Privacy Operations Manager (Pharmaceutical Industry, GDPR)
About Astellas
Astellas is a global life sciences company committed to turning innovative science into VALUE for patients. We provide transformative therapies in disease areas that include oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology and women's health. Through our research and development programs, we are pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical need. Learn more at Astellas.com.
Are you driven to make a real difference in the lives of patients?
We're seeking passionate individuals who thrive in dynamic environments, embrace new ideas, and aren't afraid to take intelligent risks. People who act with unwavering integrity and are deeply committed to making a tangible impact.
Astellas’ Global Capability Centres – Overview
Astellas’ Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are strategically located sites that give Astellas the ability to access talent across various functions in the value chain and to co-locate core capabilities that are currently dispersed. Our three GCCs are located in India, Poland and Mexico.
The GCCs will enhance our operational efficiency, resilience and innovation potential, enabling a timely response to changing business demands.
Our GCCs are an integral part of Astellas, guided by our shared values and behaviours, and are critical enablers of the company’s strategic priorities, sustainable growth, and commitment to turn innovative science into VALUE for patients.
Location and Working Environment
- This is a permanent role based in our Global Capability Centre in Warsaw, Poland and hybrid working with the expectation for some office presence. Flexibility may be required in line with business needs. Candidates must be located within a commutable distance of the office
- At Astellas we recognize the importance of work/life balance, and we are proud to offer a hybrid working solution allowing time to connect with colleagues at the office with the flexibility to also work from home. We believe this will optimize the most productive work environment for all employees to succeed and deliver. Hybrid work from certain locations may be permitted in accordance with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines.
Purpose & Scope
- As Privacy Operations Manager, you will drive the operational execution and continuous improvement of Astellas’ global privacy programme. Working within a highly regulated, international environment, you will translate privacy requirements into scalable processes, tools, and controls. This role ensures effective management of data subject rights, incident response, and privacy risk, while embedding privacy-by-design across systems and business processes.
Role and Responsibilities
- Execute and enhance the global privacy operations programme in partnership with the DPO and global teams
- Manage end-to-end Data Subject Requests (DSARs), including tracking, escalation, and reporting
- Coordinate privacy incidents and data breach response processes across regions
- Lead privacy risk assessments (e.g. DPIAs) and drive mitigation actions
- Maintain Records of Processing Activities (RoPA) and data inventories
- Embed privacy-by-design into systems, tools, and business processes
- Drive adoption of privacy tools and technology to improve efficiency and scale
- Define and track privacy KPIs, dashboards, and reporting
- Support audits, compliance reviews, and regulatory readiness activities
- Identify and implement continuous improvements to global privacy operations
Required Qualifications
- Solid experience in privacy operations or data protection, including DSARs and incident handling
- Proven experience in the pharmaceutical or life sciences industry (essential)
- Strong knowledge of GDPR and its practical application
- University degree (or equivalent) in law, compliance, information security, or related field
- Experience working in global, cross-functional and matrix environments
- Familiarity with privacy tools (e.g. DSAR workflows, RoPA, risk assessment platforms)
- Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills
- Analytical, solutions-focused mindset with a drive for process improvement
- Fluency in English
Preferred Qualifications
- Privacy certifications (e.g. CIPP/E, CIPM, CIPT)
- Experience with global privacy regulations beyond GDPR
- Privacy certifications (e.g. CIPP/E, CIPM, CIPT)
- Background in scaling privacy programmes and supporting audits in regulated environments
What awaits you at Astellas?
- Global collaboration: Become part of a connected global business of like-minded life science leaders, all dedicated to improving patients' lives worldwide.
- Real-world patient impact: Contribute to transformative therapies that reach patients around the world, knowing your work makes a difference every day.
- Relentless Innovation: Join a company at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, where you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of healthcare.
- A Culture of Growth: Chart your own course within a supportive environment that values your contributions, champions your development, and empowers you to pursue your passions.
Our Organizational Values and Behaviors
- Impact
- Innovation
- Integrity
- One Astellas
- Accountability
- Courage
- Sense of Urgency
- Outcome Focus
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Beware of recruitment scams impersonating Astellas recruiters or representatives. Authentic communication will only originate from an official Astellas LinkedIn profile or a verified company email address. If you encounter a fake profile or anything suspicious, report it promptly to LinkedIn's support team through LinkedIn Help.
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