Global Data Protection Manager

Job description

Are you passionate about privacy, governance, and building a strong compliance culture in a global organization? At Hempel, we are looking for a proactive and pragmatic Data Protection Manager to lead and continuously strengthen our global data protection compliance program. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in protecting the business, influencing global stakeholders, and driving data protection maturity across a complex international organization. Make an Impact Across Hempel As Data Protection Manager, you will have global accountability for Hempel's data protection compliance framework. You will have global accountability for Hempel's data protection compliance framework and functionally lead two Data Protection Compliance Specialists, providing direction, guidance and mentoring. You will ensure that our business activities comply with applicable data protection and privacy regulations while supporting the organization with practical, business-focused advice. You will work closely with key stakeholders across Digital, People & Culture, Marketing, Legal, Procurement, Information Security and Compliance, helping to embed privacy into business processes and decision-making. What will your key responsibilities be? Own, maintain, and continuously improve Hempel's global data protection compliance program Provide practical guidance to business and digital and organisational transformation initiatives Oversee and ensure the effective operation of key privacy processes, including SARs, DPIAs, data breach handling, RoPA, and related privacy activities. Design and deliver privacy training, awareness initiatives, and targeted guidance Prepare management reporting on program maturity, risks, trends, and mitigation actions Lead, coach, and develop the Data Protection team Ensure effective utilization and continuous improvement of privacy tools, systems, and workflows What We're Looking For Master’s degree in law or a related discipline Minimum 5-7 years of experience within Data Protection, Privacy, Compliance, Legal, Information Security, Digital Governance, or Risk Management Strong knowledge of GDPR and practical application of privacy requirements in an international business environment Strong communication and stakeholder management skills Ability to operate both strategically and operationally Experience advising stakeholders on complex privacy matters and balancing compliance requirements with business needs Excellent analytical capabilities and attention to detail High level of integrity and discretion when handling confidential information Fluent English skills; additional languages are considered an advantage Who You Are Success in this role requires a professional who combines regulatory expertise with commercial understanding and pragmatic judgement. You should be: Comfortable influencing stakeholders across functions and seniority levels A trusted advisor who can translate complex requirements into practical solutions Curious and proactive in identifying risks and improvement opportunities Confident communicating with both specialists and senior leadership Structured, detail-oriented, and highly organized Resilient and able to drive follow-up and accountability across a global organization Join Us You'll become part of a collaborative global Compliance organization characterized by openness, knowledge sharing, and a strong team spirit. We believe in working together across functions, and your expertise will directly contribute to strengthening Hempel's privacy culture and protecting the business in an increasingly complex regulatory environment. As a key business partner, you will engage with stakeholders across the organization, acting as a trusted advisor who can translate data protection requirements into practical and value-adding solutions. If you are motivated by combining strategy, governance, stakeholder engagement, and operational excellence, we would love to hear from you. Sounds like a match? Click the Apply for position button in the top‑right corner and submit your application and CV in English via our recruitment system. We will conduct interviews on an ongoing basis. Application due 2026-11-06 Seniority Level Job Functions Industry Chemicals At Hempel, you’re welcomed to a global community of +7000 colleagues around the world. A workplace built on shared trust, mutual respect and support for each other. We’re on a mission to double our impact. To succeed, we need bright minds and team players. Which is why, from day one, your input, ideas and initiative are not only welcomed, but expected. In return, you will enjoy great opportunities for development in a growing global company – and be part of the solution by contributing to our global impact. At Hempel, we are committed to everyone feeling safe, valued and treated equally, in an environment where each employee can bring their authentic selves to work. We believe that inclusion is key to innovation and by bringing together the most diverse perspectives and talents, we can achieve great things, together.