Remote Senior Data Privacy Lawyer

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Performance bonus

Development funding

Career advancement

Remote work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Data Privacy Lawyer to join its established legal team. This fully remote role supports South Africa operations and global privacy strategy, ensuring POPIA, GDPR compliance, and privacy regulations across the business.

You will lead DPIAs/PIAs, manage DSARs, oversee data breach responses, advise on cross-border transfers, and collaborate with IT and security to embed privacy by design. 8+ years PQE with strong communication is required.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney with 8+ years PQE in data privacy.
• Deep knowledge of POPIA and GDPR.
• Experience building and implementing comprehensive privacy programs.
• Strong understanding of data security and IT systems.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and lead a remote team.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain global data privacy policies and compliance programs.
• Advise on privacy implications of products, services, and marketing.
• Conduct DPIAs and PIAs.
• Manage DSARs and other privacy-related requests.
• Oversee data breach response, investigation, notification, and remediation.
• Advise on cross-border data transfers and international regulations.
• Provide privacy training and awareness for staff.
• Collaborate with IT, Security, and Engineering to embed privacy by design.

Skills

Data privacy law

Legal advisory

Regulatory compliance

Data breach handling

DSAR management

POPIA knowledge

Education

Admitted Attorney

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing international technology firm, is actively seeking a highly experienced Senior Data Privacy Lawyer to join their established legal team. This is a fully remote position, offering exceptional flexibility and the opportunity to work from anywhere within South Africa. The successful candidate will be instrumental in developing and implementing the company's global data privacy strategy, ensuring compliance with POPIA, GDPR, and other relevant data protection regulations. You will advise on all aspects of data privacy, including data collection, processing, storage, and international data transfers. This role requires a deep understanding of technology, data security, and legal frameworks governing privacy. We are looking for a proactive, business-minded lawyer who can provide practical and strategic advice in a fast-paced, evolving landscape. This role is critical to protecting the company's reputation and data assets.

Key Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and maintain the company's global data privacy policies, procedures, and compliance programs. Advise business units on data privacy implications of new products, services, and marketing initiatives. Conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs). Manage data subject access requests (DSARs) and other privacy rights requests. Oversee data breach incident response, including investigation, notification, and remediation. Advise on cross-border data transfers and international privacy regulations. Provide training and awareness programs on data privacy best practices to employees. Liaise with data protection authorities and regulatory bodies. Stay abreast of emerging trends and legal developments in data privacy and cybersecurity. Collaborate with IT, Security, and Engineering teams to ensure privacy by design and default.

Requirements

Admitted Attorney with a minimum of 8 years of post-qualification experience, with a significant specialization in data privacy law. In-depth knowledge of South African POPIA and international regulations such as GDPR, CCPA, etc. Proven experience in developing and implementing comprehensive data privacy compliance programs. Strong understanding of data security principles, IT systems, and technology trends. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and risk assessment skills. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly. Ability to work autonomously and manage a remote team effectively. Experience in handling data breaches and regulatory investigations is highly desirable. Certifications such as CIPP/E, CIPP/US, or CIPM are a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, reflecting the seniority and specialized nature of this role. As a fully remote position, you will enjoy the flexibility to work from anywhere in South Africa, promoting an excellent work-life balance. Benefits include comprehensive medical aid, a generous performance bonus structure, professional development funding, and opportunities for career advancement within a global organization. Our client is committed to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. You will be part of a dynamic and supportive legal team, contributing to the critical area of data privacy for a leading technology firm.