Data Protection Advisor

Connells Group; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Connells Group UK is seeking a proactive Data Protection Support to assist the Data Protection Officer in delivering expert advice and ensuring compliance across the Group in a hybrid Milton Keynes environment.

This 12-month fixed-term contract involves DPIAs, ROPA maintenance, ICO communications, and data protection reporting. You will work with Technology, Legal, Risk and HR to embed privacy into processes and protect customer and colleague data.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–3 years' experience in a data protection, compliance, or privacy-related role.
• Experience in a commercial environment (B2C or B2B).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to explain complex privacy concepts in simple terms.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and support DPIAs, identify risks, advise on mitigations, and document requirements.
• Help maintain and update Records of Processing Activities (ROPA) across Group Companies.
• Coordinate the central data protection mailbox, triaging queries, ensuring timely responses and escalation as needed.
• Identify personal data breaches that require escalation to the ICO and assist the DPO with ICO communications.
• Support ICO registrations management, ensuring registrations remain accurate and up to date.
• Prepare and present data protection reports and metrics for governance and leadership.
• Maintain the data protection policy suite and key governance documents.
• Prepare data protection papers and meeting materials, including forums and presentations.
• Support the operational delivery of the second-line data protection compliance framework, including assurance activities.
• Promote data protection awareness and training across the Group.

Skills

UK GDPR

Data Protection Act 2018

PECR knowledge

Data protection operations

Analytical skills

Written & verbal communication

B2B/B2C experience

Job description

Are you passionate about data protection and looking to grow your career in a collaborative, fast‑paced environment? We’re looking for a proactive and motivated individual to support our Data Protection Officer in delivering expert advice and ensuring Connells Group continues to meet the highest standards of data privacy and compliance.

This Role is offered on a 12 Month Fixed Term Contract.

Your responsibilities will include:

In this hybrid role, you’ll support the Data Protection Officer in delivering expert advice and guidance across the Group. You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams – including Technology, Legal, Risk, HR, and external partners – to ensure data protection is built into everything we do.

You will also play a crucial role in supporting the operational delivery of the Second line data protection compliance framework.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Conduct and support Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) by identifying risks, advising on mitigations, and ensuring appropriate documentation is in place.
• Help maintain and update Records of Processing Activities (ROPA) across Group Companies
• Coordinate the central data protection mailbox, responding to or triaging data protection related queries, ensuring timely responses, and escalating issues where appropriate.
• Identify personal data breaches that require escalation to the ICO and assist the DPO with ICO communications as required.
• Support the management of ICO registrations, including ensuring registrations remain accurate, up to date, and reflective of organisational structure and processing activities
• Prepare and present data protection reports and metrics, including trend analysis relating to data protection workstreams and activity to support oversight, governance forums, and senior leadership reporting.
• Maintain the data protection policy suite and key governance documents, ensuring they remain current, clear, and reflective of regulatory expectations and organisational practices
• Support the preparation of data protection papers, presentations (including data protection forums), and meeting materials
• Support the operational delivery of the second‑line data protection compliance framework, including assurance activities, thematic reviews, and monitoring of first‑line controls.
• Promote data protection awareness and good practice by supporting the design, delivery, and continual improvement of data protection training and awareness activities across the Group.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Good understanding of UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018
• Knowledge of PECR requirements
• Minimum 2-3 years' experience in a data protection, compliance, or privacy-related role
• Experience working in a commercial environment (B2C or B2B)
• Understanding of data protection principles and regulatory requirements
• Experience with data protection operational processes (breach management, rights requests)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to explain complex privacy concepts in simple terms

Connells Group UK is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.