Senior Privacy Manager/Legal Counsel DACH (m/f/d) - Part Time
Brenntag · Essen
We are seeking an experienced privacy professional to join the Group Data Protection Office as Senior Privacy Manager / Legal Counsel (DACH). This is a permanent part-time role (50%) - designed for a senior practitioner who wants real ownership and strategic impact without a full-time commitment. You will be the dedicated privacy anchor for Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Your Role
In this high-impact, broad, and fast-paced role, you will be a core member of the Group Data Protection Office, working closely with the Head of Group Privacy to shape and execute global privacy strategy, while serving as the primary point of contact for all data protection matters across the DACH region - a truly hands-on position at the intersection of law, governance, and business enablement.
Responsibilities
DACH Privacy Governance
Serve as the central point of contact for all data protection matters in Germany (BDSG), Austria (DSG) and Switzerland (nDSG/revDSG), advising local management, business units and HR on GDPR requirements and national specificities.
Maintain and develop the regional privacy governance framework, ensuring alignment with the global privacy program and local legal requirements.
Manage regulator interactions and represent the company in data protection matters with local supervisory authorities where applicable and in alignment with the GDPO.
Operational Privacy Support
Enable compliant business operations by supporting strategic projects, reviewing privacy-relevant contracts and managing key operational privacy topics (e.g., incidents, data subject rights, regulator interaction, works council matters).
Manage and negotiate multi-jurisdictional data protection agreements, SCCs, and related contractual provisions.
Conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and ensure timely implementation of risk-mitigating measures
Ensure processing activities and/or data flows are identified, documented and related privacy risks have been mitigated
Provide pragmatic, legally sound guidance on incoming privacy matters, in particular from DACH business units, balancing thoroughness with commercial reality.
Strategic Projects & Business Enablement
Work closely with a range of local and global stakeholders on technology and data innovations to help ensure good data handling practices and privacy by design.
Actively support global privacy initiatives, policy roll-outs and training activities in the DACH region, acting as the regional implementation arm of the GDPO.
Contribute to the development and maintenance of privacy policies, guidelines and documentation templates on a global level.
Monitor legislative and regulatory developments across DACH and internationally, and translate their implications into actionable business guidance.
Your Profile
Essential
Fully qualified German lawyer or equivalent, with > 4 years of work experience in a law firm, professional service firms, or global corporate environment.
Deep expertise in GDPR in practice, with a strong command of German BDSG, complemented by solid knowledge of Austrian DSG and/or Swiss nDSG.
Proven ability to review and negotiate data processing agreements, SCCs, and related contractual provisions.
Demonstrated ability to deliver pragmatic, commercially grounded advice on data privacy, information security and data handling to diverse stakeholder groups.
Excellent organizational, analytical and negotiation skills; able to manage complex, multi-workstream topics independently within a lean team structure.
Exceptional communication skills - able to explain complex legal requirements in a clear, business-friendly manner.
Collaborative, hands-on mentality and ability to work effectively in both small teams and cross-departmental projects.
Proven ability to operate effectively in complex, multicountry regulatory environments.
Fluent in German and English (written and spoken); French is a plus.
Desirable
Recognized data protection certifications (e.g., CIPP/E, CIPM, AIGP, or AI ethics/compliance credentials).
Our Offer
Exciting professional tasks and challenges in a diverse and secure working environment with the world market leader in the chemical distribution industry and DAX listed company
Arrange your working hours and breaks flexible via your flextime account; Thanks to our company's internal regulation on mobile working, your professional and private life can be combined even better
Our personalized onboarding program, guarantees that you will be off to a quick start
A competitive remuneration package, including holiday pay and a Christmas bonus, awaits you
Take advantage of our company-sponsored pension scheme
Benefit from free employee parking and convenient transport connections
Our “House of Elements” offers modern and ergonomic workplaces, an award-winning company restaurant, and a selection of complimentary coffee varieties
Your well-being is very important to us: Take advantage of our preventive health care offers, running groups, and yoga courses, and enjoy 30 relaxing days of holiday per year
Stay fit and do your bit for the environment at the same time: Lease your dream bike conveniently via Brenntag
Brenntag provides equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees of all backgrounds and identities to create a workplace where difference is valued because it forms a resilient and more innovative organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, religion or belief, parental and family status, or any other protected characteristic. We welcome applications from women, men and non-binary candidates of all ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds.