Hire a certified Datenschutzbeauftragter (DSB) in Cologne in minutes from over 15,000 CVs with the power of AI.
Secure your business compliance with experts skilled in GDPR regulation, data privacy audits, and risk assessments. Our platform matches you with vetted freelance data protection officers in Cologne within hours.
About the certification
The Strategic Role of a Data Protection Officer
A Datenschutzbeauftragter (DSB) ensures that companies process personal data in strict compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the German Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG). Having a certified data protection officer is not just a regulatory obligation for many businesses in Germany, but also a cornerstone of digital trust. These professionals act as independent advisors, bridge the gap between technical operations and legal requirements, and serve as the primary contact for supervisory authorities.
Core Competencies and Skills
Freelancers holding this certification have validated their expertise through rigorous testing by recognized German institutions such as TÜV, DEKRA, or IHK. They possess a deep understanding of IT security, legal frameworks, and organizational data flows.
- Implementation of technical and organizational measures (TOMs)
- Conducting comprehensive Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIA)
- Creating and maintaining the Record of Processing Activities (VVT)
- Managing data subject access requests and handling data breaches
- Training employees on privacy regulations and secure data handling
Local Context and Regulatory Environment in Cologne
Cologne is a major economic hub in North Rhine-Westphalia, hosting a diverse mix of media companies, insurance firms, and tech startups. Engaging a local freelancer in Cologne ensures quick on-site availability for physical audits, direct stakeholder training, and local coordination. Furthermore, these experts are highly familiar with the specific interpretations and enforcement guidelines of the State Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information of North Rhine-Westphalia (LDI NRW).
Typical Project Scenarios for a Freelance DSB
Organizations frequently bring in freelance compliance experts to navigate transition phases or handle specialized projects. Common scenarios include preparing for an external audit, migrating local IT infrastructure to cloud-based systems, or establishing compliant marketing pipelines. A freelance specialist can step in immediately to resolve bottlenecks, audit existing structures, and establish robust privacy frameworks without adding permanent internal headcount.
Meet FRATCH Data Protection Officer (DSB) Experts
Andreas Schott
Interim Manager / Consultant
Last position:
Interim Manager / Consultant at BTC AG
- Support in steering complex projects in agile, classic, and hybrid environments
- Setting up and implementing governance structures for clear roles, responsibilities, and decision paths
- Designing and moderating workshops (e.g. kick-offs, retrospectives, lessons learned)
- Developing and introducing standardized processes and templates for project, portfolio, and change management
- Supporting companies in their development toward agile or autonomous structures
- Analyzing and improving cooperation between line organization, project management, and operations
- Introducing role profiles and competency models for new ways of working
- Developing guiding principles for decision-making (e.g. based on company strategy, profitability, customer focus)
- Moderating conflict discussions and decision-making meetings between stakeholders
- Developing and applying guidelines for communication in change processes
- Supporting managers with feedback and reflection formats
- Visual preparation of complex topics for management decisions
- Developing use cases for AI-supported automation in project work
- Supporting the evaluation and introduction of digital tools to improve processes
- Operational responsibility for Citrix & AD/Access: ensuring stable IT operations incl. incident management, handovers, and quality assurance in day-to-day business
- Eliminating operational gaps through clear separation of responsibilities between BTC, BITS, and service providers
- Carrying out a structured gap analysis of existing service descriptions, make-or-buy decisions, and role clarification with KPI anchoring
- Escalation management with fast intervention in case of conflicting goals and unclear responsibilities
Valeri Milke
Associate Partner - Information Security Consulting
Last position:
Associate Partner - Information Security Consulting at Insentis GmbH
- Improvement of the Information Security Management System (ISMS) based on ISO 27001, NIS2, DORA, B3S, TISAX and BSI IT Baseline Protection
- Conducting comprehensive gap analyses to identify gaps and derive action plans according to the above standards and regulations; management and KPIs
- Data Loss Prevention strategy and implementation using MS Purview
- Vulnerability and patch management, security monitoring
- Risk analysis and threat modeling using the STRIDE methodology
- Development of vendor risk assessments, implementation of risk classifications, conducting supplier assessments and implementing technical monitoring solutions (e.g. Security ScoreCard)
