, strategy, and growth plan for Data Privacy & Protection services.
• Lead large-scale programs for data privacy, governance, and regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR, PDPL, NDMO, CCPA, NCA, HIPAA, PCI DSS).
• Oversee the design and delivery of enterprise-wide data protection frameworks, including DLP, data classification, encryption, tokenization, and anonymization.
• Oversee data backup, recovery, and retention strategies.
• Advise boards and executive leadership on privacy risk, cross-border data transfers, third‑party risk, and regulatory engagement.
• Drive development of privacy‑by‑design and security‑by‑design practices in digital transformation initiatives (cloud, IoT, AI, OT/ICS).
• Accountable for assigned accounts, client relationship management, account growth, revenue, timely project execution, invoice collection, and maintain margins.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional practices (Cloud, SOC, IAM, Risk Advisory) to deliver integrated privacy and protection solutions.
• Represent the firm as a thought leader in privacy and protection at conferences, industry groups, and regulatory forums.
• Mentor and lead a regional team of privacy, data protection, and security professionals.
• Contribute to practice growth, P&L management, and business development through go‑to‑market strategies, proposals, and partnerships.

Skills and attributes for success

• Strong leadership with the ability to influence C‑level executives, regulators, and industry bodies.
• Visionary approach to data privacy, governance, and protection in line with digital transformation and innovation.
• Deep technical and regulatory knowledge across data protection technologies, privacy laws, and compliance frameworks.
• Strong business acumen, with experience in revenue growth, pipeline management, and practice scaling.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex regulatory and technical requirements into clear business insights.
• Proven ability to inspire, mentor, and grow multi‑disciplinary teams.

To qualify for the role, you must have

• 12–15+ years of progressive experience in data privacy, protection, or cybersecurity, with at least 6+ years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated track record in leading large‑scale data protection and privacy transformation programs.
• Strong knowledge of global and regional regulations (GDPR, CCPA, PDPL, NDMO, NCA, HIPAA, PCI DSS, ISO 27701).
• Experience in implementing data protection solutions (DLP, encryption, key management, data discovery and classification tools).
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in law, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or related field.
• Relevant certifications such as CIPP/E, CIPP/M, CIPM, CIPT, ISO 27701 Lead Implementer, CISSP, CISM.

Ideally, you’ll also have

• Experience advising governments, regulators, or industry bodies on data privacy and protection policy frameworks.
• Hands‑on knowledge of cloud privacy and multi‑jurisdictional data governance.
• Experience integrating AI/ML, advanced analytics, or emerging technologies into privacy and protection programs.
• Contributions to the privacy and security community (published research, speaking engagements, regulatory committees).
• Experience leading cross‑border programs and global privacy transformations.
• Established a global network across privacy and cybersecurity communities for collaboration and innovation.

What we offer

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. Plus, we offer:

• Continuous learning: You’ll develop the mindset and skills to navigate whatever comes next.
• Success as defined by you: We’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way.
• Transformative leadership: We’ll give you the insights, coaching and confidence to be the leader the world needs.
• Diverse and inclusive culture: You’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs.

If you can demonstrate that you meet the criteria above, please contact us as soon as possible.