Senior Privacy Counsel & Data Protection Officer (d/f/m)

Company Overview

Kleinanzeigen is the leading online classifieds market in Germany, where users buy and sell primarily second‑hand items. It hosts more than 55 million ads across a wide range of categories – from children’s supplies to electronics and real estate – and serves around 35 million users per month. Since its launch as eBay Kleinanzeigen in 2009, the service has become Germany’s No. 1 classifieds platform. In 2021 it joined Adevinta, a global provider of online classified ads, and was renamed Kleinanzeigen in May 2023.

The Team

As Senior Privacy Counsel & Data Protection Officer (d/f/m) at Kleinanzeigen you will shape and drive the local privacy strategy, ensure GDPR‑compliant products and services, and act as a trusted advisor to Product, Tech and business teams. You will balance privacy, innovation and growth, represent Kleinanzeigen to regulators and external partners, and work in a hybrid role based in Berlin‑Charlottenburg reporting to the Legal Director.

Job Requirements

• You have relevant experience both in a law firm and in‑house, preferably with online platforms and/or ad tech, and you hold a German law degree (2. Staatsexamen or equivalent).
• You bring multi‑year experience in the data protection field, have worked as a DPO, and have successfully engaged with data protection regulators, balancing privacy risk with business opportunity.
• You are proactive and a creative problem solver who enjoys working hands‑on on complex privacy topics and turning them into clear, actionable guidance.
• You have a high interest in networking and building social connections and are an excellent collaborator with solid diplomacy, stakeholder management and strong presentation skills.
• You have a strong understanding of AI and data‑driven technologies and their privacy implications, know how to assess and mitigate privacy risks of AI systems while using AI tools responsibly in your legal and compliance work, and ideally hold a CIPP or equivalent privacy qualification (or are willing to obtain one).
• You are a clear and confident communicator, able to explain complex legal and privacy topics to diverse audiences, and are business‑fluent in German and English.

Job Responsibilities

• Regulatory & external engagement: act as a key contact for local regulators and officials in incidents, investigations or policy consultations, engaging confidently on complex privacy topics.
• Horizon scanning & networks: monitor and interpret changes in legislation, industry standards and regulatory positions on privacy and data use, and develop and maintain a strong network with external privacy experts across industry, public sector and regulatory bodies.
• Compliance & risk management: manage, monitor and report on privacy compliance topics, including records of processing activities, impact assessments and data retention; identify data protection issues proactively and recommend pragmatic remedies that align strong privacy safeguards with product and commercial objectives.
• Privacy strategy & governance: co‑shape and iterate the local privacy strategy and roadmap and fulfill all DPO‑related tasks under GDPR and local law, including reporting and governance structures.
• Audits & training: run regular internal privacy compliance audits and design and deliver training for business stakeholders.

Job Benefits

• Flexibility
  • Flexible working time (hybrid)
  • 20 days ‘work from anywhere’
  • Paid additional parental leave for both parents
  • Extra paid days off for special occasions (e.g. your wedding or a move)
• Wellbeing & Support
  • Confidential support & coaching for you and your loved ones
  • Annual company sports events
  • Pension and life insurance
• Growth & Development
  • Personal development budget
  • Learning opportunities to grow your skills and career
• Perks & Everyday benefits
  • Corporate benefits and exclusive discounts
  • An attractive referral program
  • Transportation allowance
  • Free shipping on Kleinanzeigen Direktkauf

Kleinanzeigen is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We welcome people of all backgrounds, races, religions, colours, national origins, gender identities, sexual orientation, ages, marital status, or disability.

If this role sparks your interest but you’re not sure you meet every single requirement, we’d still love to hear from you anyway.