Data Protection Associate Permanent Position

Eisai; Hatfield; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company in Hatfield is seeking a Data Protection Associate to ensure compliance with GDPR and local data protection laws. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of data protection regulations, experience in privacy roles, and excellent communication skills. This role offers a competitive salary and a hybrid working model along with a robust benefits package.

Benefits

Hybrid working

Car / Car Allowance

Electric charging points

Discretionary Bonus

Free onsite parking

Subsidised restaurant

Learning and development opportunities

Retail discounts

Well-being programmes

Multi-faith prayer room

Qualifications

• A degree in a relevant field is essential.
• Knowledge of GDPR and data protection regulations.
• Experience in data protection or privacy roles.

Responsibilities

• Support the EMEA Data Protection Officer in regulatory compliance.
• Conduct vendor and third-party privacy assessments.
• Perform data protection impact assessments.

Skills

Proactive

Knowledgeable in data protection

Innovative thinking

Excellent communication

Strong organizational skills

Attention to detail

Resilience

Education

Degree in law, cybersecurity, computer science, data science or related field

CIPP(E) preferred

Tools

OneTrust

Job description

Data Protection Associate – Permanent Position (4013)

Eisai is a leading research‑based pharmaceutical organisation with an extensive portfolio across the Oncology, Neurology and Pain therapy areas.

By joining Eisai you will be working for an organisation with a human healthcare philosophy which means that we put the patient first in everything we do.

Your new role

Support the EMEA Data Protection Officer (DPO) & EMEA Data Protection Manager (DPM) in ensuring that Eisai’s operations across the EMEA region as well as other Eisai entities outside the UK / EU comply with the GDPR and all relevant local data protection laws. This role plays a key part in maintaining Eisai’s commitment to privacy regulatory compliance and ethical data handling.

What are we looking for

Qualifications Education and Languages Required

• A degree in law, cybersecurity, computer science, data science or other area relevant to data protection or equivalent.
• CIPP(E) (Certified Information Privacy Professional (Europe)) preferred but not essential.
• A second language (ideally French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish or Japanese) is advantageous but not required.

Essential Skills and Experience

We are seeking a proactive and knowledgeable professional who is passionate about data protection and privacy. The ideal candidate will demonstrate innovative thinking while aligning with Eisai’s culture and values. If you enjoy working across diverse teams and tackling complex privacy challenges, this role is for you.

• Previous experience in data protection and privacy compliance with experience in working on special categories of personal data and high‑risk personal data processing activities.
• Strong working knowledge of GDPR, UK GDPR and the UK Data Protection Act with hands‑on experience applying these regulations in a business setting.
• Experience using data privacy online platform (OneTrust would be preferred but not essential) including creating and updating privacy assessments and templates.
• Understanding of AI regulations and AI Governance especially the EU AI Act and how AI impacts personal data processing.
• Previous experience in a data protection or privacy role, ideally within the pharmaceutical or life sciences sector.
• Familiarity with other global data protection laws (e.g. Saudi Arabia, Israel) is a plus but not essential.

Practical Experience in Privacy Operations

You should be able to demonstrate experience in one or more of the following:

• Vendor and third‑party privacy assessments
• Data protection compliance reviews
• Data protection impact assessments (DPIAs)
• Legitimate interest assessments (LIAs)
• Transfer impact assessments (TIAs)
• AI Impact Assessments (AIAs)

Communication & Organisational Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English with the ability to present and negotiate effectively.
• Comfortable working in a matrix organisation collaborating across departments and regions.
• Strong time‑management skills with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Skills & Attributes We Value

• Strong influencing and communication skills able to engage stakeholders and explain complex privacy concepts clearly.
• Confidence under pressure capable of enforcing standards and making sound decisions in challenging situations.
• Self‑motivation, a proactive approach with the ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills able to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines effectively.
• Collaborative mindset builds strong relationships with colleagues, business partners and cross‑functional teams.
• Team player, a team‑oriented person who contributes positively to team dynamics and supports shared goals.
• Attention to detail ensures accuracy and thoroughness in all aspects of work.
• Resilience stays focused and adaptable in a rapidly changing regulatory environment.

What we offer in return

Eisai offers a competitive salary and an excellent wider benefits package that includes:

• Hybrid working (Depending on role)
• Car / Car Allowance (Depending on role)
• Electric charging points for Electric / Hybrid vehicles
• Discretionary Bonus
• Free onsite parking
• Subsidised onsite restaurant and coffee shop
• Learning and development opportunities
• Retail discounts
• Well‑being & mental health awareness programmes
• Multi‑faith prayer room

You will also be based out of our excellent EMEA Knowledge Centre (EKC) facility which is our EU Headquarters and offers an inclusive and collaborative working environment.

What you need to do next

If you are interested in this position please click apply now at the top of this advert. Upon submitting your application you will be asked to complete your profile and upload a copy of your CV along with any additional information to support your application.

Eisai Recruitment Statement

Diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to our success and we welcome applications from all people from all backgrounds with the experience and skills needed to perform this role. We look forward to receiving your application.

Eisai EMEA EDI Commitment Statement

We believe that diverse and inclusive teams promote wellbeing, learning and innovation helping Eisai serve our patients, their families, our employees and society. Our commitment is:

• to embrace and celebrate our differences, respecting and valuing each other.
• to include equity, diversity and inclusion practices in all that we do so everyone has a full sense of belonging.
• to value individual talent where every employee can be themselves and thrive in an environment of openness, trust and integrity.