- Securing cloud environments (AWS and Azure); expertise in CSPM/CNAPP (Wiz), cloud migration, secure CI/CD pipelines, container security and best practices in AWS, Azure and Office 365
- Application security: penetration testing, DevSecOps, OWASP, pre-commit hooks, key and secret management, IDE plugins, static source code analysis, dependency checks, container scanning, vulnerability management, CIS benchmarks and compliance
- Security assessment and hardening according to CIS benchmarks and cloud conformity in AWS, Office 365 and Azure
Valeri Milke
Associate Partner - Information Security Consulting
Last position:
Associate Partner - Information Security Consulting at Insentis GmbH
- Improvement of the Information Security Management System (ISMS) based on ISO 27001, NIS2, DORA, B3S, TISAX and BSI IT Baseline Protection
- Conducting comprehensive gap analyses to identify gaps and derive action plans according to the above standards and regulations; management and KPIs
- Data Loss Prevention strategy and implementation using MS Purview
- Improvement of the Information Security Management System (ISMS) based on ISO 27001, NIS2, DORA, B3S, TISAX and BSI IT Baseline Protection
- Conducting comprehensive gap analyses to identify gaps and derive action plans according to the above standards and regulations; management and KPIs
- Data Loss Prevention strategy and implementation using MS Purview
- Vulnerability and patch management, security monitoring
- Risk analysis and threat modeling using the STRIDE methodology
- Development of vendor risk assessments, implementation of risk classifications, conducting supplier assessments and implementing technical monitoring solutions (e.g. Security ScoreCard)
- Securing cloud environments (AWS and Azure); expertise in CSPM/CNAPP (Wiz), cloud migration, secure CI/CD pipelines, container security and best practices in AWS, Azure and Office 365
- Application security: penetration testing, DevSecOps, OWASP, pre-commit hooks, key and secret management, IDE plugins, static source code analysis, dependency checks, container scanning, vulnerability management, CIS benchmarks and compliance
- Security assessment and hardening according to CIS benchmarks and cloud conformity in AWS, Office 365 and Azure
- Vulnerability and patch management, security monitoring
- Risk analysis and threat modeling using the STRIDE methodology
- Development of vendor risk assessments, implementation of risk classifications, conducting supplier assessments and implementing technical monitoring solutions (e.g. Security ScoreCard)
- Securing cloud environments (AWS and Azure); expertise in CSPM/CNAPP (Wiz), cloud migration, secure CI/CD pipelines, container security and best practices in AWS, Azure and Office 365
- Application security: penetration testing, DevSecOps, OWASP, pre-commit hooks, key and secret management, IDE plugins, static source code analysis, dependency checks, container scanning, vulnerability management, CIS benchmarks and compliance
- Security assessment and hardening according to CIS benchmarks and cloud conformity in AWS, Office 365 and Azure
Philipp Freiberg
Project Manager & Marketing Manager
Last position:
Project Manager & Marketing Manager at umagine GmbH
- Agile project management
- Support for marketing projects
- Building the marketing agency Brainverse UG
- Corporate communication
- Content creation
- Copywriting
- CI/CD development
- Technical consulting for digital transformation
Philipp Freiberg
Project Manager & Marketing Manager
Last position:
Project Manager & Marketing Manager at umagine GmbH
- Agile project management
- Support for marketing projects
- Building the marketing agency Brainverse UG
- Corporate communication
- Content creation
- Copywriting
- CI/CD development
- Technical consulting for digital transformation
- Agile project management
- Support for marketing projects
- Building the marketing agency Brainverse UG
- Corporate communication
- Content creation
- Copywriting
- CI/CD development
- Technical consulting for digital transformation
Thomas Reick
BI Consultant and Power BI Developer
Last position:
BI Consultant and Power BI Developer at Plusnet GmbH
- In-depth forensics of old and new data sources
- Enhancing existing reports and creating new data analyses
- Data preparation from source systems and semantic models
- Azure DevOps integration
- Tools/Skills: MS-PowerBI, DAX, MS-Office 365, PowerQuery, M, PowerAutomate, Redmine, SharePoint, SQL (T-SQL, Oracle), MS Fabric
Thomas Reick
BI Consultant and Power BI Developer
Last position:
BI Consultant and Power BI Developer at Plusnet GmbH
- In-depth forensics of old and new data sources
- Enhancing existing reports and creating new data analyses
- Data preparation from source systems and semantic models
- Azure DevOps integration
- In-depth forensics of old and new data sources
- Enhancing existing reports and creating new data analyses
- Data preparation from source systems and semantic models
- Azure DevOps integration
- Tools/Skills: MS-PowerBI, DAX, MS-Office 365, PowerQuery, M, PowerAutomate, Redmine, SharePoint, SQL (T-SQL, Oracle), MS Fabric
- Tools/Skills: MS-PowerBI, DAX, MS-Office 365, PowerQuery, M, PowerAutomate, Redmine, SharePoint, SQL (T-SQL, Oracle), MS Fabric
Matthias Fitzner
Information Security Project Manager
Last position:
Information Security Project Manager at Deutsche Bahn AG
- Introduction of a new Information Security Management System (ISMS) according to ISO/IEC 27001.
