The Data Privacy Officer (DPO) provides strategic leadership on privacy and data protection across the organisation. They ensure compliance with GDPR and other relevant legislation, manage privacy risk and guide data governance. This role suits experienced privacy professionals with strong legal, technical and stakeholder management skills.
This job description sets out the purpose, duties and essential qualifications for a Data Privacy Officer. It is written for HR teams, recruiters and hiring managers seeking to appoint an experienced privacy leader to protect personal data and uphold regulatory obligations.
Data Privacy Officer Job Profile
The Data Privacy Officer is responsible for overseeing the organisation's data protection strategy and ensuring compliance with GDPR and other applicable laws. The role requires collaboration with legal, IT, compliance and business teams to embed privacy by design and by default.
The postholder will act as the primary contact for data protection authorities and data subjects, deliver privacy impact assessments and maintain records of processing activities. Strong judgement, clear communication and a practical approach to risk are essential.
Data Privacy Officer Job Description
The Data Privacy Officer will develop and maintain privacy policies, procedures and training to ensure consistent application of data protection principles across the organisation. They will monitor regulatory changes, assess impact on business processes and recommend control improvements to senior management.
Key responsibilities include conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments, advising on lawful bases for processing, and ensuring appropriate technical and organisational measures are in place to protect personal data. The DPO will also lead incident response for data breaches and coordinate notifications to supervisory authorities where required.
The role demands an ability to translate legal requirements into practical operational actions, to influence stakeholders at all levels and to support the organisation in demonstrating accountability and lawful processing of personal data.
Data Privacy Officer Duties and Responsibilities
- Act as the organisation's designated Data Protection Officer where required and liaise with supervisory authorities.
- Develop, review and update data protection and privacy policies and procedures.
- Conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments and maintain records of processing activities.
- Advise on lawful basis for processing, consent mechanisms and data subject rights fulfilment.
- Design and deliver privacy training and awareness programmes for staff and management.
- Collaborate with IT and security teams to ensure appropriate technical and organisational measures.
- Lead response to data breaches, coordinate remediation and notifications to regulators and affected parties.
- Perform regular privacy risk assessments and recommend mitigation strategies.
- Oversee third party and vendor due diligence for data processing agreements and transfers.
- Support data mapping, retention schedules and secure disposal of personal data.
- Monitor regulatory developments and advise on compliance implications for projects and products.
Data Privacy Officer Requirements and Qualifications
- Degree in law, computer science, information governance or related discipline preferred.
- Professional certification such as CIPP/E, CIPM, CISM or equivalent is desirable.
- Proven experience working in data protection, privacy or information governance roles, preferably in a regulated environment.
- Strong knowledge of GDPR, UK data protection law and relevant sector regulations.
- Experience conducting DPIAs, managing data breaches and liaising with regulators.
- Familiarity with information security controls, cloud services and data transfer mechanisms.
- Excellent stakeholder management, written and verbal communication skills.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to balance legal risk and business requirements.
- High ethical standards and the ability to operate with independence and impartiality.
- Ability to deliver training and influence cultural change across the organisation.
