Data Protection Advisor — UK GDPR Expert, SC Cleared

QinetiQ; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 53,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension & life assurance

Holiday allowance

Health & dental insurance options

Employee discount portal

Armed Forces Covenant

Volunteering opportunities

Job summary

QinetiQ in Farnborough is recruiting a Data Protection Advisor to support the Group Head of Business Governance as DPO, coordinating data protection obligations across the organisation and its entities. The role involves engaging with Procurement and Commercial Teams, monitoring UK and global data protection changes, and closing compliance gaps.

You will lead DPIA reviews, provide policy guidance, and drive training to strengthen data protection risk management across multiple sites, with some

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018, including records of processing and DPIA registers.
• Experience interpreting data protection contractual requirements and implementing risk controls.
• Good understanding of related legislation including AI, Data Use and Access/Storage, RIPA, IPA, PECR and EU AI Act.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective stakeholder relationships across multiple business areas.
• Strong analytical, organisational, and attention-to-detail skills with experience developing policies and guidance documents.
• Excellent communication skills, able to work independently, train others, and provide practical compliance advice.

Responsibilities

• Maintain key data protection records, including Records of Processing, DPIA registers, and incident logs.
• Review and oversee DPIAs, agreeing mitigation actions with stakeholders and ensuring completion.
• Lead engagement with internal teams and group entities to implement data protection agreements and compliance frameworks.
• Provide expert guidance on data protection policies, processes, and compliance requirements, escalating complex issues to the DPO when necessary.
• Monitor changes in data protection and related legislation, leading initiatives to maintain ongoing compliance.
• Deliver training, conduct assessments and investigations, and manage data breach responses to strengthen risk management.

Skills

UK GDPR knowledge

Data protection

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Data protection certification (CIPP/E CIPM GDPR cert)

Job description

QinetiQ in Farnborough is recruiting a Data Protection Advisor to support the Group Head of Business Governance as DPO, coordinating data protection obligations across the organisation and its entities. The role involves engaging with Procurement and Commercial Teams, monitoring UK and global data protection changes, and closing compliance gaps.

You will lead DPIA reviews, provide policy guidance, and drive training to strengthen data protection risk management across multiple sites, with some