Data Protection Officer

Travel Counsellors; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Data Protection Officer to lead their data protection strategy. This role involves creating and maintaining a robust data protection framework, ensuring compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018, and advising on new business projects involving personal data. You'll develop training programs, manage data breaches, and serve as the primary contact for data protection authorities. Join a company that values trust and innovation, offering flexible hybrid working, career development opportunities, and a supportive environment where your contributions make a real difference.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid working

Career development opportunities

25 days holiday

Enhanced Maternity/Paternity pay

1 day paid charity day

Company events and incentives

3x salary death in service benefit

Pension scheme

Private Medical Insurance

Free breakfast and beverages

Qualifications

• Experience as a Data Protection Officer implementing frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of UK data protection laws and practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the company's data protection compliance framework.
• Advise on projects involving personal data and conduct risk assessments.

Skills

Data Protection Regulations

Privacy Risk Assessments

Cyber Security Principles

Interpersonal Skills

Data Protection Frameworks

Education

Professional Qualification in Data Privacy

Job description

Looking to lead on data privacy in a business that values trust and innovation? Join Travel Counsellors as our Data Protection Officer and take ownership of our data protection strategy.

As a Data Protection Officer at Travel Counsellors, you will play a key role in creating and maintaining our data protection framework.

You will be responsible for maintaining effective systems and controls and monitoring compliance to enable the company to comply with the Data Protection Act 2018, the UK and EU General Data Protection Regulations, and other applicable data protection legislation and regulations (Data Protection Legislation).

Principal Accountabilities

• Subject Matter Expert (SME) for all activities within Travel Counsellors relating to data protection and monitor changes to data protection laws and regulations, advising the company and updating policies and procedures accordingly.
• Develop, implement, and manage the company's data protection and privacy compliance framework.
• Set standards, create policies and procedures, and monitor compliance with Data Protection Legislation.
• Develop training programs to enhance data protection awareness across the business.
• Advise on new business projects involving personal data, support with data protection impact assessments with risk–based advice, conduct data privacy risk assessments and audits, and implement strategies to mitigate identified risks.
• Process and respond to DSARs in accordance with applicable laws
• Serve as the primary point of contact and liaison for the ICO and other relevant data protection authorities.

Company Benefits

• Competitive salary + annual bonus
• Flexible hybrid working
• Career development opportunities
• 25 days holiday (increasing to 28 after 5 years)
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity pay
• 1 day paid charity day
• Company events and incentives
• 3x salary death in service benefit
• Pension scheme
• Private Medical Insurance or Healthcare Cash Plan
• Free breakfast and beverages

Essential Skills

• Prior experience working in a Data Protection Officer capacity, implementing and overseeing data protection frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of UK data protection laws and practices. Experience with global data protection laws and standards would be an advantage.
• Experience conducting privacy risk assessments and DPIAs, managing data breaches and regulatory reporting obligations.
• Knowledge of cyber security principles and practices.
• Ability to plan, organise, and execute data projects effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build collaborative relationships at all levels.
• Professional qualification in data privacy (e.g. CIPP/E, CIPM, CIPT) or equivalent is preferred.

Use your experience to make a real difference; apply for this Data Protection Officer role today!

About Us

At Travel Counsellors, our customers, communities, and colleagues are at the heart of everything we do. For over 30 years, we've empowered 2,100+ independent travel agents worldwide, helping them build successful businesses while providing deeply personal, human connections with their customers. Supported by a talented team of over 400 people in our Support Offices, we create unique travel experiences that keep customers coming back. Named the Best Place to Work in Travel (2022) and ranked in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work (2023 & 2024), we're expanding rapidly and looking for exceptional individuals to join our Head Office team.

Creating an Inclusive Environment

Travel Counsellors is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, gender, disability, or any protected characteristic. We provide accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our team and encourage all to apply.

For more information about this role – and others – at Travel Counsellors, please do not hesitate to contact the Talent Acquisition team at