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- Tasks: Lead data protection strategy and ensure compliance with UK GDPR and regulations.
- Company: Join AJ Bell, a fast-growing investment platform trusted by over 593,000 customers.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, private healthcare, gym membership, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment recognised as one of the UK's 'Best 100 Companies to Work For'.
- Why this job: Be part of a culture that values data security and ethical practices while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Degree in Law, Compliance, or IT preferred; relevant certifications and experience in data protection are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
We are now recruiting a Data Protection Officer (DPO), a newly created role reporting to the Chief Risk Officer (CRO). The Data Protection Officer (DPO) is responsible for overseeing the organisation's data protection strategy and ensuring compliance with data protection laws, including the UK GDPR and other relevant regulations. The DPO will act as the primary point of contact for data protection issues, advising the business on good practices and working cross–functionally to embed a culture of data protection within the organisation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Regulatory Compliance & Governance: Ensure the organisation's compliance with all applicable data protection laws and regulations, including UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018. Develop and maintain data protection policies, procedures, and frameworks. Monitor and review data processing activities, ensuring lawful, fair, and transparent processing. Conduct regular reviews to assess compliance with data protection laws and identify areas for improvement. Keep up to date with legislative changes and update internal policies accordingly.
- Advisory & Stakeholder Engagement: Use their practical experience of how AI impacts data governance and security to ensure we are developing and adhering to good practice. Ensure stakeholders are balancing ethical, technological and commercial considerations when using or designing new tools for customer data. Provide expert guidance and constructive challenge to senior management and employees on data protection obligations and good practices. Act as the primary point of contact for regulatory authorities, including the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Collaborate with Technology, Legal, HR, and other business units to implement privacy–by–design principles in new projects, systems, and processes. Raise awareness and provide training on data protection principles across the organisation.
- Data Subject Rights & Incident Management: Provide second line oversight of data subject requests (e.g., Subject Access Requests, right to erasure, data portability). Oversee data breach response plans and ensure timely reporting to regulators and affected individuals when required. Oversee records of processing activities (RoPA) and the organisation's data protection impact assessments (DPIAs) for high–risk processing activities.
Key Competencies & Skills:
- In–depth knowledge of data protection laws, regulations, and current good practice including how AI impacts data protection and data management in our industry.
- Strong analytical, technical and problem–solving skills to assess compliance risks, with working knowledge of data privacy issues with key emerging technologies.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills to engage with all levels of the business in verbal and written form.
- Ability to influence decision–making and drive a culture of data security and compliance.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Law, Compliance, IT, or a related field (preferred but not mandatory).
- Relevant data protection certification (e.g., CIPP/E, CIPM, CDPO, or equivalent) is highly desirable.
- Proven experience in a data protection, compliance, or privacy–focused role, ideally in Financial Services.
- Experience working in regulated industries (e.g., financial services, healthcare, technology) is a plus.
About us: AJ Bell is one of the fastest–growing investment platform businesses in the UK offering an award–winning range of solutions that caters for everyone, from professional financial advisers to DIY investors with little to no experience. We have over 593,000 customers using our award–winning platform propositions to manage assets totalling more than GBP90.4 billion. Our customers trust us with their investments, and by continuously striving to make investing easier, we aim to help even more people take control of their financial futures. Having listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange in December 2018, AJ Bell is now a FTSE 250 company. Headquartered in Manchester with offices in central London and Bristol, we now have over 1,500 employees and have been named one of the UK's 'Best 100 Companies to Work For' for six consecutive years and in 2024 named a Great Place to Work.
Our perks and benefits:
- Competitive starting salary
- Starting holiday entitlement of 27 days, increasing up to 31 days with length of service and a holiday buy and sell scheme
- A choice of pension schemes with matched contributions up to 8%
- Discretionary bonus scheme
- Annual free share awards scheme
- Buy As You Earn (BAYE) Scheme
- Health Cash Plan – provided by SimplyHealth
- Private healthcare scheme and dental plan
- Free gym membership, with an on–site gym providing a wide range of free classes
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Bike loan scheme
- Sick pay+ pledge
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave
- Discounted nursery fees at Kids Planet on Exchange Quay
- Death in service scheme
- Paid time off for volunteer work
- Charitable giving opportunities through salary sacrifice
- Calendar of social events, including monthly payday drinks, annual Christmas party, summer party and much more
Hybrid working: At AJ Bell, our people are the heart of our culture. We believe in building strong connections by working together. That's why we offer a hybrid working model, where you'll spend a minimum of 50% of your working time per month in the office. For new team members, an initial period will be full–time in the office to help you immerse yourself in our business and build valuable relationships with your colleagues. AJ Bell is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and all employees are empowered to bring their whole self to work.
Data Protection Officer (DPO) employer: Aj Bell
Contact Detail:
Aj Bell Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Protection Officer (DPO)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in data protection laws, especially the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Being well-versed in these regulations will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the data protection field, particularly those who have experience in financial services. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to gain insights and make connections that could lead to opportunities at AJ Bell.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your understanding of how AI impacts data governance and security. Prepare examples of how you've navigated these challenges in previous roles, as this is a key aspect of the DPO position at AJ Bell.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your approach to stakeholder engagement and how you would raise awareness of data protection principles within the organisation. Highlight any past experiences where you've successfully influenced decision-making in a compliance context.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Protection Officer (DPO)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Data Protection Officer. Familiarise yourself with UK GDPR and other relevant regulations to demonstrate your knowledge in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your experience in data protection, compliance, or privacy-focused roles. Include specific examples of how you've ensured regulatory compliance and engaged with stakeholders in previous positions.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to explain why you're passionate about data protection and how your skills align with the key competencies required for the role. Mention any relevant certifications and your understanding of how AI impacts data governance.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is crucial for this role, provide examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to engage with various stakeholders effectively, both verbally and in writing.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aj Bell
✨Know Your Data Protection Laws
Familiarise yourself with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Be prepared to discuss how these laws impact the organisation and demonstrate your understanding of compliance requirements.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Highlight your ability to assess compliance risks and provide examples of how you've tackled data privacy issues in previous roles. This will show your problem-solving skills and technical knowledge.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to discuss how you would collaborate with various departments, such as Technology and HR, to implement privacy-by-design principles. Emphasise your communication skills and ability to influence decision-making.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Learning
Mention any relevant certifications or training you've completed, especially those related to data protection. Show that you stay updated on legislative changes and best practices in the field.