Senior Manager, Data Protection & ESG

The Senior Manager, Data Protection and ESG is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining effective data protection and ESG compliance frameworks across all the company entities, both locally and internationally. This role includes accountability for personal data processing activities and ESG-related disclosures, governance, and reporting obligations. The Senior Manager will collaborate closely with business units, product teams, technology, procurement, human resources, legal, and risk teams to integrate data protection principles into customer journeys, products, vendor arrangements, and operational processes.

The incumbent will act as the primary liaison for both internal assurance functions (such as Internal Audit and Compliance Monitoring) and external regulators (including CBUAE, FSRA, and DFSA) on all matters related to data protection and ESG. Responsibilities include conducting regulatory gap assessments, drafting and maintaining data protection policies, and leading training initiatives for the organization.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 10+ years of relevant experience in data protection, privacy, ESG, compliance, or regulatory advisory, with at least 5 years in a dedicated data protection, DPO, or ESG lead capacity.
• Significant experience within financial services, particularly with entities regulated by CBUAE, FSRA (ADGM), and DFSA (DIFC).
• Proven track record of leading regulatory gap assessments and end-to-end remediation programs covering data protection and ESG obligations.
• Experience with implementing an Enterprise-wide Consent Management capability across digital channels.
• Familiarity with handling examinations and reviews from CBUAE, FSRA, and DFSA.
• Understanding of the interactions between onshore and financial free zone regulations.
• Experience collaborating with Internal Audit and Compliance Monitoring on data protection and ESG thematic reviews.