Head of Compliance & Data Protection

<p><strong><em>Location</em></strong><em>: We are flexible! Come and join us either in Hamburg, Berlin or Barcelona</em></p> <p>We are looking for a Head of Compliance and Data Protection to lead and oversee compliance and data protection efforts across multiple European markets. </p> <p>This central and strategic role requires a strong blend of legal expertise, business acumen, and risk management skills to ensure our operations comply with GDPR, CSRD, AI Act, DSA, and other industry regulations.</p> <p>You will work closely with leadership, product, tech, operations, and external stakeholders to embed a strong compliance culture while supporting our business model. To succeed, you must be a reliable professional with excellent interpersonal skills, confident in speaking your mind and standing by your decisions. If you excel in fast-paced environments, balancing regulatory compliance with business needs, we would like to meet you.</p> <h2><strong>YOUR DAILY ADVENTURES WILL INCLUDE:</strong></h2> <ul> <li>Ensure compliance with data protection laws (B2C focus) and corporate compliance regulations.</li> <li>Monitor, enhance, and develop the Compliance Management System (CMS) to effectively mitigate risks.</li> <li>Stay ahead of regulatory changes (e.g., GDPR, CSRD, AI Act, DSA) and assess their business impact.</li> <li>Advise senior leadership on compliance risks, providing practical and strategic solutions.</li> <li>Develop and implement policies, internal controls, and best practices across multiple European markets.</li> <li>Lead and oversee audits, risk assessments, and investigations related to compliance and data protection.</li> <li>Act as the primary point of contact for data protection and regulatory authorities.</li> <li>Design and deliver training programs to educate employees on compliance and ethical business conduct.</li> <li>Report on data protection and compliance issues and recommend changes.</li> <li>Collaborate cross-functionally with tech, product, people, and information security teams to integrate compliance into business operations.</li> <li>Lead and mentor the compliance and data protection team, fostering a culture of accountability and ethical decision-making.</li> </ul> <h2><strong>TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE:</strong></h2> <ul> <li>8+ years of experience in compliance and data protection leadership, ideally in a tech-driven or regulated environment.</li> <li>Deep knowledge of European compliance frameworks, including GDPR, CSRD, AI Act, and DSA.</li> <li>Proven experience in overseeing compliance and data protection across multiple markets.</li> <li>Strong investigative and analytical skills, with the ability to assess risks and provide actionable insights.</li> <li>Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence decision making.</li> <li>Hands-on approach, comfortable navigating ambiguity and implementing compliance strategies in a fast-paced environment.</li> <li>Ability to multi-task, work independently, and collaborate effectively in a team.</li> <li>Professional certification (e.g., CCEP, CIPP/E, or similar) is a plus.</li> <li>Fluency in English and German is required; an additional European language is a strong advantage.</li> </ul> <h2><strong>BENEFITS &amp; PERKS IN A NUTSHELL:</strong></h2> <ul> <li>Flexible working arrangements</li> </ul> <ul> <li>LinkedIn Learning</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Sabbatical &amp; special leave policies</li> </ul> <ul> <li>WeRoad partnership</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Birthday, 24th + 31st December off</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Short term EU work policy</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Mobility Credit</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Health Insurance</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Employee assistance program</li> </ul>   <p><strong>Plus more local benefits depending on your work location!</strong></p> <p> </p> <h2><strong>DIVERSITY, EQUITY &amp; INCLUSION:</strong></h2> <p><span>FREENOW is an equal opportunity employer and we consider qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or age. <br/></span><span>We want you to grow and evolve, </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOUL_n8pSGQ"><span>bring your true self to work</span></a><span>. <br/></span></p> <h2><strong>SEE WHAT OUR AWESOME COLLEAGUES SAY ABOUT US:</strong></h2> <p><a href="https://www.glassdoor.de/%C3%9Cberblick/Arbeit-bei-FREE-NOW-EI_IE954578.11,19.htm" target="_blank"></a>       <a href="https://www.kununu.com/de/mytaxi-intelligent-apps" target="_blank"></a>        <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/free-now/life/2b1603ea-741a-49f8-9847-f1214f483a1a/" target="_blank"></a></p>