Compliance Governance Manager

Who we are

Ilkari is a privately-held start-up based in Dublin, Ireland. We deliver hyper-private scale innovation and technology to safeguard and secure data, enabling true data sovereignty even as the pace of change accelerates. Our best-in-breed sovereign technology delivers privacy and control over where companies’ data resides, where it flows, and how it’s accessed.

We’re here to rewrite the story of data sovereignty – empowering innovators, pioneers and visionaries to make their mark. We believe the sky is not the limit. We strive for the perfect balance of simplicity and excellence in everything we do, and we’re looking for people who are ready to join our journey and rewrite the story of data sovereignty.

Role overview

The Compliance & Governance Manager establishes, maintains and continuously improves Ilkari's Group Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) framework, providing senior global oversight of Ilkari's legal, regulatory and certification obligations across its six operating jurisdictions in Europe and Latin America, and enabling sustainable growth across Ilkari's digital infrastructure platform (Data Centre, Cloud and Domain services).

The role sits within the Legal & Compliance team and reports to the Managing Legal Counsel. It works closely with Operations, Technology, Finance, Data Centre Operations, Commercial and People, as well as with regulators, certification bodies and local compliance advisers. It is a governance and assurance role; it is not responsible for day-to-day cyber security operations or technology delivery.

· Individual contributor role with no direct reports. Leads Group-wide compliance programmes cross-functionally and influences without direct authority.

What you'll do

· Global GRC framework and policy governance

• Develop, implement and continuously improve the Group GRC framework and global compliance strategy across all business operations, ensuring alignment with regulatory obligations, industry standards and business objectives. Accountable for and continuously developing the Group's compliance framework across all operating jurisdictions, adapting global policy to local legal and regulatory requirements.

• Provide senior compliance advice and assurance to executive stakeholders on cross-jurisdiction risk, regulatory change, certification priorities and governance maturity.

• Own and maintain the Group policy framework and document control process.

• Lead integration of newly acquired businesses into Ilkari's governance and compliance framework and strategy.

· Regulatory, privacy and jurisdictional compliance

• Coordinate Ilkari's NIS2 compliance programme: ensuring governance, documentation, evidence collection, regulatory reporting processes and control assurance are maintained.

• Manage data protection compliance (GDPR and local equivalents) across jurisdictions, including data processing records, cross-border transfer mechanisms, data subject requests, and privacy-by-design input into new services and facilities.

• Coordinate AML/KYC and anti-corruption compliance for the Colombian operation (SAGRILAFT/PTEE) and Free Trade Zone regulatory obligations, working with local advisors and the Compliance Officer on the ground.

• Monitor regulatory developments across Ilkari's global footprint and translate emerging obligations into practical compliance priorities, implementation plans and leadership updates.

• Own and coordinate Ilkari's AI compliance governance, including monitoring emerging AI regulation and standards, maintaining appropriate policies and controls, and ensuring responsible AI use is embedded across business processes, vendor arrangements and customer-facing services.

· Certification, audit and assurance

• Accountable for the planning, coordination and maintenance of the Group's certification programmes, including ISO 27001, ISO 22301, TIA-942, ICREA, DCOS and other certifications required to support Ilkari's commercial, operational and regulatory objectives.

• Coordinate compliance with physical and environmental security standards for data centre facilities, working closely with DC Operations to ensure controls are documented, tested and audit ready.

• Support customer assurance by responding to due diligence and audit requests, including responding to security questionnaires, hosting customer/regulator audits, and maintaining audit-ready evidence and registers.

• Own and maintain the Group compliance calendar and certification roadmap.

· Risk, controls and incident governance

• Maintain Ilkari's compliance risk register, run periodic internal audits and control testing, and escalate material risks with pragmatic, commercially-minded remediation plans.

• Coordinate governance activities following security or compliance incidents, including root-cause reviews, corrective actions, lessons learned and regulatory notification requirements.

· Training, reporting and stakeholder engagement

• Design, deliver and track mandatory compliance training (data protection, information security, anti-bribery, code of conduct) across business units.

• Support procurement and vendor management by embedding data protection, security and compliance requirements into supplier and customer contracts, working alongside the Legal team.

• Coordinate Executive and Board-level reporting on compliance, risk and certification status.

• Prepare concise senior-level reporting, dashboards and briefing materials that clearly communicate compliance status, risks, trends and recommended actions.

• Build strong relationships with certification bodies, auditors and regulators.

• Drive continual improvement of governance processes across the Group.

What are we looking for

· Years of experience: 8+ years establishing and operating GRC frameworks within regulated or critical infrastructure environments, including leading GRC programmes in digital infrastructure, technology, cloud, telecommunications or other regulated sectors. Data centre, cloud or telecoms experience is highly desirable.

· Qualifications: Degree in compliance, business administration, law or a related field. A recognised compliance, data protection or ISO certification (e.g., CIPP/E, ISO 27001 Lead Auditor) is desirable.

· Technical skills: Experience managing internal/external audits and certification cycles; operating across multiple jurisdictions and adapting global frameworks to local regulatory nuance (EU, EEA, LATAM); working knowledge of AI governance, responsible AI principles and emerging AI regulation; strong programme and project management.

· Soft skills: Strong stakeholder management and ability to influence without direct authority; translates technical and regulatory requirements into practical guidance; excellent written and verbal communication, including clear senior-management reporting; attention to detail and ability to prioritise under tight deadlines; high degree of confidentiality, trust and credibility; comfortable working autonomously in a lean, fast-moving team.

· Languages: Fluent English required; professional Spanish or Croatian highly valued but not essential.

What's in it for you

• A friendly, inclusive and multicultural environment - We are made up of over 20 nationalities.

• Private health insurance.

• Life Insurance: peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

• Income protection.

• Pension scheme.

• Four weeks per year to work from anywhere for eligible employees.

• Learning Pocket: annual budget for courses, tools, or certifications.

• Three paid volunteering days each year.

• Generous referral bonus programme.

• A hybrid working model with flexible hours.

Working Conditions

Periodic travel across Ilkari's operating jurisdictions in Europe and Latin America for audits, certification activities, regulatory engagement and internal stakeholder meetings. Works across multiple time zones, with occasional flexibility required around audit cycles, incident governance and regulatory notification deadlines.