(75B) Data Protection Officer

Pret A Manger; City of Westminster; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food company in the UK is seeking a Data Protection Officer to ensure compliance with data protection laws and regulations. You will lead data privacy initiatives, manage relationships with regulatory bodies, and promote a culture of data privacy within the organization. Ideal candidates have over 5 years of experience and relevant data protection certifications. The role offers a competitive salary and extensive benefits including annual leave and private medical cover.

Benefits

£65,000 - £80,000 salary plus 10% bonus potential

Gold Card for free food and drinks

33-38 days annual leave

Free private medical cover

Pension contribution matching

Life assurance

Flexible Benefits Platform

Season ticket loans

Sabbatical after 3 years

Qualifications

• 5+ years in privacy or compliance roles.
• Proven track record in driving data protection programmes.
• In-depth knowledge of UK and EU GDPR.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with data protection laws.
• Develop strategies and policies for data privacy.
• Act as primary contact for data privacy matters.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Data privacy knowledge

Regulatory interaction

Education

Data Protection Certification (CIPM or CIPP/E)

Job description

Data Protection Officer

We’re Pret: proud makers of freshly made food, organic coffee, and big ideas. Across 750+ shops and 20+ countries, our teams are shaping the future of Pret through innovation, inclusion, great customer service and a shared passion for doing the right thing. We’re growing fast on our mission to be the employer of choice in hospitality, everywhere we operate – so this an exciting time to hop on board.

We Believe in Growing Good Things

Growth is at the heart of everything we do. From the freshly hand‑made food we create every day, to supporting our teams, we help our people grow in confidence, skills and to pursue their unique paths. Pret is where passionate, hardworking, wonderful people (like you!) find what they need to shine. And the proof is in the pudding – over 80% of our Managers started on the shop floor! So did 20% of our Support Centre teams, including our CEO, Pano.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for passionate team players to bring joy to our customers every day. As the Data Protection Officer (DPO) you’ll ensure that all personal data captured, processed and stored by Pret complies with applicable data protection laws and regulations (including UK and EU GDPR). The role provides expert guidance, supports business functions in meeting compliance obligations, and promotes a culture of data privacy across the organisation. The DPO works collaboratively with internal teams, franchise partners, suppliers and regulators.

Key Responsibilities

Governance & Compliance

• Act as the primary point of contact for data privacy matters across the business.
• Develop and implement strategies, policies and controls to ensure compliance with data protection legislation globally.
• Maintain statutory records, including Records of Processing Activities, Legitimate Interest Assessments, Transfer Risk Assessments and Data Subject Request Logs.
• Monitor regulatory developments and update internal policies accordingly.

Data Management & Documentation

• Work with the Data Governance Manager in documenting data flows, retention schedules, and pseudonymisation practices.
• Ensure Privacy by Design principles are embedded in projects, including conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs).

Regulatory & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the first point of contact for supervisory authorities (e.g., ICO) and individuals exercising their data rights.
• Respond to data subject requests and ensure consistent processes for handling rights‑based enquiries.

Incident Management & Security

• Lead investigations into suspected or actual data breaches, maintaining incident logs, reporting outcomes and defining improvement plans.
• Collaborate with the Cyber Security Manager to ensure robust data security measures and breach response plans.

Contracts & Third‑Party Oversight

• Review of data protection clauses in contracts, Data Processing Agreements and Standard Contractual Clauses.
• Work with suppliers and technology partners to ensure compliance with data protection requirements.

Training & Awareness

• Develop and deliver training programs to embed data protection awareness across the business.
• Promote best practices and share learnings across international markets.

Monitoring & Reporting

• Define and track KPIs for data protection compliance.
• Produce quarterly reports for the Information Security & Data Protection Governance Committee.
• Plan and execute regular internal audits to identify and mitigate risks proactively.

Emerging Technologies & AI Governance

• Contribute to responsible AI governance initiatives and business awareness of data protection implications.

Experience and Skills required

• Proven senior leader (5+ years in privacy or compliance) with a track record of driving global data protection programmes in complex, fast‑paced environments.
• Ideally holding an applicable Data Protection Certification such as CIPM or CIPP/E.
• In‑depth knowledge of UK and EU GDPR and global data protection frameworks.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience in handling regulatory interactions and data breach investigations.
• Familiarity with data governance, cybersecurity principles and contractual compliance.

About you

• Be kind, honest and generous: bring genuine warmth and your authentic self to work every day.
• Bring your passion: share our passion for food and exceptional customer service.
• Spread joy every day: small acts of kindness are a big part of what makes the Pret experience special.

We offer

• £65,000 - £80,000 plus 10% bonus potential
• Gold Card: We love making people’s day through our food and drinks. That goes for our teams too. That’s why everyone gets a Gold Card. When you’re in the office, your food and drinks are on us. And when you’re not, you can use your Gold Card to get up to 5 Barista‑made drinks a day, and 50% off everything else (food, snacks, bottled drinks – the lot).

A few more perks

• You’ll get 33 days of annual leave (including flexible Bank Holidays), increasing to 38 days the longer you’re with us.
• Free private medical cover, with the option to add family or partner at an additional cost.
• 4% of your pension contribution matched by Pret, rises to 5% after 5 years.
• Life assurance at 3x annual salary.
• Loyalty award for 5, 10, 15, 20 years’ service.
• Flexible Benefits Platform packed with lifestyle discounts.
• Season ticket loans.
• Healthcare cash plan.
• Financial wellbeing provisions.
• Free mortgage services.
• Sabbatical after 3 years.
• Opportunities to support our charity, The Pret Foundation.

We also offer

• Individual ways to grow - We offer lots of opportunities for learning, whether you join us for a short stint or the long game, you’re good to grow with us. Including fully funded professional qualifications, leadership development and mentoring.
• Diversity and belonging - Everyone is welcome at Pret, we want you to feel confident and valued for who you are and to truly belong.
• Pace and variety - Our work is fast paced with lots of variety, you’ll build a diverse skill set and learn a lot!
• Community and purpose - We’re proud to make a difference through The Pret Foundation, from tackling homelessness to reducing food waste and creating positive change for people and communities.

Our values

• Happy Teams Happy Customers
• Amazing Standards Every day
• Never Standing Still
• Doing The Right Thing

The interview journey

Every interview process at Pret begins with the same two stages. First, you’ll have a relaxed 30‑minute conversation with our recruitment team so we can get to know you and your experience. Next, you’ll be invited to a one‑hour, in‑person interview with the hiring manager at our Head Office in London Victoria.

Depending on the role and function, there may be additional stages. These could include time spent in one of our shops, completing a task, or meeting a senior leader.

Before you apply

This role is based at Pret’s Support Centre in London Victoria, where we work in a hybrid way - typically three days a week in the office.

We’d love to get to know you, not a robot, so please do not rely on AI to complete your application.

Deadline to apply for this role: 11/12/2025