Data Governance and Legal Services Manager

University of Suffolk; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Flexible working

USS pension

Staff discounts

Cycle to work

EV salary sacrifice

EAP

Awards

Staff study discounts

Adastral Park membership

Learning & development

Job summary

University of Suffolk is seeking an experienced Data Governance and Legal Services Manager to join the Vice-Chancellor’s Office on a maternity cover basis. The role leads the University’s approach to data protection, governance and legal services, reporting to the University Secretary.

You will oversee GDPR, FOI, DPIAs, data sharing, privacy notices, and regulatory compliance; manage Subject Access Requests and data breaches; and line manage the Data Governance and Legal Services team.

Qualifications

• Experience managing information rights requests and DPIAs.
• Strong knowledge of data protection legislation (UK GDPR, DPA 2018).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with clear advice to senior stakeholders.
• Highly organized, able to handle confidential information and work with senior staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead the University’s data protection, data governance and legal services.
• Oversee Subject Access Requests, FOI requests, data breaches, privacy notices and processing records; prepare compliance reporting.
• Support contract reviews and liaise with legal advisers; contribute to regulatory compliance activity.
• Line manage and collaborate with the Data Governance and Legal Services team and support committees.

Skills

Data protection

UK GDPR

Data governance

DPIAs

FOI

Data sharing

Problem-solving

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance

Job description

Hours: fixed term maternity cover until December 2027, full time, 37 hours per week (1.0 FTE)

Salary: Band 6 (non-negotiable) - £43,482 to £48,823 per annum (pay award pending)

About The Post

The University of Suffolk is looking for an experienced and proactive Data Governance and Legal Services Manager to join the Vice‑Chancellor’s Office on a maternity cover basis.

This role leads the University’s approach to data protection, data governance and legal services. Reporting to the University Secretary, you will act as the University’s Data Protection Officer, providing expert advice and guidance to colleagues across the University on UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, Freedom of Information, privacy matters, data sharing, Data Protection Impact Assessments, data retention and records management.

You will oversee the effective management of Subject Access Requests, Freedom of Information requests, data breaches, privacy notices, data processing records and compliance reporting. The role will also involve supporting contract reviews, liaising with legal advisers where required, contributing to regulatory compliance activity, and preparing reports that identify risks, trends, and training needs.

You will line manage and work closely with colleagues in the Data Governance and Legal Services team, supporting committees including Committee administration, and help deliver projects that strengthen data governance, legal processes, and institutional compliance.

About You

We are looking for someone with strong knowledge of data protection legislation, experience of managing information rights requests and DPIAs, excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, and the ability to provide clear, practical advice on complex matters. You will be highly organised, confident working with senior stakeholders, comfortable handling sensitive and confidential information, and committed to collaborative, professional and service‑focused working.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 25 days for Bands 1-4 and 30 days for Bands 5 and above, plus 8 bank holidays and any university closure days.
• Enjoy an extra day of paid leave on your birthday, subject to qualifying/service conditions.
• Flexible working, including family friendly policies.
• Competitive workplace pension scheme (USS) - with an employer contribution rate of 14.5%, tax relief on contributions and life cover.
• Staff discounts at a number of local amenities in Ipswich.
• Discounted membership at Adastral Park Leisure and Sports
• Access to a range of high-quality learning and development opportunities
• Discounted rates for staff approved to study a UoS undergraduate or postgraduate course, subject to a set of criteria and conditions.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Staff recognition annual awards.

Closing Date: Friday 2 October 2026

Interview Date: To be confirmed

AI tools (ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Grok, etc) can help you get started and prepared for your interview but please remember that AI generated applications, CV and supporting information can easily be spotted. The applications that stand out most are the ones that feel genuine and reflect your unique self. Please see our Job Application Guidance for more information on the use of AI by job applicants.

Applications received may be reviewed before the closing date and should we receive a high number of applications for this post, or high-quality applications which demonstrate suitability, we reserve the right to close the vacancy early. We may hold interviews as and when applications are received, and we reserve the right to offer to a candidate prior to the closing date.

We are a values driven organisation, committed to ensuring we remain a beacon for aspiration and achievement, while providing a great environment to work and study. We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community and we encourage applications from under-represented groups.