Data Protection and Governance Manager

Job description

About the opportunity Are you ready for your next career step? We are looking for an experienced Data Protection & Governance Manager to join the Data Protection & Governance team within the CISO Office. In this pivotal role, you will help ensure N26 meets its data protection obligations. You will play a key role in ensuring continuity of privacy risk coverage, supporting regulatory readiness, and strengthening how data protection requirements are embedded in day-to-day operations.. What You Will Do Govern & Scale: Operationalise data ownership, stewardship, classification, and lifecycle/deletion controls across the business. Manage Privacy Risk: Maintain the 2LoD risk framework, risk register, and effectiveness testing for EU privacy laws (GDPR), DORA, MaRisk, and emerging regulations like the EU AI Act. Support the DPO & CISO: Triage the DPO mailbox, handle complex internal/external queries, and run DPO involvement and administrative processes. Monitor & Report: Design high-impact privacy metrics, global "health checks," and executive reporting for governance forums. Drive Execution & Compliance: Partner cross-functionally to close audit findings, manage third-party/vendor risks (DPAs, PIAs/TIAs), and run dynamic privacy awareness initiatives. What You Need to Succeed Background & Experience 3+ years of hands-on experience combining data protection/privacy risk management with data governance (metadata, data quality, stewardship) preferably in banking, fintech, or financial services. Proven track record building operational/NFR frameworks, risk matrices, and registers covering personal data, privacy, and AI risks. Solid grasp of core InfoSec intersection points: encryption, access controls, logging, and incident response. Familiarity with GRC tooling (e.g., ServiceNow) and modern AI-driven risk reporting. Certifications (Preferred): IAPP (CIPP/E, CIPM) or Security/Risk credentials (CISA, CISM, CRISC). Education: Degree in Tech, Law, Risk, or equivalent practical experience. Skills & Mindset Pragmatic Risk Mindset: Able to translate complex cyber, legal, and AI regulations into clear, actionable advice for non-technical teams. Cross-Functional Execution: Strong stakeholder manager who can constructively challenge, prioritize competing workstreams, and close audit actions fast. Communication: Exceptional documentation, reporting, and narrative-building skills in English (German is a plus). Bias for Action: Resilient, curious, highly analytical, and comfortable innovating processes within an agile, fast-moving environment. What’s in it for you: Accelerate your career growth by joining one of Europe’s most talked about disruptors 🚀. Employee benefits that range from a competitive personal development budget, work from home budget, discounts to fitness & wellness memberships, language apps and public transportation. As an N26 employee you will have access to a Premium subscription on your personal N26 bank account. As well as subscriptions for friends and family members. Vacation days vary depending on your location of work. Additional day of annual leave for each year of service. A high degree of autonomy and access to cutting edge technologies - all while working with a friendly team of peers of diverse nationalities, life experiences and family statuses. A relocation package with visa support for those who need it. Who we are N26 has reimagined banking for today’s digital world. Technol