Senior Data Privacy Lawyer (Remote)

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Premium medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development allowances

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Data Privacy Lawyer to drive the company’s global data privacy strategy. You will work remotely from South Africa, with responsibility for DPIAs, regulatory compliance, and privacy-by-design in product development. The role requires strong leadership and collaboration across global teams.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years post-qualification experience, SA admission, and deep knowledge of GDPR, POPIA, and CCPA. CIPP certification is highly desirable.

Qualifications

• Admitted SA attorney with 10+ years PQE, including 5+ years in data privacy law.
• Extensive experience with GDPR, CCPA, POPIA and cross-border transfers.
• Ability to lead global privacy programs and advise senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Develop global privacy policies and procedures.
• Advise on data processing, sharing, and international transfers.
• Conduct DPIAs and manage data breach response and regulatory notifications.
• Provide privacy training to internal stakeholders and liaise with authorities.
• Review privacy clauses in contracts and third-party agreements.

Skills

Data privacy law

Regulatory compliance

DPIA assessment

Cross-border compliance

Contract review

Effective communication

Education

Admitted Attorney (SA High Court)

CIPP certification desirable

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding multinational corporation with a strong commitment to data protection, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Data Privacy Lawyer. This role is entirely remote, allowing you to contribute expert legal knowledge from any location. You will be responsible for developing and overseeing the company's global data privacy strategy, ensuring compliance with international regulations such as POPIA, GDPR, and CCPA. This is a critical leadership position that requires deep expertise in privacy law, robust risk management skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams worldwide. The ideal candidate will be a proactive advocate for data privacy best practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive data privacy policies and procedures globally.
• Advise on the legal implications of data processing activities, data sharing, and international data transfers.
• Conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and ensure ongoing compliance.
• Manage data breach incident response and regulatory notifications.
• Interpret and advise on complex international data privacy laws and regulations.
• Provide training and guidance to internal stakeholders on data privacy obligations.
• Liaise with data protection authorities and manage regulatory inquiries.
• Review and advise on privacy clauses in contracts and third-party agreements.
• Stay current with evolving privacy laws, technologies, and enforcement trends.
• Contribute to product development by providing privacy-by-design guidance.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa, with a minimum of 10 years of post-qualification experience, with at least 5 years focused on data privacy law.
• Extensive experience with international data privacy regulations (GDPR, CCPA, POPIA essential).
• Proven ability to develop and implement global privacy programs.
• Strong understanding of technology, cybersecurity, and data handling practices.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and risk assessment capabilities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, capable of advising senior leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and manage complex projects in a remote environment.
• Experience managing cross-border legal issues.
• CIPP (Certified Information Privacy Professional) certification is highly desirable.
• Adaptability and a forward-thinking approach to privacy challenges.

Benefits

This is a fully remote role offering exceptional flexibility and autonomy. Our client provides a top-tier compensation package, including a substantial base salary, performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits such as premium medical aid, a generous retirement fund, and professional development allowances. You will join a dynamic global team, working on cutting-edge privacy issues with significant impact. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the data privacy landscape for a leading corporation, working from **Randburg, Gauteng** or remotely across South Africa.