Lead Data Protection Officer

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote position

Competitive salary and benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Data Protection Officer to drive our data privacy strategy remotely within South Africa. You will oversee DPIAs, privacy audits, DSAR management, and regulatory liaison, ensuring POPIA and international privacy standards are met.

You will lead a dedicated privacy team, provide training, and collaborate with IT/security to implement strong data protection measures. A strong governance mindset and leadership experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of experience in data protection, privacy, or related compliance role.
• At least 2 years in a leadership position.
• Strong knowledge of POPIA, GDPR and international privacy frameworks.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement data protection policies in line with POPIA and other regulations.
• Conduct DPIAs and privacy audits.
• Oversee DSARs management and provide expert advice on privacy best practices.
• Lead data protection team and monitor compliance across units.
• Collaborate with IT and security teams on technical and organizational measures.

Skills

Data protection

Leadership

Privacy risk management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Law, IT, Information Security, or related field

CIPP/E or CIPM preferred

Tools

Privacy management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking organization with a significant online presence, is actively seeking a highly motivated and experienced Lead Data Protection Officer to join their team. This is a fully remote position, offering the successful candidate the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and digital communication. The Lead DPO will be responsible for overseeing the company's data protection strategy, ensuring compliance with POPIA and other relevant global data privacy regulations. This role is critical in safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining the trust of our customers and partners. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of data privacy laws, risk management, and IT security principles. They will lead a dedicated team, driving best practices in data handling and privacy governance across all business units. This is an excellent opportunity to shape data protection policies in a dynamic and evolving digital environment, contributing directly to the ethical and legal integrity of the company. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating potential data privacy risks, fostering a culture of privacy consciousness throughout the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive data protection policies and procedures in line with POPIA and other applicable regulations.
• Conduct regular data protection impact assessments (DPIAs) and privacy audits.
• Oversee the management of data subject access requests (DSARs).
• Provide expert advice and training to employees on data protection and privacy best practices.
• Act as the primary point of contact for data protection authorities and other relevant regulators.
• Monitor and report on the company's compliance with data protection obligations.
• Manage and lead the data protection team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
• Stay updated on emerging trends, technologies, and legal developments in data privacy.
• Work closely with IT and security teams to ensure appropriate technical and organizational measures are in place to protect personal data.
• Investigate and manage data breaches, including reporting to supervisory authorities and affected individuals as required.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Law, IT, Information Security, or a related field.
• Advanced degrees or certifications (e.g., CIPP/E, CIPM) are highly desirable.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in data protection, privacy, or a related compliance role, with at least 2 years in a leadership position.
• In-depth knowledge of POPIA, GDPR, and other international data privacy frameworks.
• Strong understanding of information security principles and risk management methodologies.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven experience in developing and delivering privacy training programs.
• Experience with privacy management software and tools is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and lead teams effectively in a remote setting.
• High level of integrity and commitment to ethical conduct.

Benefits

• This is a fully remote position offering the ultimate flexibility.
• Our client provides a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid and retirement contributions.
• You will have access to professional development opportunities, including conferences and certifications, to stay at the forefront of data privacy.
• This role offers the chance to make a significant impact on data governance within a progressive company, contributing to a culture of trust and security.
• Employees benefit from flexible working hours, generous paid time off, and a supportive remote team environment.
• Opportunities for career growth within the data protection field are abundant.