Data Protection & AI Governance Manager (m/f/d)

ABOUT US

Pliant is a modular B2B payments platform that combines commercial card issuing, payment accounts, FX, and spend management in one system — adapting to existing setups rather than requiring customers to replace them.

Businesses across industries such as travel, e-commerce, and insurance use Pliant to manage complex payment workflows with cards, backed by credit lines Pliant underwrites itself.

Fintechs and software platforms embed Pliant's payment infrastructure into their own products, from API-based Cards-as-a-Service to fully white-label solutions. Banks use Pliant's Card & Spend OS, the customer-facing interface, on their own infrastructure to run card programs.

Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Berlin, Pliant serves 5,000+ businesses and 40+ partners across Europe and the United States. A principal member of Visa and Mastercard, Pliant issues commercial cards in 13 currencies across 32 countries — under its own European e-money license and with licensed partners in the UK and US.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for a Data Protection & AI Governance Manager (m/f/d) to strengthen our team. In this role, you combine operational coordination with our external data protection law firms with the continued development of our AI governance function. Depending on experience, we will fill this position at Mid-Level or Senior level.

The role can be based in either Berlin (hybrid) or Munich (remote).

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Act as the operational point of contact for our two external data protection law firms — one covering

the EEA/UK, and a separate firm covering the US and coordinate data protection requests and

measures across departments (GDPR, UK GDPR, US state privacy laws)

• Maintain records of processing activities and other privacy compliance documentation required under

applicable EEA, UK and US laws.

• Support Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and the evaluation of new processing activities,

including cross-border data flows (SCCs, UK IDTA, EU-US Data Privacy Framework)

• Act as point of contact for internal departments on day-to-day data protection questions, and prepare

and follow up on audits, training sessions, and notifications to supervisory authorities

• Support the further development of a company-wide, multi-jurisdictional AI governance framework

(processes, policies, roles)

• Assess and classify AI systems against regulatory requirements, particularly the EU AI Act, as well as

Relevant US state regulations and UK guidance

• Maintain an AI inventory / AI risk register
• Act as the interface between departments, IT, Legal, and the external law firms on AI-related projects,

and conduct risk assessments for AI use cases (conformity assessments, impact assessments)

• Develop internal guidelines for the responsible use of AI tools

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• 3-5 years of professional experience in data protection, compliance, AI governance or a related field; candidates with more experience may be considered for a Senior-level position
• Experience coordinating with multiple external law firms or DPOs across different jurisdictions is a plus
• Some experience with, or strong interest in international data protection topics (UK GDPR, US privacy law) is an advantage
• Strong Knowledge of AI regulation (EU AI Act) and interest in helping shape a developing function
• Analytical ability to assess and classify technical systems (a deep technical degree is not required - a solid conceptual understanding of AI systems is sufficient)

WHAT WE OFFER

• The opportunity to work in a growing team with big responsibilities that thrives on a strong exchange of knowledge and excellence
• Attractive remuneration
• Flat hierarchy and transparent communication in a relaxed, professional atmosphere
• Opportunity to develop your talent in a dynamic team with ambitious goals
• Flexibility and possibility to work remotely
• Monthly mobility benefit
• Wellhub Membership
• Pliant Card with monthly credit to explore the product and enjoy food with colleagues

Pliant is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and abilities, and are committed to an inclusive hiring process. If you need any accommodations during the interview process, please let us know.

At Pliant we use the Ashby AI Criteria to assist with looking over resumes against our job qualifications for this role. All final decisions are made by our Talent Team and Hiring Team.

A human is behind these processes. Ashby does not automatically reject candidates or make final hiring decisions. Our teams review all results and make the final hiring decision with every candidate that applies.