Senior Manager - Privacy

Company Description

Freshworks makes it fast and easy for businesses to delight their customers and employees. We do this by taking a fresh approach to building and delivering software that is affordable, quick to implement, and designed for the end user. Headquartered in San Mateo, California, Freshworks has a global team operating from 13 global locations to serve more than 65,000 companies -- from startups to public companies – that rely on Freshworks software-as-a-service to enable a better customer experience (CRM, CX) and employee experience (ITSM).
Freshworks’ cloud-based software suite includes Freshdesk (omni-channel customer support), Freshsales (sales automation), Freshmarketer (marketing automation), Freshservice (IT service desk), Freshchat (AI-powered bots), supported by Neo, our underlying platform of shared services.
Freshworks is featured in global national press including CNBC, Forbes, Fortune, Bloomberg and has been a BuiltIn Best Place to work in San Francisco and Denver for the last 3 years. Our customer ratings have earned Freshworks products TrustRadius Top Rated Software ratings and G2 Best of Awards for Best Feature Set, Best Value for the Price and Best Relationship.

Job Description

About the Role

Have you worked in security or privacy for more than seven years and thought you have a better way of doing things? Ever thought you want to build a program your way? This might be your opportunity. 

As Senior Manager of Data Privacy, your role is responsible for building the Freshworks data privacy and protection strategy and program. Not only will you build this program, but manage and maintain the program. You’ll work with cybersecurity, legal, and various teams to build an enterprise-ready privacy program that shifts privacy left—taking a proactive approach to privacy right from the start; design solutions to remediate gaps and enhance the maturity of existing privacy capabilities; improve measurements and monitoring, and develop sustainable processes. You should understand risk management principles and how they apply to cybersecurity environments and leverage cybersecurity frameworks/standards like ISO/IEC 27001:2013, NIST CSF, CIS 18, NIST 800-53, etc. as well as better understand privacy regulations such as General Data Protection Regulation (EU 2016/679), CCPA and ISO/IEC 27701. 

While the base location will be in Chennai, this role will need to work with global resources and teams located in Chennai, India, the EU, and the U.S. 

Role Expectation

• Lead as the subject matter expert on privacy and data protection across Freshworks' critical initiatives.

• Develop and maintain Freshworks’ privacy program, including managing the privacy team.

• Partner with DPO, Cybersecurity, and Internal Audit to maintain and monitor privacy compliance.

• Integrate privacy into product development by working closely with engineering, and product teams.

• Ensure deep comprehension of Freshworks' processes, systems, technologies, data, and compliance/regulatory environments (GDPR, CCPA, etc.).

• Conduct privacy reviews and assessments, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance.

• Oversee third-party privacy assessments to ensure vendor compliance.

• Manage privacy incidents and breaches, including response and remediation.

• Collaborate with the Training & Awareness team to design and implement privacy training programs that keep employees informed and engaged.

• Drive a Privacy-by-Design culture throughout the company.

• Stay up-to-date on global privacy regulations and manage privacy-related projects (e.g., CCPA, GDPR, EU data transfers).

• Draft and support privacy policies, procedures, and guidelines.

• Partner with security teams to assess privacy risks and identify potential vulnerabilities.

• Engage with external privacy experts, and auditors to maintain compliance and industry best practices.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of experience in privacy, security, or technology in SMB or enterprise environments.

• 3-5 years of experience in privacy engineering or compliance.

• Experience leading teams in privacy, cybersecurity, governance, and compliance.

• Solid understanding of data protection technologies (e.g., CASB, AIP, DLP).

• Skilled in leading cross-functional teams and managing multiple projects.

• Hands-on experience in implementing data protection and governance programs.

• Familiar with implementing technical controls for privacy and data protection.

• Practical experience documenting data inventories and data protection activities.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, identify privacy challenges, and propose actionable solutions aligned with business goals.

• Privacy certifications like CIPP/US, CIPP/E, CIPM, CIPT, or similar are highly desirable.

• Experienced in analyzing privacy legislation and applying recommendations for privacy-aligned outcomes.

• Experience with global SaaS operations.

• Familiarity with cloud data security and platforms (AWS, Azure, Google).

Additional Information

At Freshworks, we are creating a global workplace that enables everyone to find their true potential, purpose, and passion irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion and ethnicity. We are committed to providing equal opportunity for all and believe that diversity in the workplace creates a more vibrant, richer work environment that advances the goals of our employees, communities and the business.