Data Protection Officer

Commonwealth War Graves Commission; Maidenhead; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An international organization is seeking a highly skilled Data Protection Officer to lead the global privacy and data protection strategy. The ideal candidate will manage data risk, ensure compliance with international laws, and establish governance frameworks for new technologies. Strong leadership and excellent communication skills are essential. This role offers a collaborative work environment and aims to inspire a commitment to safeguarding data assets.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Paid public holidays

Flexible working arrangements

Generous Pension Scheme

Life Assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle To Work & Electric Vehicle schemes

Qualifications

• Proven experience in data protection, privacy law, or compliance.
• Strong understanding of GDPR, UK DPA, and AI governance principles.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Preferred background in legal, IT, or data governance.
• Extensive experience in leading Data Protection within a global enterprise.
• Experience managing third parties and third party services.

Responsibilities

• Lead global privacy and data protection strategy.
• Manage data risk and ensure compliance with international laws.
• Establish governance frameworks for emerging technologies.
• Partner with senior leadership, marketing, IT, and operational teams.

Skills

Data protection

Privacy law

Stakeholder management

Communication

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled and forward-thinking Data Protection Officer to lead our global privacy and data protection strategy. This is a pivotal role with a focus on managing data risk, ensuring compliance with international privacy laws, and establishing governance frameworks for emerging technologies such as AI. As the DPO, you will be our SME working across multiple Areas, partnering with senior leadership, marketing, IT, and operational teams to safeguard our data assets, innovate safely and embed privacy into daily practice.

We're looking for someone who brings confident leadership and a deep connection to our mission. You'll be joining an environment that thrives on purpose, collaboration, and a shared commitment to making a difference, so we're seeking someone who not only has the skills, but also the energy and enthusiasm to inspire others. If you're someone who leads with integrity, communicates with clarity, and genuinely enjoys building relationships across all levels, we'd love to hear from you.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in data protection, privacy law, or compliance
• Strong understanding of GDPR, UK DPA, and AI governance principles
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Legal, IT, or data governance background preferred
• Demonstrable and extensive experience of leading the Data Protection within a global, multi-site enterprise
• Experience of managing third parties and third party delivered services
• Practical and demonstrable achievement in linking information and data protection strategies, policy and implementations to organisational outcomes

About the Commonwealth War Graves Commission

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is an organisation dedicated to honouring and caring for the graves and memorials of servicemembers who died in the two World Wars. The work of the commission is not only out on the field, but in our head office too, which contributes to the meaningful commemoration of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave, rising by 1 day per year of service up to a maximum of 30
• Paid public holidays and paid office closure between Christmas and New Year
• Flexible working arrangements
• Generous Pension Scheme, with CWGC contributing up to 10%
• Life Assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle To Work & Electric Vehicle schemes