Head of Compliance & Data Governance - Senior Manager (all genders welcome) in Frankfurt am Main

Join the movement and find new inspiration.

We have an exciting opportunity for you as

Head of Compliance & Data Governance - Senior Manager (all genders welcome) within our Legal Department at the Kia Europe Headquarters in Frankfurt/Main, Germany.

Job mission

As a Senior Manager, you will lead and influence through specialist advisory or commercial roles, as well as by overseeing significant work programs comprising multiple projects.

You will be responsible for developing and delivering the medium-term plan, including defining resourcing and KPIs, and determining the team's role within that plan, with a forward-looking perspective of up to 12 months.

You will manage and coach a (project) team, providing clear business direction, motivation, support, and development.

In doing so, you will adapt your people management style to suit the needs and personalities of individual team members.

Main responsibilities

• Department Leadership & Strategic Advisory
• Lead and coordinate the European Data Governance & Compliance Team, acting as a point of escalation and decision-making for complex matters.
• Supervise and support Data Governance & Compliance staff across National Sales Companies (NSCs) and other subsidiaries.
• Act as central liaison with local DPOs to ensure consistent application of data protection policies and legal frameworks.
• Develop and harmonize legal strategies, templates, and internal governance policies across the region.
• Advise senior executives and cross-functional teams on legal risks, business practices, and regulatory matters.
• Risk Assessment & Mitigation
• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal, compliance, and privacy-related risks across the region.
• Develop risk-based compliance controls and monitor implementation.
• Provide proactive legal advice to address emerging regulatory trends and business risks.
• Data Privacy & Protection
• Oversee GDPR compliance and other applicable EU data privacy laws across all business units.
• Supervise local DPOs, ensuring alignment with corporate privacy policies and procedures.
• Manage Records of Processing Activities (Ro PAs) and coordinate DPIAs and related privacy impact assessments.
• Provide guidance on Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs), breach notification obligations, and international data transfers.
• Collaborate with IT, cybersecurity, and business stakeholders to maintain robust data protection infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance with the e Privacy Directive and evolving digital regulations.
• Compliance & Internal Controls
• Develop, implement, and monitor internal compliance policies and procedures across jurisdictions.
• Conduct regular compliance risk assessments and recommend mitigation actions.
• Oversee conflict of interest management, whistleblowing mechanisms, and non-retaliation enforcement.
• Manage compliance systems, reporting frameworks, and internal investigations.
• Support local teams on compliance-related inquiries and strategic initiatives.
• Training & Awareness
• Design and deliver legal and compliance training across business units, covering topics such as:
• Anti-Bribery & Corruption (ABC)
• Anti-Harassment & Anti-Discrimination
• Anti-Money Laundering (AML)
• Code of Conduct (Co C) for employees and third parties
• Conflicts of Interest
• Whistleblowing policies
• Data Protection and AI
• Lead awareness campaigns to build a culture of integrity and ethical business conduct.

Your talents

• Fluent in English (written and spoken), suitable languages advantageous.
• 8+ years of post-qualification experience in a multinational corporation or leading international law firm
• Deep knowledge of GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, and other major data privacy frameworks.
• Experience in compliance, internal investigations, and international data transfer mechanisms
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to translate legal requirements into pragmatic business solutions.
• Professional certifications (CIPP/E, CIPP/US, CIPM, etc.) are a strong asset.
• Familiarity with the EU regulatory environment and digital compliance landscape, particularly as it applies to data-driven industries such as automotive, mobility, and connected services.
• Qualified lawyer (Bar admission in an EU jurisdiction is required)
• Experience supporting local subsidiaries or business units on data protection and regulatory compliance topics is considered an advantage.

Who are we?

At Kia, we are a global mobility brand with more than 75 years of experience.

Since our founding in 1944, we have grown from manufacturing bicycles, motorcycles and cars to becoming a provider of mobility solutions, always guided by the changing needs of our customers.

Today, we continue to expand our portfolio of electrified and battery electric vehicles while developing new mobility services.

Guided by our brand slogan, Movement that Inspires, we are exploring new ways to make mobility more convenient and relevant for people’s everyday lives.

Through continuous innovation and a customer-centric approach, we aim to create products and services that inspire new possibilities and meaningful connections.

As the European sales and manufacturing arm of Kia Corporation, we support 39 markets across Europe and the Caucasus from our headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany.

Together, we are more than 5,500 colleagues, including around 3,500 team members at our manufacturing facility in Žilina, Slovakia.

At our European headquarters, more than 50 nationalities work side by side, bringing different perspectives, experiences and ideas.

This diversity is one of our strengths and contributes to the way we work, learn, and grow together.

Every day brings opportunities to collaborate, develop new skills, and contribute to our shared success.

If you are looking for an environment where curiosity, collaboration, and continuous learning are valued, we would love to hear from you.

Join us and be part of the movement that inspires.

Should you still have doubts, we also offer

• A vibrant international atmosphere where our workforce represents 50+ nations.
• Playing a pivotal role in shaping Kia's culture in Europe, actively contributing to its development.
• Exploring new solutions, where your creative input matters significantly.
• Enjoying a competitive compensation package, including a Job ticket, consistent on-the-job training, a complimentary staff restaurant, and engaging company events.
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