Job Description
About the Role
Join our HR Technology team as a Senior Specialist focused on supporting HR data privacy processes. You will support activities related to global data privacy requirements for HR systems and processes. You will support and consult across HR solutions to ensure that new systems, functionality releases, etc., meet the required global privacy standards.
You will be required to influence across multiple levels of the organization, work with HR operations leaders and internal/external partners as needed. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on our company's HR technology landscape.
What You Will Do
- Serve as a HR global privacy steward: Participate in Privacy and GDPR Compliance working group; keep abreast of changes in laws, regulations, and guidelines; share information and ensure proper HR ownership for data privacy.
- Work with the Primary Global Privacy Steward, Global Privacy Office and HR Data Steward to obtain Local and Global Data Privacy and works council approvals.
- Create, update and advise HR teams on required Data Privacy forms for all relevant objects requiring HR data.
- Create, update, and advise HR teams on required AI Assessment forms for all relevant objects requiring AI usage; work with the AI Ethics team, Global Privacy Office, and Legal to obtain Local and Global approvals for AI.
- Advise HR leadership and teams on Privacy risks and mitigation activities.
- Provide guidance and consulting to others regarding HR Privacy practices and governance processes within the HR Community.
- Support SOX Audit Controls for HR Processes to meet Audit requirements.
- Review and approve HR Data requests to ensure HR Privacy compliance.
- Assess risks and prioritize opportunities where we can improve our processes or systems to decrease financial, reputation, legal, or business risk.
- Proactively escalate potential risks early and articulately into business terms.
The Senior Specialist of HR Data Privacy operates in a highly complex and matrix environment and is expected to apply HR functional and operational expertise to drive results. The ideal candidate will be an accomplished HR or IT professional with a mindset and passion for data privacy and experience working with HR policies and processes within a global organization.
Required Qualifications:
- Experience/Education: Minimum 4 years of experience in HRIS, IT, or HR Operations with a Bachelor’s degree, OR minimum 6 years of experience with a High School diploma.
- Global Data Privacy: Minimum of 2 years global data privacy experience with knowledge of Global Data Privacy Regulations & laws.
- Data Governance: Strong understanding of data governance, data management, and data privacy principles
- Compliance: Demonstrated understanding of and appreciation for data privacy concepts and principles (e.g., importance of securing data at rest and in transit, ensuring data is used in a way that is consistent with the intended purpose).
- HR Technology: Minimum of 2 years experience with HR information technology (preferably Workday).
- HR Processes and Programs: Minimum of 2 years demonstrated experience and knowledge of HR processes and programs and willingness to continuously develop.
- Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work within a team and collaborate. Ability to be hands-on and entrenched in the details when necessary. Ability to seek direction when needed as well as work independently, be self-directed with limited and / or an evolving set of available information.
- Environment: Proven experience managing multiple high-priority projects in deadline-driven environments.
- Projects: Experience executing cross-functional projects both as an individual contributor and team member within deadline-driven, fast-paced environments.
- Communication: Solid written and verbal communication skills and proven experience presenting HR Data Privacy processes and procedures to various stakeholders at all levels and across divisions.
- Analysis: Demonstrated experience utilizing analytical skills to resolve complex business problems.
- Relationship Management: Demonstrated competencies in relationship management, facilitation, influencing skills, and working globally as well as cross functionally.
Preferred Qualifications:
- AI Familiarity: Direct experience implementing AI-powered HR tools and navigating AI ethics/privacy approvals.
- Workday Administration: Hands-on experience managing and executing EIBs. Experience processing Workday Business Process transactions.
- Cross-Functional Workday Knowledge: Proven functional knowledge of Workday modules including HCM, GTA, Talent, Learning, Advanced Compensation.
- Reporting: Demonstrated knowledge of Workday report writing, including calculated fields.
- Change Management: Experience acting as a change agent and leading others through organizational or system changes.
- Merger and Acquisitions: Experience executing 2+ mergers, acquisitions and / or divestitures in an HR technology environment.
What we offer:
- Exciting work in a great team, global projects, international environment
- Opportunity to learn and grow professionally within the company globally
- Hybrid working model, flexible role pattern
- Pension and health insurance contributions
- Internal reward system plus referral program
- 5 weeks annual leave, 5 sick days, 15 days of certified sick leave paid above statutory requirements annually, 40 paid hours annually for volunteering activities, 12 weeks of parental contribution
- Cafeteria for tax free benefits according to your choice (meal vouchers, sport, culture, health, travel, etc.), Multisport Card
- Vodafone, Raiffeisen Bank, Foodora, and other discount programs
- Up-to-date laptop and iPhone
- Parking in the garage for drivers or showers for bikers
- Competitive salary, incentive pay, and many more
Required Skills:
Data Governance, Data Management, Governance Management, Human Resources Policies, Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Analysis, Mergers and Acquisitions Strategy, Privacy Compliance, Relationship Management, Report Writing
Preferred Skills:
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Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Employee Status:
Regular
Relocation:
VISA Sponsorship:
Travel Requirements:
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Hybrid
Shift:
Valid Driving License:
Hazardous Material(s):
Job Posting End Date:
10/6/2026
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