- Implementation of the cybersecurity guideline RL CySec-Rail for cross-border rail networks.
Matthias Fitzner
Information Security Project Manager
Last position:
Information Security Project Manager at Deutsche Bahn AG
- Introduction of a new Information Security Management System (ISMS) according to ISO/IEC 27001.
- Implementation of the cybersecurity guideline RL CySec-Rail for cross-border rail networks.
- Introduction of a new Information Security Management System (ISMS) according to ISO/IEC 27001.
- Implementation of the cybersecurity guideline RL CySec-Rail for cross-border rail networks.
Torsten Schneider
Managing Director
Last position:
Managing Director at mac + you GmbH
- CFO of the company
- Consulting in processes and process management
- Consulting in information security ISO 27001
- Consulting Scrum / Agile Management
- Project management for IT projects, especially doctors' practices
- Digitalization projects
- Data protection / data security training
Torsten Schneider
Managing Director
Last position:
Managing Director at mac + you GmbH
- CFO of the company
- Consulting in processes and process management
- Consulting in information security ISO 27001
- Consulting Scrum / Agile Management
- CFO of the company
- Consulting in processes and process management
- Consulting in information security ISO 27001
- Consulting Scrum / Agile Management
- Project management for IT projects, especially doctors' practices
- Digitalization projects
- Data protection / data security training
- Project management for IT projects, especially doctors' practices
- Digitalization projects
- Data protection / data security training
Peter Weiß
Business Analyst
Last position:
Business Analyst at Finanz Informatik GmbH & Co. KG
- Maintenance and further development of the OSPlus software in the cashier area
- Use of IBM Notes and HP Quality Center
Peter Weiß
Business Analyst
Last position:
Business Analyst at Finanz Informatik GmbH & Co. KG
- Maintenance and further development of the OSPlus software in the cashier area
- Use of IBM Notes and HP Quality Center
- Maintenance and further development of the OSPlus software in the cashier area
- Use of IBM Notes and HP Quality Center
Klaus-Dieter Krause
Executive Partner
Last position:
Executive Partner at iAP-Independent Audit Professionals GmbH
Klaus-Dieter Krause
Executive Partner
Last position:
Executive Partner at iAP-Independent Audit Professionals GmbH
Eilert Stamm
Data Protection Coordinator / Specialist
Last position:
Data Protection Coordinator / Specialist at Global Pharmaceutical Company
- Reviewing and improving processes for maintaining the records of processing activities in OneTrust
- Conducting interviews with all business units
- Performing data protection impact assessments
- Developing deletion concepts
- Legal assessment
- Drafting data protection notices
- Audit support and preparation
- Regular reporting to the Global Privacy Officer
Eilert Stamm
Data Protection Coordinator / Specialist
Last position:
Data Protection Coordinator / Specialist at Global Pharmaceutical Company
- Reviewing and improving processes for maintaining the records of processing activities in OneTrust
- Conducting interviews with all business units
- Performing data protection impact assessments
- Reviewing and improving processes for maintaining the records of processing activities in OneTrust
- Conducting interviews with all business units
- Performing data protection impact assessments
- Developing deletion concepts
- Legal assessment
- Drafting data protection notices
- Audit support and preparation
- Regular reporting to the Global Privacy Officer
- Developing deletion concepts
- Legal assessment
- Drafting data protection notices
- Audit support and preparation
- Regular reporting to the Global Privacy Officer
Nicole B.
Controller
Last position:
Team Lead Financial Controlling at Best Secret Group SE
["Supported SAP implementation","Led the team at the PCII level","Responsible for cost development at this level","Monthly forecasts","Reporting","Budget responsibility","MS Office Excel","MS Office Power BI","MS Dynamics Navision","Agenda","Office 365","SAP R/3","Datev Unternehmen Online","Data Protection Officer"]
Discover over 15,000 top freelancers
Data Protection Officer (DSB) Experts statistics
Aggregated from the professional profiles of matched freelancers.
