Data Protection Lead

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Data Protection Lead to join the Cyber Security organization, reporting to the Head of Security Engineering under the CISO.
This role is responsible for leading the organization’s data protection domain, with a focus on data discovery, classification, and data loss prevention (DLP) across corporate and cloud environments.
You will define and drive data protection strategy, implement controls to protect sensitive data across its lifecycle, and ensure visibility into where data resides and how it is used. The role requires close collaboration with Security, IT, Engineering, Product, and GRC teams to reduce data exposure risks and enforce strong data governance practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and own the organization’s data protection domain, including strategy, standards, and implementation
• Drive data discovery initiatives to identify sensitive data across databases, SaaS applications, endpoints, and cloud environments
• Define and implement data classification frameworks, labeling standards, and data handling policies
• Design and implement data loss prevention (DLP) controls across endpoints, email, SaaS, network, and cloud platforms
• Ensure protection of sensitive data across its lifecycle, including storage, processing, and transfer
• Lead implementation and optimization of data security technologies (e.g., DLP, DSPM, CASB/SSE, data classification tools)
• Define and enforce data access governance, including least privilege and monitoring of sensitive data access and usage
• Monitor and investigate data-related risks, exposures, and policy violations in collaboration with SOC and Security teams
• Conduct risk assessments and identify gaps in data protection controls across systems and business processes
• Support compliance and regulatory requirements (e.g., GDPR, ISO 27001, SOC 2) related to data security and privacy
• Collaborate with Engineering, IT, Product, and GRC teams to embed data security controls into systems and workflows
• Maintain documentation, standards, and guidelines for data security practices

Required Skills & Experience

• 6+ years of experience in cyber security, with a focus on data security, data protection, or information security
• Hands-on experience with data discovery, classification, and DLP solutions
• Strong understanding of data lifecycle management and data security principles
• Experience securing data across cloud environments and SaaS platforms
• Experience implementing and managing data classification and labeling frameworks
• Strong understanding of identity and access management and data access controls
• Experience working with data security tools (e.g., Microsoft Purview, Netskope, Symantec DLP, etc.)
• Experience working cross-functionally with Security, IT, Engineering, Product, and GRC teams
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset
• Ability to communicate data security risks clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and ownership-driven
• Comfortable working in cross-functional teams in a dynamic environment

Nice to Have

• Experience leading or building data security or DLP programs in a growing organization
• Familiarity with DSPM (Data Security Posture Management) tools
• Experience with CASB / SSE platforms (e.g., Netskope, Zscaler)
• Knowledge of privacy and regulatory frameworks (GDPR, ISO 27001, SOC 2, etc.)
• Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or CDLP
• BSc in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field