Compliance Lead

Company Description

Speed. Scale. Simplification.

This is our philosophy. This is our momentum. This is your opportunity.

At APCOA, we are not just managing parking spaces – we’re pioneering the future of urban mobility and smart city solutions. With a presence in 12 countries, over 12,000 locations, and more than 50 years of operational leadership, we are Europe’s largest parking and mobility services provider.

And now, we’re entering a bold new chapter.

With the launch of our newly formed Group HQ in West London, we are transforming from a collection of high-performing local business units into a truly enterprise-led, future-fit organisation — one that retains its entrepreneurial spirit while unlocking the power of scale.

Job Description

The Compliance Lead is a key position responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing APCOA's comprehensive compliance program across all European operations. Reporting directly to the General Counsel, this role ensures that APCOA adheres to all applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies while mitigating compliance risks and maintaining the company's reputation for ethical business practices. The position will also serve as the Group Data Protection Officer, requiring deep expertise in data privacy regulations across our European markets.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the development and execution of APCOA's compliance strategy and framework, ensuring alignment and cohesion across the group under our new operating model
• Serve as Group Data Protection Officer, overseeing all data privacy compliance across APCOA's European operations
• Oversee compliance monitoring activities across all jurisdictions where APCOA operates
• Manage and respond to any compliance breaches and reports across our 5,000-person workforce, ensuring efficient resolution of routine compliance matters
• Identify compliance risks and implement appropriate controls and mitigation strategies
• Develop, review, and update compliance policies and procedures with focus on standardization across the group
• Provide strategic compliance advice to senior management and the Board, with particular understanding of private equity governance requirements
• Lead investigations into potential compliance breaches, from routine operational matters to complex regulatory issues
• Establish and maintain relationships with regulatory authorities, particularly data protection authorities
• Manage the compliance team and coordinate with regional compliance officers to ensure consistent group-wide approach
• Report on compliance matters to the General Counsel and executive leadership team
• Ensure adequate compliance training programs are in place across the organization, with emphasis on data protection
• Stay abreast of regulatory changes, particularly in data privacy, and assess their impact on APCOA's operations
• Conduct periodic compliance risk assessments and implement improvement plans

Qualifications

Experience

• Advanced degree in Law, Business Administration, or related field
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in a similar in-house compliance leadership role
• Strong background in data privacy law and regulations (GDPR, national data protection laws)
• Experience working within private equity-backed organizations and understanding PE governance requirements
• Proven track record of developing and implementing compliance programs
• In-depth knowledge of European regulatory frameworks, particularly in relevant industries
• Experience leading compliance teams and initiatives across multiple jurisdictions
• Strong understanding of risk management principles and practices
• Professional compliance certification preferred (e.g., CCEP, CIPP)
• Data Protection Officer certification or equivalent qualification preferred

Skills and Competencies

• Strategic thinking with exceptional analytical abilities
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization and drive group-wide alignment
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Sound judgment and decision-making capabilities, particularly when managing high-volume, routine compliance matters
• Ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into practical business solutions
• Deep expertise in data privacy regulations and ability to serve as Group DPO
• Understanding of private equity governance and compliance expectations
• Integrity and high ethical standards
• Crisis management expertise
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Business acumen with the ability to balance compliance requirements with business objectives
• Efficiency in managing routine compliance matters while maintaining focus on strategic initiatives

Working Conditions

• Full-time position based at APCOA headquarters in Uxbridge
• Reports directly to the General Counsel
• Regular travel to regional offices across Europe
• Participation in executive and board meetings
• Flexibility to address compliance matters as they arise, including routine operational issues

Additional Information

At APCOA, we see beyond the parking space. We see a world where mobility is intelligent, sustainable, and seamlessly integrated into daily life.

Our new Group HQ is more than a physical space — it’s the heartbeat of a new enterprise, where high-impact leaders shape the future.

If you’re ready to apply your expertise to meaningful challenges and help transform an industry —

join APCOA Group HQ. Let’s build what’s next.

APCOA Group HQ is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.