Data Protection Officer

, Netherlands

Job Family Group:

Legal Jobs

Worker Type:

Regular

Posting Start Date:

October 29, 2025

Business unit:

Legal

Experience Level:

Experienced Professionals

Job Description:

What's the role

Shell is committed to ensuring that the personal data of all our customers, employees, and suppliers is protected, and that we comply with data protection legislation.

As the Data Protection Officer (DPO), you will ensure that personal data is managed in a professional, lawful, and ethical manner. You will provide independent oversight of compliance by businesses and functions with Shell's Binding Corporate Rules, as well as any stricter local legal requirements. You will also ensure that legal guidance on compliance is clear and pragmatic.

In this role, you will support Shell in meeting its obligations under the European Union (EU) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), along with related data privacy obligations worldwide. Additionally, you will monitor internal compliance and data practices to ensure that the business and its functions adhere to applicable GDPR requirements.

You will serve as the primary contact for supervisory authorities and for individuals whose data is processed by the organization.

What you'll be doing

You will be part of the SECO organisation, reporting to the VP E&C Data, Assurance & Risk Governance. As DPO you will:

• Serve as the main point of contact within the organization for Businesses and Functions, regulators (at country and national level), and relevant public authorities on issues related to data protection

• Ensure that DP Standard (SPF) and supporting Specifications/Practices follow our Binding Corporate Rules and local legal requirements

• Regularly evaluate the existing data protection framework to identify risk and ensure issues are addressed and mitigation is implemented as part of the overall Data Privacy Programme

• Provide oversight that the relevant training is fit for purpose in meeting the legal/regulatory requirements across the Shell Group

• Act as the SME for data privacy, and provide data protection advice to all businesses and functions

• Oversee the policies and framework to ensure timely completion of DSAR and the DPIA (data protection impact assessments) process

• Promote a culture of data protection and compliance across the group

• Provide pragmatic expert oversight of the legal advice on data privacy/protection compliance requirements

• Support and advise on internal data protection policies (e.g. Shell Performance Framework requirements), guidelines, and procedures, in consultation with key stakeholders

• Maintain records of all data processing activities of the company in the Record of Processing Activities (RoPA)

• Work with relevant assurance teams across the lines of defense to ensure audits are focused on areas of high-risk personal data processing and that actions are recorded to address potential issues

• Work with BID and the Insider Risk team on investigations related to Data Privacy incidents

• Work closely with IT and IRM stakeholders on data privacy and security issues and incident response plans

• Ensure that the Data Privacy investigation process is appropriate, risk based and poses no harm/ risk to individuals

• Liaise with external regulators / data protection authorities as required

• Work closely with the DP legal team, Data Privacy Managers in HR and Corporate and with the team in DR to ensure priorities are aligned and that Data Privacy advice is delivered with clarity and efficiency

• Serve as point of contact for data protection authorities for Shell Group

• Maintain an effective external network to benchmark privacy issues with other businesses and industries and have the ability and credibility to influence interpretation of regulations through effective lobbying

What you bring

• Extensive years of experience in data privacy/protection compliance or related field

• At least one (1) Data Protection and/or Privacy certification such as, CIPP, CIPT, ISEB, etc. with experience working with EU data privacy laws

• Deep expertise in data protection laws and practices, including global data protection frameworks

• Experience advising on risk and control frameworks

• Understanding of performance management frameworks, such as the Shell Performance Framework, and their various components

• Ability to work effectively under significant pressure and manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion

• Ability to reprioritise and pivot seamlessly across multiple demands and stakeholder groups

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong attention to detail, and the ability to interact effectively with people at all levels of a large, global organisation

• In-depth knowledge of IT terminology, processes, systems, and applications, as well as database concepts, data modelling, and database applications

• Proven experience with business partnering to achieve compliance, risk mitigation, and cost containment

• Proven experience drafting and delivering training sessions

• Sound judgment and initiative, including strong interpersonal skills, organisational skills, flexibility, and ability to translate legal advice into actionable solutions

• Experience drafting policies and procedures

What we offer 

You bring your skills and experience to Shell and in return you work with talented, committed people on one of the most important challenges facing our planet. You'll have the opportunity to develop the skills you need to grow in an environment where we value honesty, integrity, and respect for one another. You'll be able to balance your priorities as you become the best version of yourself. 

• Progress as a person as we work on the energy transition together. 

• Continuously grow the transferable skills you need to get ahead. 

• Work at the forefront of technology, trends, and practices. 

• Collaborate with experienced colleagues with unique expertise. 

• Achieve your balance in a value-led culture that encourages you to be the best version of yourself.  

• Benefit from flexible working hours, and the possibility of remote/mobile working. 

• Perform at your best with a competitive starting salary and annual performance related salary increase – our pay and benefits packages are among the best in the world. 

• Take advantage of paid parental leave, including for non-birthing parents. 

• Join an organisation working to become one of the most diverse and inclusive in the world. We strongly encourage applicants of all genders, ages, ethnicities, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, and life experiences to apply. 

• Grow as you progress through diverse career opportunities in national and international teams. 

• Gain access to a wide range of training and development programmes. 

Flexible Working Arrangements

SECO is committed to supporting flexible working arrangements where feasible, and subject to applicable policy, regulations and legislative frameworks. If appropriate, please make clear in your application the type of flexible working arrangements for which you would like to be considered.

Note: As part of your application, please submit a motivation letter along with your resume. The motivation letter should outline your reasons for applying to this position and how your skills and experiences align with the job requirements. This will help us better understand your interest in the role and your suitability for the position.

We'd like you to know that Shell has a bold goal: to become one of the world's most diverse and inclusive companies. You can get to know more about how we're working towards that goal, click here.

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DISCLAIMER:

Please note: We occasionally amend or withdraw Shell jobs and reserve the right to do so at any time, including prior to the advertised closing date. Before applying, you are advised to read our data protection policy. This policy describes the processing that may be associated with your personal data and informs you that your personal data may be transferred to Shell/Shell Group companies around the world. The Shell Group and its approved recruitment consultants will never ask you for a fee to process or consider your application for a career with Shell. Anyone who demands such a fee is not an authorised Shell representative and you are strongly advised to refuse any such demand. Shell is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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