Data Governance and Legal Services Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Generous leave

Flexible working

Pension (USS)

Staff discounts

Cycle to Work

EAP

Learning & development

Job summary

The University of Suffolk in Ipswich is seeking a Data Governance and Legal Services Manager on a maternity cover basis. The role leads the University's data protection, data governance and legal services, reporting to the University Secretary.

Act as the University’s Data Protection Officer, manage Subject Access Requests, FOI requests, data breaches, privacy notices and data processing records, and support contract reviews.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of data protection legislation
• Experience of managing information rights requests and DPIAs
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to provide clear, practical advice on complex matters
• Organised and able to work with senior stakeholders
• Confident handling sensitive information
• Committed to collaborative, service-focused working

Responsibilities

• Lead the University’s data protection, data governance and legal services.
• Act as the University’s Data Protection Officer.
• Oversee Subject Access Requests, FOI requests, data breaches, privacy notices and data processing records; support contract reviews.
• Prepare reports that identify risks, trends and training needs.
• Line manage the Data Governance and Legal Services team and support committees.

Job description

Job Title: Data Governance and Legal Services Manager

Hours of work: 37 hours

FTE: 1.0 x FTE

Band: Band 6

Full time Equivalent (FTE) Salary: £43,482 to £48,823 (FTE) (pay award pending)

Actual Salary (part time): N/A

Tenure: Fixed term (until December 2027)

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: Thursday 8 October 2026

We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community and we encourage applications from under-represented groups.