Head of Data Protection and Compliance
Freenow · Berlin, Berlin, Germany
This listing has closed — view similar roles below.
- On site
- Full-time
- €120,000 / year
- Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Job highlights
- Lead compliance and data protection across Europe.
- Implement GDPR, CSRD, AI Act, DSA regulations.
- Advise senior leadership on risk and strategy.
- Manage audits, investigations, and authorities.
- Develop and lead the compliance team.
About the role
Head of Data Protection and Compliance - Freenow
Freenow is seeking a Head of Data Protection and Compliance to lead and oversee compliance and data protection efforts across multiple European markets. This is a central and strategic role requiring a strong blend of legal expertise, business acumen, and risk management skills to ensure compliance with GDPR, CSRD, AI Act, DSA, and other industry regulations. You will work closely with leadership, product, tech, operations, and external stakeholders to embed a strong compliance culture while supporting our business model, including our new autonomous driving business. Your work will include intensive collaboration with our shareholder Lyft, Inc. as well as support on M&A transactions.
Your Daily Adventures Will Include:
- Ensure compliance with data protection laws (B2C focus) and corporate compliance regulations.
- Architect and implement the comprehensive data protection and compliance setup required following the acquisition by the American company.
- Monitor, enhance, and develop the Compliance Management System (CMS) to effectively mitigate risks.
- Stay ahead of regulatory changes (e.g., GDPR, CSRD, AI Act, DSA, autonomous driving) and assess their business impact.
- Advise senior leadership on compliance risks, providing practical and strategic solutions.
- Develop and implement policies, internal controls, and best practices across multiple European markets and the US.
- Lead and oversee audits, risk assessments, and investigations related to compliance and data protection.
- Act as the primary point of contact for data protection and regulatory authorities.
- Design and deliver training programs to educate employees on compliance and ethical business conduct.
- Report on data protection and compliance issues and recommend changes.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with tech, product, people, and information security teams to integrate compliance into business operations.
- Lead and mentor the compliance and data protection team, fostering a culture of accountability and ethical decision-making.
To Be Successful In This Role:
- 8+ years of experience in compliance and data protection leadership, ideally in a tech-driven or regulated environment.
- Deep knowledge of European compliance frameworks, including GDPR, CSRD, AI Act.
- Proven experience in overseeing compliance and data protection across multiple markets.
- Experience with US compliance and privacy aspects is a plus.
- Strong investigative and analytical skills, with the ability to assess risks and provide actionable insights.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence decision making.
- Hands-on approach, comfortable navigating ambiguity and implementing compliance strategies in an extremely fast-paced environment.
- Ability to multi-task, work independently, and collaborate effectively in a team.
- Ability to work with exceptional speed, managing high-pressure situations and tight deadlines while maintaining total accuracy.
- Professional certification (e.g., CCEP, CIPP/E, CIPM, AIGP or similar) is a plus.
- Fluency in English and German is required; an additional European language is a strong advantage.
Key Skills/Competency
- Data Protection
- Compliance Management
- GDPR
- CSRD
- AI Act
- Risk Management
- Regulatory Affairs
- Legal Expertise
- Stakeholder Management
- Cross-functional Collaboration
Skills & topics
- Head of Data Protection
- Compliance Manager
- Data Privacy Officer
- GDPR Specialist
- Regulatory Compliance
- Risk Management
- Legal Counsel
- Corporate Compliance
- Tech Compliance
- Mobility Industry
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your 8+ years of compliance and data protection leadership experience, emphasizing GDPR, CSRD, and AI Act expertise, and multiple market oversight.
- Craft a compelling cover letter: Showcase your understanding of Freenow's mission and how your legal, business, and risk management skills align with their needs, particularly in a fast-paced tech environment.
- Prepare for behavioral questions: Be ready to discuss your experience managing high-pressure situations, navigating ambiguity, and influencing stakeholders with speed and accuracy.
- Demonstrate technical knowledge: Be prepared to discuss your experience with US compliance and privacy, and any relevant certifications like CCEP, CIPP/E, or CIPM.
- Research Freenow: Understand their multi-mobility offerings, their relationship with Lyft, and their commitment to diversity and inclusion to tailor your responses effectively.
Technical preparation
Master GDPR, CSRD, AI Act, DSA regulations.,Understand US privacy laws and compliance.,Prepare for risk assessment scenarios.,Familiarize with compliance management systems.
Behavioral questions
Describe managing high-pressure compliance situations.,How do you influence senior leadership?,Share experience navigating regulatory ambiguity.,Discuss leading a compliance team.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key European compliance frameworks relevant for the Head of Data Protection and Compliance role at Freenow?
- For the Head of Data Protection and Compliance role at Freenow, the key European compliance frameworks you need to be deeply familiar with include GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive), the AI Act, and the DSA (Digital Services Act). Experience with these regulations is crucial for ensuring Freenow's operations across multiple European markets remain compliant.
- Is experience with US compliance and privacy required for the Head of Data Protection and Compliance position at Freenow?
- While deep knowledge of European compliance frameworks is essential, experience with US compliance and privacy aspects is considered a plus for the Head of Data Protection and Compliance role at Freenow. If you have this additional experience, be sure to highlight it in your application as it can provide a competitive advantage.
- What kind of professional certifications are beneficial for the Head of Data Protection and Compliance role at Freenow?
- While not strictly required, professional certifications can significantly enhance your application for the Head of Data Protection and Compliance role at Freenow. Beneficial certifications include CCEP (Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional), CIPP/E (Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe), CIPM (Certified Information Privacy Manager), or AIGP (Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional), or similar credentials.
- What languages are required for the Head of Data Protection and Compliance position at Freenow?
- Fluency in both English and German is required for the Head of Data Protection and Compliance position at Freenow. An additional European language is considered a strong advantage, reflecting the company's multi-market operations.
- How does Freenow approach diversity, equity, and inclusion for roles like Head of Data Protection and Compliance?
- Freenow is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, considering qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or age. They encourage employees to bring their true selves to work and foster an environment for growth and evolution, which applies to all positions, including leadership roles like Head of Data Protection and Compliance.
- What is the typical work environment like for the Head of Data Protection and Compliance at Freenow, considering the fast-paced nature and collaboration requirements?