Senior Compliance Counsel (m/f/d)

AUTODOC is the largest and fastest growing auto parts ecommerce platform in Europe. Present across 27 countries with around 5,000 employees, AUTODOC generated revenue of over €1.3 billion in 2023, supplying more than 7.4 million active customers with its 5.8 million vehicle parts and accessories for car, truck, and motorcycle brands. Curious minds, adventurous experts and tech-savvy professionals - one team, one billion euros revenue. Catch the ride!

What we’re looking for

The Senior Compliance Counsel (m/f/d) is a specialized subject matter expert responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the global compliance framework, with a primary focus on Data Privacy and AI Program Management . Reporting to the Head of Compliance, this role provides essential support across generalist areas - including AML, Fraud Prevention, and Bribery Prevention - to ensure internal controls remain robust and audit-ready. The position delivers senior-level guidance across the organization and collaborates closely with Legal, IT, Security, Product, HR, and senior leadership to embed compliance requirements into business operations and strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities

Serve as senior legal advisor on GDPR and German data protection law (including BDSG), ensuring compliance across all business operations.

Lead the development and implementation of an AI compliance framework , overseeing ethical risks and alignment with the EU AI Act .

Draft and negotiate high-level data protection agreements, including DPAs, SCCs, and Joint Controller arrangements .

Manage the implementation of AML frameworks, fraud detection strategies, and anti-bribery policies to maintain an audit-ready environment.

Act as the primary escalation point for lead investigations, personal data breaches, and complex Data Subject Requests (DSARs) .

Execute comprehensive compliance risk assessments for partners and vendors to ensure end-to-end supply chain integrity.

Coordinate directly with supervisory authorities , external counsel, and the Data Protection Officer (DPO) as required.

Maintain and manage essential compliance records, including the Record of Processing Activities (ROPA) and internal regulatory reports.

Design advanced compliance training for stakeholders and provide mentorship to junior members within the legal and compliance team.

Qualifications and Experience

German law degree or Bachelor/Master’s degree obtained in Germany (e.g. Master of Laws, Master of Legal Studies, or comparable qualification) – mandatory

Formal education or certification in German data protection law (e.g. university program, recognized postgraduate course, or equivalent professional training) – mandatory

Recognized privacy certifications (e.g., CIPP/E, CIPM) are highly preferred; additional compliance-related credentials are a plus.

Several years of senior-level experience in GDPR / data protection law, ideally within an international or high-growth environment.

Deep, hands-on expertise in GDPR and German data protection law (including BDSG), including practical application in complex business scenarios.

Strong understanding of technical and organizational measures (TOMs) and data security concepts, and the compliance nuances of AI/ML technologies.

Proven experience or a solid understanding of broader Corporate Compliance frameworks .

Fluency in German and English (written and spoken) – mandatory

Skills and Competencies

Senior stakeholder advisory and influencing skills

Strategic, pragmatic, and business-oriented approach to compliance

Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills

High level of autonomy, integrity, and accountability

Ability to translate complex legal requirements into actionable guidance for non-legal teams

Perks at work

We offer:

• Competitive salaries based on your professional experience
• Fast growing international company with stable employment
• Annual vacation and 1 additional day off on your birthday
• Mental Wellbeing Program – the opportunity for free psychological counseling for you and your family members 24/7 hotline and online sessions
• Opportunities for advancement, further trainings (over 650 courses on soft and hard skills on our e-learning platform) and coaching
• Free English and German language classes
• Referral Program with attractive incentives
• Flexible working hours and hybrid work

We celebrate diversity and are committed to building teams that represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.

AUTODOC does not accept unsolicited CVs from recruiters or employment agencies in response to the AUTODOC Careers page or an AUTODOC social media post. Any legal offering in this regard as well as any Terms and Conditions of recruiters or employment agencies are expressly rejected by AUTODOC. AUTODOC will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee relating to these unsolicited CVs. AUTODOC explicitly reserves the right to hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency.