Global Privacy Programme & Operations Director

Unlocking Global Impact: A Review of the Global Privacy Programme & Operations Director Role at Unilever

Unilever is offering a pivotal leadership role as Global Privacy Programme & Operations Director, reporting directly to the Chief Privacy Officer (CPO). This position is not merely about compliance; it's a strategic opportunity to shape the future of data privacy within one of the world's leading consumer goods companies amidst an ambitious digital transformation agenda.

Advantages for Your Career Path:

• Strategic Leadership and Global Impact: This role offers a unique platform to provide strategic leadership for Unilever's multi-year global privacy programme. You'll be instrumental in designing, executing, and enhancing data protection standards across 190+ countries, directly influencing how data is used ethically and responsibly in a digital-first agenda. Your work will transcend traditional compliance, fostering a culture of "trusted data use."
• Driving Transformative Change: If you thrive on organizational excellence and large-scale transformation, this role is for you. You will lead initiatives to simplify processes, foster accountability, and shift perceptions of risk governance from a compliance burden to a value-creating asset. This includes spearheading the adoption of cutting-edge digital tooling and automation.
• Influence and Visibility: Reporting to the CPO and collaborating with central teams, you will have significant visibility across the organization, regularly synthesizing programme progress and insights for Committees, Boards, and senior leadership. This exposure is invaluable for career advancement.
• Team Leadership and Development: You will have direct line management responsibility for three privacy specialists, offering the chance to mentor and grow a dedicated team while overseeing critical operational functions like Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs) and Privacy Risk Assessments.
• Cutting-Edge Domain Expertise: The role is at the forefront of privacy, artificial intelligence, and data responsibility – highly sought-after and evolving fields. You'll be continuously adapting to internal and external environmental changes, building expertise in areas vital for the future of business.
• Robust Support and Culture at Unilever: As a purpose-driven organization committed to "making sustainable living commonplace," Unilever offers a supportive and inclusive environment. The company promotes flexible and hybrid working, prioritises wellbeing, and actively champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring a workplace where possibilities are created for all. Benefits include competitive salary, annual bonus, pension, and development opportunities.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Extensive Experience Required: This is a senior-level position seeking an "Established Programme Director" with 12+ years of experience managing privacy or equivalent programmes within complex, multi-national organizations. A proven track record in leading technical and non-technical cross-functional initiatives is essential.
• Mastery of Change Management: The ability to effect large-scale change is a core competency. Candidates must demonstrate expert-level change management skills, including designing and driving initiatives that streamline existing ways of working, manage ambiguity, and sustain momentum in evolving environments.
• Navigating Complexity and Matrixed Structures: You'll be expected to build bridges between diverse teams (technical, business, legal) and navigate bureaucracy in a global, matrixed structure. Comfort with fluid environments and proactive problem-solving is critical.
• Location Dynamics: Be aware of the evolving office location. While initially based at 100VE in London, there's an ongoing consultation that may result in a move to Kingston-upon-Thames from early 2025 until 2027. Candidates should be comfortable with this potential shift.
• Pragmatic & Collaborative Approach: The role demands a pragmatic and adaptable individual who can assess risk, build strong relationships at all levels, and collaborate effectively with legal teams and other risk owners (e.g., Cyber Risk Management). While existing privacy experience is desirable, a passion for the field, combined with strong transferrable programme leadership skills, is highly valued.

Who Should Consider This Opportunity?

This role is ideal for seasoned programme leaders with a strategic mindset, a strong background in global operations, and a passion for driving change in the privacy and data governance space. If you are an expert in managing complex, multi-year programmes, skilled in stakeholder engagement, and adept at translating intricate frameworks into actionable strategies, this could be your next significant career move.

The Global Privacy Programme & Operations Director role at Unilever represents a compelling opportunity for a highly experienced and ambitious professional. It offers the chance to lead a critical function at the intersection of digital transformation and ethical data use, contributing to a global brand's responsible growth. If you are ready to make a significant impact and guide a world-renowned organization through its privacy journey, this position warrants your close attention.