Group Regional Data Protection Officer APAC

Drive regional privacy leadership - shaping ethical, compliant use of data and emerging technologies Your new company
At Hays, we build long term partnerships with our people and our customers. We're focused on meaningful work, shared ambition and creating impact in the world of work.

With over 50 years of business success, we have built a reputation as the world leader in specialist recruitment and workforce solutions. Joining Hays isn't just about being part of a global business leader; with over 12,000 people across 32 countries, you'll be making a difference in the world of work.

Your new role
Joining Hays, means you'll be part of a forward-thinking business that's going places.
Our global network and ways of working mean you'll be part of something bigger, whilst taking pride in the work you do within a collaborative team. As the Group Regional Data Protection Officer APAC, you will act as the key data protection lead for the region, driving compliance with data protection, privacy, and emerging AI regulations. You'll take ownership of regional data protection risk while ensuring alignment with global strategy, frameworks and principles.

In this role, you will serve as a trusted advisor to regional leadership, embedding privacy-by-design and privacy by default into everyday business processes. You will help shape ethical and compliant use of new and emerging technologies, ensuring Hays continues to operate with integrity, transparency and strong governance.

This is a full-time permanent role based in our Hays Sydney CBD office.
Key responsibilities include:

• Lead regional data protection compliance by implementing global policies, maintaining RoPA and notices, and ensuring standards, templates and consent language remain current and aligned.
• Oversee regional risk management, including DPIAs, LIAs, IDTAs, breach response, and deployment of controls and metrics to assure data protection standards.
• Monitor emerging data protection and AI regulations, acting as the primary regional contact for regulators and data subject enquiries.
• Deliver training, guidance and awareness programs to uplift privacy understanding, particularly across high-risk teams.
• Track and report regional data protection KPIs to senior leadership and the Group DPO, providing formal updates and contributing to group-level reporting.
• Support day-to-day data protection operations, including escalation management, issue resolution, and collaboration with legal, IT security, country DPOs and global privacy stakeholders.
  
  What you'll need to succeed
• Strong knowledge of regional data protection and AI laws, along with privacy by design principles and risk assessment methodologies.
• Relevant qualifications in Law, Compliance or Information Security, with privacy certifications (CIPP/E, CIPP/A, CIPM) viewed favourably.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and build relationships across diverse cultures and regions.
• Clear, confident written and verbal communication skills suited to senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
  
  What you need to do now

If you're looking for a role that challenges and helps you to make an impact, let's create tomorrow together. There's no telling where a career at Hays might take you.
Contact Sandy Luhr, Senior Talent Acquisition Partner by submitting your application via the Apply Now button.

By joining Hays, you'll be part of an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity. We invite people of all genders, ages, cultures, abilities, backgrounds, and experiences to apply. This includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people who belong to LGBTQIA+ community, neurodiverse individuals, and people with disabilities. If you require support and/or adjustments throughout our recruitment process please contact [email protected]

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