Deputy Data Protection Officer

LHH; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus (10% on target, up

Pension contribution up to 11%

Private medical insurance

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Life assurance

Salary sacrifice car scheme

Flexible hours and hybrid work (two in

Job summary

LHH is seeking an experienced privacy professional to become the number two in the group data protection function for a member-owned, not-for-profit organisation with an international footprint. The role sits at senior tables, guiding strategy, advising the business, and deputising for the Group DPO with regulators across jurisdictions.

You will own the privacy risk agenda, lead on data protection strategy, and mentor teams while ensuring compliant handling of sensitive personal data and timely

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of UK GDPR, PECR and EU GDPR.
• Experience in data protection, compliance or governance roles.
• Credible with senior stakeholders and able to advise at Board level.

Responsibilities

• Lead privacy risk agenda and deputise for Group DPO.
• Advise business independently on privacy matters across the organisation.
• Oversee DPIAs, LIAs, RoPAs and consent assessments.

Skills

UK GDPR

PECR

EU GDPR

Stakeholder management

Data protection leadership

Education

GDPR-P

CDPSE

CIPP/E

Job description

Location: Leeds, hybrid (two days a week on site)

Salary: Competitive, up to c. £79,000, plus bonus and excellent benefits

Contract type: Permanent, full time

We are seeking an experienced privacy professional to become the number two in the group data protection function of a member-owned, not-for-profit organisation with an international footprint. This is an unusual opportunity for someone who wants standing at the most senior tables rather than proximity to them.

Our client operates in a tightly regulated environment where the confidential handling of highly sensitive personal data is not a back‑office obligation. It is the foundation of the trust their members place in them, which is why this role sits where it does.

Reporting to the Group Data Protection Officer, you will own the privacy risk agenda day to day, advise the business independently, and deputise for the Group DPO at Board and Executive level and with the ICO and equivalent supervisory authorities in the other markets the organisation serves.

Role Overview

You will provide expert data protection leadership across the organisation, including:

• Acting as subject matter expert on UK GDPR, PECR and EU GDPR, providing clear and independent advice to colleagues at every level.
• Leading delivery of the data protection strategy across systems, processes and third party relationships.
• Overseeing and advising on DPIAs, LIAs, RoPAs and consent assessments.
• Running data incident and breach investigations end to end, including remedial actions and lessons learned.
• Reviewing and advising on data protection clauses in commercial contracts and supplier agreements.
• Producing reports, trends and insights to inform senior committees on the compliance position.
• Supporting data subject rights requests and ensuring fair outcomes within statutory timescales.
• Building privacy capability across the organisation through training, awareness and coaching.
• Deputising for the Group DPO with the ICO and equivalent regulators in other jurisdictions.

About You

• Strong working knowledge of UK GDPR, PECR and EU GDPR.
• Experience gained in a data protection, compliance or governance role.
• Credible with senior stakeholders, with the confidence to hold a position and give unwelcome advice at Board and Executive level.
• Hands‑on as well as strategic. You are comfortable drafting the assessment, not only reviewing someone else’s.
• Exposure to privacy regimes beyond the UK and EU is an advantage, as is a recognised data protection qualification (GDPR-P, CDPSE, CIPP/E).
• A legal qualification is welcome but genuinely not required.
• Organised, detail‑oriented and calm when several things need your attention at once.
• Competitive salary aligned with experience.
• Discretionary bonus, 10% on target and up to 20% based on performance.
• Employer pension contribution of up to 11%.
• Private medical insurance.
• 25 days annual leave, flexible bank holidays and the option to purchase additional days.
• Life assurance and a salary sacrifice car scheme.
• Flexible hours and hybrid working, with two days a week in the Leeds office.
• A culture that takes wellbeing and inclusion seriously rather than decoratively.

Selection Process

Three stages, so you know what to expect:

• A screening call with LHH. Your CV is then submitted to our client alongside short written answers to a small number of questions they have set.
• First interview with the Group Data Protection Officer and colleagues.
• Second interview, including a short presentation against a brief shared in advance and an assessment reviewing a sample contract and its data protection clauses.