Role & responsibilities
At PwC, our purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems. The Engagement Data Protection Specialist Manager is integral to safeguarding proprietary client data and ensuring compliance with global standards across Managed Services engagements. . The person fulfilling this role will lead a team that addresses compliance to contractual terms for Managed Service Engagement in the area of Data Protection, Privacy and use of AI on MS engagements.
This is a matrixed position reporting into Delivery Excellence in Managed Services, while also being accountable to governing functions in One Firm Risk (Ethics & Compliance, OGC, and Independence). The role combines leadership, strategic data protection measures, and the implementation of compliance monitoring frameworks to ensure contractual, regulatory, and PwC policy requirements are consistently met across engagements. Major Responsibilities
- Risk Management - 60%
- This is a matrixed position reporting into Delivery Excellence in Managed Services, while also being accountable to governing functions in One Firm Risk (Ethics & Compliance, OGC, and Independence). The role combines leadership, strategic data protection measures, and the implementation of compliance monitoring frameworks to ensure contractual, regulatory, and PwC policy requirements are consistently met across engagements.
- Lead the testing and implementation of compliance controls and monitoring frameworks within Managed Services, ensuring alignment with PwC global/network standards, Canadian legal and regulatory requirements, and policies as defined by OFR Ethics & Compliance, OGC, and Independence functions.
- Collaborate with IT, legal, risk and operational stakeholders to proactively align processes to applicable best practices, regulations, professional rules, local or Network Policy as defined by OFR Ethics & Compliance function and as applicable to Managed Services Engagements..
- Prepare reporting and insights for governing functions (OFR, OGC, Independence, Ethics & Compliance) to provide visibility into compliance trends and escalate issues where needed.
- Provide recommendations to address root causes of recurring risk trends and ensure long-term compliance improvement.
- Project Management - 30%
- Develop and manage structured workflows, ensuring alignment with risk governance frameworks and project objectives.
- Coordinate with OFR, Engagement teams, Delivery Excellence, OGC, Independence, and other cross-functional stakeholders to ensure the timely mitigation of compliance and operational data risks.
- In conjunction with OGC Privacy Office, conduct engagement data risk assessments and operational risk analyses to mitigate identified gaps.
- Prepare reporting and insights for governing functions (OFR, OGC, Independence, Ethics & Compliance) to provide visibility into compliance trends and escalate issues where needed.
- Maintain managed services business continuity plans and coordinate supporting activities.
- Maintain offering data risk profiles to align with new and evolving offerings through the managed services service catalogue.
- Training, Learning & Development - 10%
- Mentor team members to develop expertise in data protection, risk identification, and controls management.
- In conjunction with Ethics & Compliance, OGC, and L&D, deliver training sessions and workshops to promote a proactive compliance and risk culture within Managed Services teams.
- In conjunction with Engagement teams and governing risk functions, create and maintain playbooks, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and educational materials related to compliance and data protection best practices.
- Bachelors degree in Law, Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related discipline is required.
- Advanced certifications such as CIPP/E, CIPP/C, CIPM, CIPT, CISSP, or ISO 27001 are strongly preferred.
- A Master’s degree in Cybersecurity, Risk Management, or related fields is considered an asset.
Work Experience
- 8+ years of experience in data protection, compliance, operational risk management, or related fields, including 3+ years in a managerial role.
- Familiarity with privacy risk assessments, regulatory reporting standards, and control frameworks within Managed Services delivery models.
- Experience leveraging automation and monitoring tools to oversee compliance efforts and identify risk trends.
- Experience in compliance monitoring, regulatory oversight, or delivery assurance functions is strongly preferred, given the role’s focus on advising, escalating, and ensuring adherence to internal and client requirements.
Technical Skills & Specialized Knowledge
- Advanced ability to design and validate controls for risk management using industry best practices and metrics-based performance tracking.
- Strong research and problem-solving skills, with a continuous improvement mindset to solve evolving challenges in compliance and privacy operations.
- Technical understanding of cybersecurity practices, including secure connectivity models, identity management, encryption, and access controls.
- Moderate familiarity with AI-driven tools and automation processes, such as Microsoft Copilot or similar solutions, used for privacy and compliance monitoring.
Communication/Interpersonal Skills
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills to interact effectively with stakeholders, including senior leadership and global compliance teams.
- Proven ability to influence and negotiate across teams, ensuring alignment on privacy initiatives and compliance strategies.
Customer/Client Service This role emphasizes an attitude of service excellence. The Manager will engage with internal and external stakeholders to:
- Anticipate client needs and proactively address challenges through innovative compliance solutions.
- Provide long-term risk mitigation and clear action plans aligned to Managed Services objectives.
- Act as a trusted advisor, guiding client teams on best practices in safeguarding sensitive data.
Leadership & Coaching As the team lead for Managed Services privacy governance, this role includes:
- Acting as a subject matter expert to support decision-making across global teams.
- Providing guidance and mentorship to team members, ensuring development in compliance risk mitigation.
- Championing alignment between compliance expectations and day-to-day operations.
Why PwC? PwC offers a purpose-driven, inclusive environment where professionals can grow while driving meaningful client outcomes. Join us to lead innovative engagements and make a lasting impact.
Shift:Night shift