Data Privacy Assistant Manager

BDO UK; Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

BDO UK is looking for an Assistant Manager for the Privacy Team in Manchester, focusing on high-quality engagements in data protection compliance. You will oversee client projects, manage portfolios, and contribute to junior staff development.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of UK and EU regulations, excellent communication skills, and the ability to build lasting client relationships. This role offers a blend of management and hands-on delivery responsibilities, with opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of UK and EU Data Protection Regulatory landscape.
• Proactive contributor to team delivery, supports junior members' career ambitions.
• Ability to build lasting client relationships and deliver exceptional service.

Responsibilities

• Lead defined engagements or workstreams within Privacy Team.
• Support engagement planning and delivery.
• Manage portfolio and business development activities.

Skills

UK and EU Data Protection Regulatory knowledge

Client relationship management

Effective communication

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Education

Relevant professional qualification (CIPP/E, CIPP/M, AIGP or equivalent)

Job description

Overview

As an Assistant Manager within our Privacy Team within Risk Advisory Services (RAS), you will play a key role in delivering high‑quality Privacy engagements for a diverse range of clients. You will take responsibility for leading defined engagements or workstreams, supporting engagement planning and delivery, and ensuring work is completed to a high standard in line with BDO methodology.

You will work closely with the rest of the Privacy team, building trusted client relationships and contributing to the effective delivery of engagements.

Alongside this, you will support the development of junior team members and continue to build your technical capability, professional judgement and leadership skills as you progress towards Manager level.

The role combines engagement, and portfolio management with hands on delivery. Typically, you will spend around 40% of your time on management activities—such as business development activities, engagement planning, portfolio oversight and project management—and 60% leading Privacy engagements, with this balance flexing in line with your experience and development.

Qualifications

• Extensive working knowledge of the UK and EU Data Protection Regulatory landscape, and experience leading the delivery of multiple client engagements, ranging from short‑term compliance reviews to longer term implementation programmes
• A collaborative and proactive approach, contributing positively to team delivery and the ability to lead and develop junior members of the team, supporting their career ambitions.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to evaluate evidence, interpret data and articulate well‑reasoned conclusions and pragmatic, client centred, focused recommendations.
• The ability to build and maintain lasting client relationships by delivering exceptional client service. Good organisational skills and flexibility to travel to client sites as required; experience with AI compliance would be desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills and an inquisitive and proactive mindset, with the confidence to challenge constructively, think critically about privacy compliance, and contribute ideas that enhance ways of working and client outcomes, supported by relevant experience in data protection compliance.
• A relevant professional qualification (e.g. CIPP/E, CIPP/M, AIGP or equivalent).