Chief Data Privacy Officer Job Vacancy in Johannesburg, South Africa – Financial Services & Compliance

Job Description

Position: Chief Data Privacy Officer

Company: Old Mutual Limited

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Experience: 10+ years in data privacy, GDPR, POPIA compliance

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Law, Information Security or related field; Master’s preferred

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Financial Services & Compliance

Department: Legal & Compliance

Salary: SSP 1,200,000 – SSP 1,800,000 per annum

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Old Mutual Limited is a leading financial services group with a heritage spanning more than a century, offering a broad range of insurance, investment, and wealth management solutions across Africa and beyond. Headquartered in Johannesburg, the company is renowned for its commitment to responsible business practices, innovative product development, and a strong focus on customer centricity. As a major employer in South Africa, Old Mutual consistently ranks among the top destinations for professionals seeking challenging careers, robust development programs, and a collaborative culture. The organization’s dedication to data protection and regulatory excellence makes it an ideal environment for privacy leaders who wish to shape the future of data governance in the financial sector. This role contributes directly to Old Mutual’s strategic objectives of safeguarding client information, ensuring compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), and aligning with global standards such as GDPR, thereby reinforcing trust and confidence among stakeholders.

Job Overview

The Chief Data Privacy Officer (CDPO) will lead Old Mutual’s privacy strategy, overseeing the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of data protection frameworks across all business units. Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, the CDPO will act as the primary point of contact for regulatory bodies, manage privacy risk assessments, and drive a culture of privacy awareness throughout the organization. This pivotal role involves close collaboration with IT, risk, compliance, and business teams to embed privacy by design into products, services, and processes. The successful candidate will champion best practices, lead incident response initiatives, and ensure that Old Mutual remains at the forefront of data privacy excellence in South Africa and internationally. For more information about our career opportunities, visit our main portal at https://southafricajobsearch.com.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive data privacy program aligned with POPIA, GDPR, and other relevant regulations.
• Lead privacy impact assessments (PIAs) for new products, services, and technology initiatives.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the Information Regulator and other supervisory authorities.
• Advise senior leadership on privacy risks, mitigation strategies, and regulatory changes.
• Oversee the investigation and resolution of data breach incidents, including notification processes.
• Design and deliver privacy awareness training for employees at all levels.
• Collaborate with the IT security team to ensure technical safeguards such as encryption, access controls, and anonymization are effectively deployed.
• Monitor and audit data processing activities to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Prepare and present regular reports on privacy metrics and compliance status to the board.
• Foster a culture of privacy by embedding privacy considerations into business decision‑making.

Required Skills

• Deep expertise in POPIA, GDPR, and international data protection frameworks.
• Strong analytical and risk assessment capabilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and drive change.
• Knowledge of information security principles and technologies.
• Strategic thinking with a focus on aligning privacy initiatives with business objectives.
• High ethical standards and integrity.

Education

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Law, Information Security, Computer Science, or a related discipline is required. Candidates holding a Master’s degree or professional certifications such as CIPP/US, CIPP/E, CIPM, or ISO 27701 Lead Implementer will be given preference.

Experience

Applicants must have at least ten years of progressive experience in data privacy, information governance, or related compliance roles, preferably within the financial services sector. Demonstrated experience in managing large‑scale privacy programs and leading investigations of data breaches is essential.

Salary

The position offers a competitive salary range of SSP 1,200,000 to SSP 1,800,000 per annum, commensurate with experience and qualifications. A performance‑based bonus structure and long‑term incentive plans are also part of the total rewards package.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Generous paid parental and annual leave.
• Professional development allowance.
• Employee assistance program.
• Flexible working arrangements and remote work options.

Training

• Ongoing privacy and compliance certifications funded by the company.
• Leadership development programs tailored for senior executives.
• Access to industry conferences and workshops.
• Mentorship opportunities with senior legal and risk leaders.

Working Environment

Old Mutual provides a modern, inclusive workplace located in the heart of Johannesburg’s financial district, featuring state‑of‑the‑art facilities, collaborative workspaces, and a supportive community. Employees benefit from a culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning, with a strong emphasis on work‑life balance. For additional insights into our corporate culture, explore https://www.southafricajobsearch.com/.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their updated CV and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience through our online portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a series of interviews, including a technical assessment and a final leadership interview. For international candidates, please note that relocation assistance may be available.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Old Mutual Limited is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected status.

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