Data Protection Officer

Energy Saving Trust; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental organization is seeking a Data Protection Officer to lead their data protection strategy and ensure compliance with UK GDPR. This role offers flexibility in work location, allowing for home-based or office-based options. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills and expertise in data protection. Join a team focused on tackling climate emergencies and promoting sustainable practices.

Benefits

25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays

Three extra days off over Christmas

Competitive pension scheme

Flexibility in work location

Two paid volunteering days per year

Qualifications

• Experience in data protection and compliance with UK GDPR.
• Leadership experience in a similar role preferable.

Responsibilities

• Lead data protection strategy and oversee compliance.
• Manage and mentor the Assistant Data Protection Officer.
• Collaborate with IT and cybersecurity teams.

Skills

Expert Knowledge

Leadership Skills

Analytical Thinking

Communication

Proactivity and Initiative

Job description

Location

Location: Flexible within the UK. Home-based, blended or fully office based (from our offices in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh or London)

Closing Date

Closing Date: 14 August 2025

Reference

Ref: SB 1392

Are you passionate about data protection and want to make a real impact in the fight against the climate emergency? Join Energy Saving Trust as our Data Protection Officer and help ensure we handle personal and organisational data with integrity, transparency, and care.

Who we are

Energy Saving Trust is a leading and trusted organisation, dedicated to promoting energy efficiency, low carbon transport and sustainable energy use. We aim to address the climate emergency and deliver the wider benefits of clean energy as we transition to net zero.

At Energy Saving Trust we don’t just offer jobs – we offer careers. For our people, being part of the effort to address the climate emergency makes working for us truly meaningful and rewarding.

Benefits

• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, with additional leave earned through length of service
• Three extra days off over the Christmas period as a gesture of goodwill
• A competitive pension scheme with generous employer contributions
• Flexibility in our ways of working – work from home, in the office, or a mix of both, depending on your role
• Two paid volunteering days per year – a chance to give back to the causes that matter most to you

Please see our careers page for the full list of benefits we have to offer and why Energy Saving Trust is a great place to work.

The team

What we do, how we work, our culture and why join us are described below:

There’s a real sense of purpose here. We’re not just ticking boxes—we’re helping shape a more sustainable future while supporting each other every step of the way.

The role

As a key member of our Finance, Risk and Compliance Centre of Excellence, you’ll lead our data protection strategy, oversee compliance with UK GDPR and related legislation, and act as a trusted advisor across the organisation. You’ll manage and mentor the Assistant Data Protection Officer and collaborate with IT and cybersecurity teams to align data protection with information security standards.

You’ll play a vital role in embedding a culture of accountability and risk awareness, supporting our Three Lines of Defence model and helping teams across the organisation understand and manage their data responsibilities.

Success in this role means embedding a proactive approach to data protection, delivering clear and timely advice, and building strong relationships across the organisation. You’ll have the opportunity to shape strategy, influence decision-making, and be part of a team that values collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement.

Join us in supporting the transition to a low-carbon future—where your expertise in data protection helps drive meaningful impact in tackling the climate emergency.

What you’ll do

• Strategic Oversight
• Governance and Risk Culture
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Leadership and Development
• Mission Impact

What you’ll bring

• Expert Knowledge
• Leadership Skills
• Analytical Thinking
• Communication
• Proactivity and Initiative

To apply please visit our recruitment portal via the Apply Button.

Applications close 5.30pm, 14 August. Interviews are intended to be held 21-28 August.

To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

Reasonable adjustments

If you think you may need additional support or reasonable adjustments made to any part of the recruitment process, please get in touch.

Flexible working

We will be happy to discuss this and our blended working model at the interview stage with you.

Please note, that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this post. To apply for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK.

Diversity and inclusion

Energy Saving Trust is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone can be themselves, with support to be their best. We strongly encourage applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and with different identities and experiences to apply for roles with Energy Saving Trust. We are a Disability Confident Committed employer and offer guaranteed interviews for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role.

Posted by Energy Saving TrustView profile Non Charity Employer101 - 500