At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead data protection strategy and compliance across UK and Europe for a pet insurance group.
- Company: Join Animal Friends, a supportive and collaborative pet insurance company.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, charity days, pet insurance discounts, and a wellbeing hub.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working model with opportunities for travel and career growth.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a critical function and influence privacy culture at scale.
- Qualifications: Significant DPO experience and deep knowledge of GDPR and data protection laws.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 125000 £ per year.
As we continue to advance the maturity of our data protection and privacy framework, we are seeking an experienced, pragmatic and highly hands‑on Group Data Protection Officer (DPO) to lead and own the function across our UK and European operations for Animal Friends and Pinnacle Pet Group. Building on strong foundations already in place, you will take end‑to‑end responsibility for the group’s data protection strategy, governance and operational delivery. Reporting directly to the General Counsel, you will be a trusted adviser to senior leadership, shaping the organisation’s privacy vision, strengthening compliance and risk management, and embedding privacy‑by‑design into business decision‑making. You’ll lead on regulatory engagement, oversee incident response, and ensure consistent, proportionate application of data protection standards across multiple jurisdictions.
This is a rare opportunity to take genuine ownership of a strategically critical function, with the autonomy to influence direction, drive continuous improvement, and build a strong culture of accountability and trust at scale. We operate a flexible hybrid working model, between home working and time spent in one of our UK offices with quarterly travel across Europe to collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders. Salary up to c£125,000 base, dependent on experience and suitability.
What we look for as our Group Data Protection Officer:
- Significant experience as a DPO or senior data protection professional within a complex, multi‑entity UK and European organisation.
- Deep legal and operational expertise in GDPR, UK GDPR, local Data Protection and E‑Privacy laws, with the ability to turn regulation into practical business action.
- Proven ability to develop and embed data protection frameworks, policies, and controls that drive measurable improvement.
- Strong governance, risk, and compliance acumen, with a track record of influencing and guiding senior leadership.
- Exceptional communication skills and professional gravitas, able to engage, challenge, and advise stakeholders with confidence.
- A hands‑on, pragmatic leader, ideally with professional certification (CIPP/E, CIPP/M, or equivalent) and experience in a regulated industry.
Responsibilities:
- Lead data protection compliance across all PPG entities in the UK and Europe, ensuring compliance with GDPR, UK GDPR, and national data protection laws.
- Oversee and enhance the implementation of 2nd‑line data protection controls — guiding and supporting local entities at varying stages of maturity.
- Provide strategic advice and pragmatic guidance to senior executives, local CEOs, and teams across the UK, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
- Lead and mentor a skilled team of data protection professionals, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Develop, implement, and monitor data protection frameworks, policies, and processes that align with legal, risk, and governance best practices.
- Serve as the primary contact for regulators, auditors, and data subjects.
- Drive awareness and education initiatives to embed a culture of privacy and compliance throughout the Group.
- Partner with IT Security, Compliance, Risk, and Commercial teams to ensure data protection is built into every business process and product.
- Oversee the creation and maintenance of an accurate Record of Processing Activities (ROPA) across entities.
Why Animal Friends?
We believe in working hard, striving for the best, and enjoying the journey. We’ve cultivated a collaborative and supportive environment where every team member is valued. While we’re focused on achieving great things, we have a strong commitment to a healthy work‑life balance.
Benefits Of Working With Animal Friends:
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and your birthday off.
- Fully paid day off for charity work.
- 95% of our employees’ pets covered, with up to 50% off insurance and free access to our Vet consultation app JOII.
- Discounts on gym membership and access to a Wellbeing hub.
- We donate £3,000 to the charity of the employee of the quarter’s choice.
- Working within a courageous, passionate and kind‑hearted team.
Animal Friends Pet Insurance Ltd is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, nationalities, disabilities, religions, and sexual orientations. Your application will be dealt with in the strictest of confidence. We offer accessibility help with application forms which is available via the jobs page of our website. As an FCA regulated business, we require successful applicants to clear our pre‑employment screening process which includes a credit check and reference checks. Under the latest UK Right to Work regulations, we will require successful applicants to evidence their right to work in the UK, either in person, online, or digitally via a third party subject to circumstances.
Details:
- Department: Data Protection
- Contract type: Permanent
- Hours: 37.5
- Salary: up to c£125,000 base dependent on suitability
- Seniority Level: Executive
- Employment Type: Full‑time
- Job Function: Information Technology, Insurance
- Location: London, England, United Kingdom
Group Data Protection Officer - United Kingdom / Remote employer: Animal Friends
Animal Friends is an exceptional employer that prioritises a collaborative and supportive work culture, ensuring every team member feels valued. With a strong commitment to work-life balance, generous benefits including 25 days of annual leave, pet insurance discounts, and opportunities for community engagement, employees can thrive both personally and professionally. The role of Group Data Protection Officer offers the unique chance to lead a critical function within a passionate team, driving meaningful change across UK and European operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Data Protection Officer - United Kingdom / Remote
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Animal Friends looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Data Protection Officer - United Kingdom / Remote
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Animal Friends. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Animal Friends
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Animal Friends’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
