Data Privacy Officer

Data Privacy Officer – Global

Location: Bangalore / Pune

About the Role

Ness Digital Engineering is looking for an experienced Global Data Privacy Officer (DPO) to lead the organization’s global data privacy, governance, regulatory compliance, and responsible data-use agenda.

The DPO will build and strengthen a unified global privacy framework, manage regulatory and privacy risk, and embed privacy-by-design across business, technology, engineering, delivery, and customer engagements. The role will work closely with Executive Leadership, Legal, CISO, Technology, Engineering, Sales, HR, and customers , including on emerging areas such as AI governance and responsible AI .

Key Responsibilities

• Define and lead Ness’s global data privacy strategy, governance framework, and operating model .
• Ensure compliance with global regulations including GDPR/UK GDPR, India DPDPA, US privacy laws, PIPEDA, PDPA , and other applicable regulations.
• Lead DPIAs, privacy assessments, audits, regulatory reviews, ROPA, data inventories, and privacy risk management .
• Establish privacy controls and governance across technology, business operations, customer engagements, and third parties.
• Develop and evolve Responsible AI / AI governance frameworks , addressing privacy, regulatory, ethical, and data risks associated with AI/GenAI.
• Support regulatory readiness and operational resilience initiatives, including NIS2, DORA, ISO 22301, BIA, and RTO/RPO .
• Act as privacy SME for M&A, divestitures, and strategic transactions , including privacy due diligence.
• Partner with Sales, Delivery, Legal, and Account teams on customer due diligence, RFPs, audits, DPAs, privacy clauses, ZDR, and contractual requirements .
• Lead third-party privacy risk and international data transfer governance.
• Provide executive-level reporting and advisory on privacy, regulatory, and data risks.

Ideal Candidate

• 12+ years of experience in data privacy, information governance, regulatory compliance, risk, cybersecurity, or related areas.
• Proven experience leading global privacy programs within technology, IT services, digital engineering, software, consulting, or multinational organizations.
• Experience as a Global DPO or senior privacy leader across multiple jurisdictions.
• Strong understanding of the intersection of privacy, cybersecurity, risk, compliance, AI, and business operations .
• Experience working with C-suite, Legal, Security, Technology, Engineering, Sales, and Delivery stakeholders.
• Exposure to M&A, regulatory readiness, enterprise transformation, or AI governance is highly desirable.
• Strong executive presence, commercial orientation, stakeholder management, and ability to translate regulatory requirements into practical business solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications such as CIPP/E, CIPP/US, CIPM, CIPT, or FIP .
• Experience with ISO 27701, ISO 27001, ISO 22301, ISO/IEC 42001, or NIST Privacy Framework .
• Legal background with significant technology/privacy experience is an advantage.
• Experience in Responsible AI / AI governance and emerging technology regulation is a strong plus.