Interim Head of EU Privacy | Clinical Stage Life Sciences | Temp-2-Perm

Interim Head of EU Privacy | Publicly traded biotech | 3 months initially, with a view to significant extension or permanent Major, Lindsey & Africa's Interim Legal Talent group is recruiting an Interim Head of EU Privacy for a publicly traded, clinical-stage precision life sciences company. The role is the European counterpart to a global privacy leadership position the company is already recruiting for in the US. It is an initial three-month engagement with a view to longer-term extension, or a permanent role for the right individual. Any permanent position would sit in the company's Switzerland office, but this is not a prerequisite for the right individual LocationCandidates based in Switzerland may be prioritised for a longer term permanent role. Remote working from elsewhere in Europe is possible for the interim period. The roleReporting into the Global Head of Compliance, you will lead the company's privacy strategy, governance and compliance framework across Europe, and act as a senior adviser to the General Counsel and executive team. Key areas include:Owning privacy strategy and governance, including policies, standards and the operating model for the EU functionActing as primary privacy lead for clinical trial activity, covering data from sites, investigators and patientsOverseeing DPIAs, cross-border transfer mechanisms and risk assessmentsLeading breach response and privacy investigations, and acting as point of contact for data protection authoritiesNegotiating and overseeing DPAs, SCCs and third-party privacy termsEmbedding privacy-by-design across R&D, Commercial, HR and IT Security, including emerging AI/ML and digital health initiatives About you10+ years' experience in privacy, data protection, legal, compliance or risk managementDeep knowledge of GDPR and UK GDPR, with working knowledge of HIPAA and CCPA/CPRAExperience in a regulated sector (biotech, pharma, healthcare or technology preferred)Demonstrable experience leading multi-jurisdictional privacy programmesPrivacy certifications such as CIPP/E, CIPM or CIPTThe judgement and seniority to influence executive stakeholders and operate in a matrixed, global organisation To discuss in confidence, message me directly (agraham@mlaglobal.com) or apply to this job with your CV.