Group Data Protection Officer (DPO) & Compliance Counsel

Group Data Protection Officer (DPO) & Compliance Counsel
Do you want to take ownership of global data privacy compliance in a regulated, international environment?

Are you an experienced data privacy professional with experience working with internal corporate compliance programs - who thrives at the intersection of governance, risk, and stakeholder collaboration?

At Bavarian Nordic we are looking for a Group Data Protection Officer (DPO) & Compliance Counsel to lead our global data privacy compliance program.

About the role
In this senior individual contributor role, you will have end‑to‑end responsibility for designing, implementing, and continuously improving our global data privacy compliance program. You will work closely with global stakeholders across functions including advising and reporting on data privacy risks to senior management, while our Legal Team provides the business with day-to-day data privacy legal advice, such as drafting Data Processing Agreements (DPAs), supporting third-country transfers, and advising on valid consents.

The role is suitable for candidates who have experience managing data privacy risks within an internal global compliance framework.

You will join the Legal & Compliance team of approximately 10-12 people and report directly to the Compliance Director.

Key responsibilities

• Own the further development of our global data privacy program framework
• Develop and update global data privacy policies, procedures, schedules, and guidelines
• Manage timely handling of reported data breaches and data subject requests
• Lead data processor audits and remedial actions
• Train and support global corporate functions to adequately manage their data privacy risks
• Execute activities in the global data privacy compliance program, including through local data privacy responsibilities
• Identify, assess, and address data privacy risks and collaborate with local Legal teams on monitoring, assessing, and addressing local privacy regulations
• Embed a continued sound data-privacy mindset across the organization
• Prepare periodic reporting to committees and management

Who are you?
At Bavarian Nordic, we are driven by purpose and accountability. We are open to different professional backgrounds and value strong compliance expertise and sound judgment over a specific title or career path.

You likely bring:

• A master’s degree in law or similar
• 5+ years of experience in data privacy and working within internal compliance program frameworks, preferably from a regulated industry (e.g. pharmaceuticals, medical devices, or finance)
• Strong understanding of GDPR and related regulations
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to manage complex compliance programs end‑to‑end
• Proven stakeholder management skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across functions and seniority levels
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

What’s in it for you?
This position offers a unique opportunity for you to:

• Take end-to-end ownership of a global pharmaceutical data privacy compliance program
• Work at a strategic level, with visibility toward senior management and governance forums
• Shape and mature compliance frameworks in a highly regulated, international environment
• Join a compliance function where professionalism, integrity, and collaboration are core values

Ready to take the next step in your career?
Please submit your CV. A cover letter is not required. We look forward to hearing from you.

Due to the Easter holidays, our response time may be slightly longer than usual.

We kindly ask that recruitment agencies refrain from contacting us regarding this position.

Founded in 1994, we have +30 years of experience developing life-saving vaccines. We are a global leader in smallpox and mpox vaccines. Our commercial product portfolio contains market-leading vaccines against rabies, tick-borne encephalitis, cholera, typhoid, and Ebola. We are headquartered in Denmark and have manufacturing, research, and sales offices across Europe and North America. Our values – our Bavarian Nordic DNA, as we like to call it – are what guide our actions every day. We act as persistent pioneers, embrace change, value being boosted by the team, and believe in protecting lives every day. If that is also a part of your DNA, we invite you to join us in Bavarian Nordic! Bavarian Nordic is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
www.bavarian-nordic.com
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