Area Data Risk Leader - Associate Director

At EY, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are, with the global scale, support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. And we’re counting on your unique voice and perspective to help EY become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.

The Area Data Risk Leader is the principle connection between the Global Data Risk function and the EY business. Responsible for driving the delivery of global initiatives across the Super Regions of the Area and ensuring that local data risk priorities and perspectives are well represented in the design of global models.  

The Area Data Risk Leader is an experienced data protection professional, or a compliance professional with data protection experience and a passion for technology and data risk. Responsible for enabling and enhancing the operational implementation of data risk best practise across business functions and geographical locations, using strong working knowledge of the regulatory frameworks relating to data within the Area. The Area Data Risk Leader is natural collaborator, able to work within a cross-functional stakeholder group and effectively influence data risk decisions within Super Regions.  
 
The Area Data Risk Leader will:  

• Take a leading role in driving the cross-functional implementation of global data risk program initiatives within local teams in the Area, to drive consistency and efficiency in data risk response, develop leading practise and coordinate strategic activity. Including: 
• Implementation of Global Data Policies and Standards – evaluating the requirement for any local Policy or Standard deviation in order to enhance the consistency of a global policy landscape.  
• Identification and evaluation of data risks at an Area, SR and local level through global risk evaluations (eg ERM) and local evaluations of risk and maturity as required.  
• Evaluation of the presence and effectiveness of controls and data risk mitigation activities with the Area in collaboration eg GCET and GIA.  
• Enable the adoption of tools and processes to enhance the governance of information and data across the lifecycle (eg M365 Data Governance and Data Inventories).  
• Implementing or evaluating local processes to identify and mitigate data risks in third party relationships, including vendors, acquisitions and alliances.  
• Enhancing the prevention and detection of data incidents, including the deterrence of Insider Threat events, by driving local adoption of recommended Information Security and Technology controls.  
• Operationalising tools and processes that empower and enable the 1st Line of Defence to effectively identify and mitigate data risks eg. Managing data risk on engagements.  
• Enabling the safe and effective use of data within AI and technology innovations. 
• Leverage deep understanding of local data risk priorities and requirements to ensure these are well represented within global data risk initiatives, including: 
• Representing the Area data risk landscape, key priorities and emerging local risks at the global level.  
• The development of global policies and standards for data, including classification, to meet local needs.  
• The design of global data risk and control compliance evaluations.  
• Providing insight and trending analysis from data incidents within the Area, including root cause considerations and the effectiveness of controls intended to prevent incident occurrence.  
• Defining appropriate guardrails for the use and reuse of data to meet local regulatory requirements and risk appetite. 
• Ensuring local applicability and resonance to global training and communication materials.  
• Evaluate, monitor and enhance the level of data risk maturity within the area, including evaluation of SF and local resource requirements, skills gaps and development opportunities.  
• Champion and amplify training, awareness and communication initiatives to develop the data risk culture within the Area and set tone from the top.  
• Be the go-to thought leader in data risk for the Area, confident in engaging Risk and Business Leaders in the data risk initiatives, trends and requirements. Coordinate and shape local data risk appetite, strategy, prioritisation and delivery to ensure data risk approaches continue to mature across the Area.    
• Supporting EY professionals across Service Lines and within central teams to understand their accountabilities and comply with data protection standards.   
• Maintain effective collaborative relationships with, and provide data risk expertise to, allied functions in the Area including GCO, Information Security, Technology, and Risk.   
• Provide leadership and strategic coordination for the SR Data Stewards within their Area.  

 
Key skills for success as the Area Data Risk Leader: 

• Deep knowledge of data protection (including regulatory frameworks and implementation), information security and/or data governance best practises.  
• Proven track record of delivery, leading programmes that are cross-functional and cross-border. 
• Effective and engaging communication, including the confidence to influence and inspire local leadership teams across business functions.  
• Professional curiosity to explore a complex and dynamic risk landscape.  
• Organisation, prioritisation and agility to respond in operational or project roles.  

What we offer

As part of this role, you'll work in a highly integrated, global team with the opportunity and tools to grow, develop and drive your career forward. Here, you can combine global opportunity with flexible working. The EY benefits package goes above and beyond too, focusing on your physical, emotional, financial and social well-being. Your recruiter can talk to you about the benefits available in your country. Here’s a snapshot of what we offer: 

• Continuous learning: You’ll develop the mindset and skills to navigate whatever comes next.
• Success as defined by you: We’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way.
• Transformative leadership: We’ll give you the insights, coaching and confidence to be the leader the world needs.
• Diverse and inclusive culture: You’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs.

Please apply to this role only through the ‘Apply’ link (not through the local office). Your application will then be routed to the appropriate recruiting team. 

The exceptional EY experience. It’s yours to build.
 

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