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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the data protection field, attend relevant events, and engage with industry groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s data protection practices and recent news. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how they handle compliance and privacy issues.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around GDPR and risk management. Confidence is key, so rehearse your answers to common interview questions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission in data protection.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Data Protection Officer - United Kingdom / Remote
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Group Data Protection Officer role. Highlight your experience with GDPR and data protection frameworks, as well as any relevant certifications. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've influenced data protection strategies in previous roles. We love seeing your personality come through!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a DPO, you'll need exceptional communication skills. In your application, demonstrate how you've effectively engaged with stakeholders and led teams. We want to know how you can advise and challenge senior leadership with confidence!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Animal Friends
✨Know Your GDPR Inside Out
As a Group Data Protection Officer, you'll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of GDPR and local data protection laws. Brush up on the latest regulations and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in previous roles. This shows you're not just familiar with the theory but can turn it into practical action.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You'll be leading a team and advising senior executives, so it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully guided teams or influenced decision-making in complex environments. This will help you convey your ability to foster collaboration and drive continuous improvement.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about past incidents you've managed, how you responded, and what the outcomes were. Being able to articulate these experiences will demonstrate your hands-on approach and pragmatic leadership style.
✨Engage with Confidence
Exceptional communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be prepared to engage with the interviewers, challenge their ideas respectfully, and provide strategic advice. This will showcase your professional gravitas and ability to connect with stakeholders.
