Senior Data Protection Lawyer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Data Protection Lawyer to support our growing e-commerce and technology footprint from East London, Eastern Cape. The role focuses on ensuring compliance with POPIA, GDPR, and global privacy standards while advising on data processing activities and privacy policies.

You will work with legal, IT, security, and business teams in a hybrid role to implement robust privacy programs, manage data breaches, and advise on privacy aspects of new products and

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney with a focus on data protection and privacy law.
• Experience advising on POPIA, GDPR, and cross-border data transfers.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement data protection policies and procedures.
• Advise on privacy compliance incl. POPIA, GDPR and other regimes.
• Conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and mitigation strategies.
• Manage data subject access requests (DSARs).
• Lead incident response to data breaches and security incidents.
• Draft DPAs and international data transfer mechanisms.
• Provide privacy training for staff.
• Liaise with data protection authorities as required.
• Keep up to date with evolving privacy laws.

Skills

Data privacy law

Legal advisory

POPIA/GDPR

DPIA

DSAR handling

CIPP/E/CIPP/US (adv)

Education

LLB/JD or equivalent

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leading e-commerce and technology firm operating across various markets, is seeking a Senior Data Protection Lawyer. This hybrid role, supporting operations from East London, Eastern Cape, ZA , will be responsible for ensuring compliance with data privacy laws globally, including POPIA and GDPR. You will advise on data processing activities, privacy policies, data breach responses, and international data transfers. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of data protection regulations and a proactive approach to managing privacy risks in a fast-paced digital environment. You will work collaboratively with legal, IT, security, and business teams to implement robust data protection strategies. We are looking for a knowledgeable and diligent lawyer who can safeguard the company's data and maintain customer trust. Your expertise will be vital in navigating the evolving landscape of data privacy.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain the company's data protection policies and procedures.
• Advise on all aspects of data privacy compliance, including POPIA, GDPR, and other relevant regulations.
• Conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and advise on mitigation strategies.
• Manage and respond to data subject access requests (DSARs).
• Oversee the company's response to data breaches and security incidents.
• Draft and negotiate data processing agreements (DPAs) and international data transfer mechanisms.
• Provide training and awareness programs on data protection to employees.
• Liaise with data protection authorities as required.
• Stay current with evolving data privacy laws and best practices.
• Advise on privacy aspects of new products, services, and marketing initiatives.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney with a minimum of 5 years of experience, with a specialization in data protection and privacy law.
• In-depth knowledge of POPIA, GDPR, and other international data privacy frameworks.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing privacy compliance programs.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex legal concepts.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work model.
• Experience in conducting DPIAs and managing data breaches.
• Strong understanding of IT and cybersecurity principles is beneficial.
• CIPP/E, CIPP/US, or equivalent certification is an advantage.

Benefits

• Annual salary ranging from ZAR to ZAR .
• Hybrid work model providing flexibility and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to work at the forefront of data privacy in the tech industry.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Generous annual leave and paid public holidays.
• Modern office environment in East London .
• Collaborative and innovative company culture.