Kind Consultancy is working with a large, succesful client which is currently seeking a Data Protection Officer to join them in a full-time, permanent role paying £80,000 to £90,000 dependent on experience. The role will have a hybrid work model requiring 3 in-office days per week, which can be based in the group's Buckinghamshire or Bedfordshire offices.

The Data Protection Officer will lead the organisation's Data Protection strategy and compliance programme, with key responsibilities including:

• Developing, implementing and maintaining data protection strategy, policies, procedures, and controls in line with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and other relevant privacy legislation.
• Providing expert, independent oversight of Data Protection Compliance, challenging first-line operational teams and business processes where necessary to ensure adherence to policies and mitigate risk.
• Informing and advising the Board, senior management, and employees of their obligations under data protection law, providing pragmatic, risk-based advice on all data processing activities.
• Advising on and monitoring compliance with the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), ensuring all electronic marketing activities meet legal requirements for consent and communication.
• Monitoring the effectiveness of the first line's data protection controls and overall compliance with data protection laws, including managing internal data protection audits, identifying gaps, and overseeing remediation plans.
• Advising on and monitoring Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) for new projects, systems, and processes involving personal data, maintaining the Group's record of processing activities (ROPA).
• Leading the management and investigation of personal data breaches, ensuring timely reporting to the ICO and communication with affected data subjects where required.

Our ideal candidate for the Data Protection Officer opportunity:

• Has significant experience operating as a Data Protection Officer or in a senior data protection role within a large, complex, multi-site, and multi-brand Group within Financial Services or another regulated sector.
• Has substantial, hands-on experience managing ICO casework, including responding to subject complaints.
• Has a proven track record of developing and implementing pragmatic data protection frameworks, within a 'Three Lines of Defence' risk model.
• Has demonstrable experience managing personal data breaches and responding to regulatory investigations.
• Is experienced in advising on and conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs).
• Holds a ecognised Data Protection Qualification such as; BCS Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection, Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection (PC.dp), CIPP/E, CIPP/M etc
• Demonstrates ecellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex legal and technical concepts to a non-expert audience.
• Has strong leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders and build trust at all levels and the confidence and gravitas to provide constructive challenge to senior management and first-line operations.
• Is experienced in developing and delivering engaging training sessions.
• Is able to to independently prioritise work from portfolio ensuring an effective risk-based balance of regulatory, commercial support and compliance activity.
• Can independently develop innovative solutions for Data Protection compliance in a complex legacy and transformation environment.
• Demonstrates a highly technical and deep understanding of Data Protection law and regulatory requirements (including those related to AI) such as UK GDPR, GDPR, PECR, DPA18,
• Is pragmatic and commercially aware, with a solution-oriented mindset.

If you're interested in the Data Protection Officer opportunity, have the necessary skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications and are based in or can commute to Buckinghamshire or Bedfordshire, please apply with an updated CV today.