Experience
21 years
Position duration
2.9 years
Positions per freelancer
11
Top business areas
Information Technology, Project Management, Operations
Top industries
Professional Services, Information Technology, Healthcare
Certification focus areas
Legal, Information Technology, Quality Assurance
Bachelor's degree or higher
75%
Master's degree or higher
50%
Doctorate
13%
Certifications per freelancer
6
Most common languages
German, English, French
Speak two or more languages
100%
Daily Rate Distribution
The chart shows how the daily rates of freelancers holding this certification are distributed, based on recent contracts on our platform. Each bar covers a rate range — its height shows how many freelancers charge within that range. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
Average rates for Data Protection Officer (DSB) Experts & Seniority distribution
Rates are based on recent contracts and do not include FRATCH margin.
The average daily rate is the mean of all daily rates from recent contracts of comparable freelancers on our platform.
The median daily rate is the middle value of all daily rates — half of comparable freelancers charge less, half charge more. Unlike the average, it is barely affected by outliers.
Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need more info? We have all the details about FRATCH
A certified Datenschutzbeauftragter (DSB) monitors compliance with privacy laws, advises on data protection impact assessments, and acts as the point of contact for data subjects and supervisory authorities. They ensure that all business processes involving personal data align with German and European legal standards.
The DSB certification is typically issued by recognized testing organizations in Germany, including TÜV, DEKRA, and the IHK. These bodies verify that the candidate has the necessary legal and technical knowledge required under the German Federal Data Protection Act.
While many tasks can be performed remotely, having a local compliance expert in the Cologne area allows for efficient physical IT audits, on-site workshops, and direct coordination with local management. It also ensures the expert is accustomed to the regional practices of the supervisory authority in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Yes, a Datenschutzbeauftragter (DSB) is the German designation for a Data Protection Officer (DPO). The roles are identical under the GDPR, though a German-certified expert brings specific expertise in local regulations like the BDSG.
Candidates for the DSB certificate must demonstrate solid professional experience in IT, law, or business administration. They must also undergo specialized training covering national and European data privacy laws, security measures, and risk management techniques before passing an official exam.
In the event of a breach, a freelance DSB quickly assesses the severity of the leak, advises on containment strategies, and coordinates the mandatory notification to the supervisory authority within the strict legal deadlines. Their objective assessment helps minimize regulatory fines and reputational damage.
Yes, startups and small businesses in Cologne must appoint a DSB if they meet the statutory thresholds regarding the number of employees processing automated data, or if their core business activities involve high-risk processing of sensitive personal data.
While some certificates do not have a hard expiration date, a qualified DSB must continuously update their knowledge to maintain their professional reliability as mandated by law. This is typically achieved through regular advanced training courses on emerging digital regulations and cybersecurity trends.
The average hourly rate for freelancers with Data Protection Officer (DSB) Experts in Cologne is 112 €, which corresponds to a daily rate of about 893 € based on an 8-hour working day.
Of the freelancers with Data Protection Officer (DSB) Experts in Cologne, 75% hold at least a Bachelor's degree, 50% hold at least a Master's degree, and 13% hold a doctorate.
On average, freelancers with Data Protection Officer (DSB) Experts in Cologne have 21 years of professional experience, with a single engagement typically lasting around 2.9 years.
The most common languages among freelancers with Data Protection Officer (DSB) Experts in Cologne are German (100%), English (100%), and French (20%).
The most common industries among freelancers with Data Protection Officer (DSB) Experts in Cologne are Professional Services (100%), Information Technology (70%), and Healthcare (50%).
The most common business areas among freelancers with Data Protection Officer (DSB) Experts in Cologne are Information Technology (90%), Project Management (80%), and Operations (70%).
FRATCH Data Protection Officer (DSB) Experts main locations
Our freelancers and interim experts are at home across the DACH region — available on-site in the major business hubs or fully remote. Choose a location to discover matched specialists, local market insights and up-to-date availability.
Berlin Hamburg Munich 
Cologne Frankfurt Stuttgart Dusseldorf Leipzig Dortmund Essen Bremen Dresden Hanover Nuremberg Request a Free Demo
Get in touch with the FRATCH team and we will get back to you within 4 hours.
Would you rather directly get in touch?
We always have the time for a call or email!
Philipp Thomaschewski
FRATCH CEO
