Senior Executive Officer (Data Protection & Compliance)

Our public sector client is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Executive Officer (SEO) – Data Protection & Compliance to join their team. This is an excellent opportunity for a data protection, governance, compliance, or FOI professional looking to contribute to a high-profile organisation operating within a regulated environment.

The successful candidate will support the delivery of the organisation’s data protection, freedom of information, records management, and compliance obligations while working closely with senior stakeholders across the business.

Key Responsibilities

Data Protection

• Support ongoing compliance with GDPR and Data Protection legislation.
• Provide advice and guidance on data protection obligations and best practices.
• Assist in managing Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs) and Freedom of Information (FOI) requests.
• Monitor the processing and protection of personal data across the organisation.
• Conduct and support Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs).
• Assist in the management and investigation of personal data breaches.
• Support reporting on data protection compliance, risks, and improvement initiatives.
• Monitor regulatory developments and emerging issues within the data protection landscape.
• Draft and review data-related agreements, including Data Processing Agreements.
• Support requests relating to individuals’ data protection rights.

Compliance & Corporate Governance

• Assist in delivering training and awareness programmes relating to Data Protection and FOI.
• Support ongoing compliance with FOI legislation and provide guidance to decision-makers.
• Assist in maintaining compliance calendars and statutory reporting requirements.
• Support records management activities and ensure adherence to retention policies.
• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders on governance and compliance initiatives.
• Participate in cross-functional projects and working groups as required.

Requirements

Essential

• Relevant third-level qualification in Law, Governance, Compliance, Business, Information Management, Data Protection, Public Administration, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in Data Protection, Compliance, Risk, Governance, FOI, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of GDPR and Data Protection legislation.
• Experience handling DSARs, FOI requests, and compliance-related matters.
• Excellent report-writing, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• High attention to detail and a commitment to confidentiality.

Desirable

• Professional Data Protection qualification (CIPP/E, CDPO, IAPP or equivalent).
• Experience within a public sector, regulatory, education, or highly regulated environment.
• Knowledge of records management and retention policies.
• Experience delivering compliance training and awareness programmes.

Key Competencies

• Data Protection & GDPR
• Freedom of Information (FOI)
• Compliance & Governance
• Risk Management
• Records Management
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Report Writing
• Policy & Procedure Development
• Audit & Compliance Monitoring
• Problem Solving & Decision Making