Senior Compliance Counsel

Company DescriptionAUTODOC is the largest and fastest-growing auto parts ecommerce platform in Europe. Present across 27 countries with over 5,500 employees, AUTODOC generated revenue of over €1.5 billion in 2024, supplying more than 8.4 million active customers with its 6.6 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 rideJob Description

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

• Bar admission (Rechtsanwalt/-in) not required

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

What do we offer?

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.

Join us today and let's create a success story together

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