Data Privacy and Business Continuity Compliance Manager

At Ogilvy, we believe in the power of creativity to transform brands and businesses. As a global leader in advertising, marketing, and public relations, we handle vast amounts of sensitive data and operate in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Data Privacy & Business Continuity Compliance Manager to join our team in Johannesburg.

This critical role is responsible for safeguarding our data, ensuring regulatory compliance, and building resilient operations that can withstand any challenge. You will be instrumental in protecting personal information, mitigating privacy risks, and ensuring our business continues to thrive, even in unforeseen circumstances.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

As our Data Privacy & Business Continuity Compliance Manager, your mandate will be to:

• Lead Data Privacy Compliance: Drive our data privacy efforts, ensuring strict adherence to the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and other relevant global data protection regulations. This includes developing and implementing policies, managing risks, handling data subject rights requests, investigating breaches, and providing essential training to employees and vendors across Ogilvy South Africa.
• Develop & Maintain Business Continuity: Design, implement, and manage robust business continuity and disaster recovery plans. Conduct Business Impact Analyses (BIAs), collaborate across departments, regularly test and update plans, and lead crisis management efforts to protect critical business functions and ensure operational resilience during emergencies.
• Champion Ethical AI Practices: Uphold ethical AI principles by conducting audits, collaborating with legal and technical teams, advising leadership on risks, and integrating global trends into our AI strategy, ensuring compliance with data protection laws and promoting responsible AI development.
• Ensure Regulatory Compliance & Reporting: Provide regular, comprehensive reports to senior management on our compliance with privacy laws, business continuity, and AI ethics. Assist the Chief Finance Officer with regulatory liaison, monitor changes, and maintain accurate records, including Data Processing Agreements (DPAs).

Here's what you'll bring to the table:

• We are looking for a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of data privacy and business continuity, coupled with excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Deep Expertise: Proven experience and in-depth knowledge of data privacy laws and regulations, particularly POPIA, and familiarity with international standards like GDPR.
• Risk Management & Analytical Acumen: Strong skills in risk management, analytical thinking, and problem-solving, with a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating potential threats.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional ability to communicate complex legal and technical concepts clearly and effectively to diverse audiences, fostering collaboration across departments.
• Strategic & Operational Mindset: Demonstrated strategic thinking and the ability to translate regulatory requirements into practical, actionable plans for business continuity and disaster recovery.
• AI Ethics Knowledge: Understanding of AI ethics and governance principles, with the ability to advise on responsible AI development and usage.
• Project Management: Strong project management skills to lead and execute complex compliance and continuity initiatives.

Professional, technical skills and previous experience requirements:

• A relevant Bachelor's degree in Law, Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CIPP/E, CISM, CBCP) would be highly advantageous.
• While not strictly required, experience in data privacy, compliance, risk management, or business continuity roles, particularly within a large, dynamic organization or advertising/marketing agency, would be highly advantageous.
• Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing, and managing data privacy programs and business continuity plans.
• Proven track record of advising senior leadership on compliance matters and strategic risks.
• Experience with regulatory liaison and managing external audits.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
• A "roll up your sleeves" attitude and a commitment to continuous improvement.

You'll also be required to advance the following:

• Continuous Improvement: Continuously assess and enhance our organization's privacy, risk management, and continuity strategies, fostering a culture of compliance and risk awareness.
• Quantum Data Management & Reporting: Regularly assess and update data mapping in Quantum and report the Group's revenue in Quantum monthly.