At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead compliance and data protection efforts while enhancing security frameworks.
- Company: Join Cintra, an award-winning payroll software provider with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, pension contributions, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on compliance and data protection in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in compliance, GDPR, and information security leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 58000 £ per year.
Join our Operations team as a Head of Compliance & Group DPO! We are Cintra, known for our award-winning software that delivers payroll solutions to over 1000 clients. If you're passionate about payroll and are eager to join a dynamic team of seasoned professionals, this is the opportunity for you.
As the proud recipient of the Payroll Service Provider of the Year 2025 award at the CIPP Annual Excellence Awards, we offer exciting opportunities for professional development, competitive bonus structures, and a collaborative work environment. Our modern offices are located in Hoults Yard, nestled on the outskirts of the vibrant Ouseburn Valley.
Why This Role Is Different
As Head of Compliance & Group DPO, you will play a critical role in safeguarding the integrity, security and compliance standards of the organisation. Working closely with senior leadership teams, you will oversee compliance and information security frameworks, ensure adherence to evolving regulatory requirements and act as the organisation’s lead authority on data protection matters. You will be responsible for maintaining and enhancing our Information Security Management System (ISMS), supporting ISAE3402, ISO27001, ISO9001, CIPP PAS, Cyber Essentials Plus and BACS Bureau accreditation.
The role will ensure that appropriate frameworks, controls and evidence are in place to demonstrate ongoing compliance with these standards. You will also support risk management activities, GDPR governance and the successful maintenance of all relevant certifications and accreditations. This role requires someone who can combine analytical thinking and attention to detail with a calm, collaborative and commercially aware approach.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading and continuously improving the organisation’s compliance, information security and privacy frameworks.
- Maintaining and enhancing the ISMS in line with ISO 27001 and other compliance standards.
- Acting as Group Data Protection Officer and primary contact for data protection matters.
- Advising senior stakeholders on regulatory, compliance and information security risks.
- Leading internal audits and compliance reviews across multiple business areas.
- Overseeing data breach and security incident management processes.
- Developing and maintaining risk management frameworks.
- Delivering training, guidance and awareness initiatives across the organisation.
- Building strong collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders and external bodies including the ICO.
- Supporting a culture of accountability, governance and continuous improvement.
- Assisting with complex client queries relating to our Data Processing Agreement (DPA).
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for an experienced and highly professional individual who brings strong technical knowledge of compliance, information security and GDPR, has excellent organisational and analytical skills, communicates complex information clearly and confidently, builds credibility and trust with stakeholders at all levels, is calm, measured and solutions-focused under pressure, takes a collaborative and supportive approach to leadership, enjoys creating structure, consistency and continuous improvement, has strong attention to detail alongside strategic oversight capability, and is confident balancing operational delivery with long-term governance priorities.
Essential
- CISA, CISM or equivalent qualification.
- Proven experience within compliance, data protection and information security leadership.
- Strong working knowledge of GDPR and information security frameworks.
Desirable
- ISO 27001 Lead Auditor / Implementer.
- Certified GDPR Practitioner.
- Experience operating within complex, multi-disciplinary or regulated environments.
Why Join Cintra?
At Cintra we know our colleagues are our biggest asset and an investment in them is an investment into the company. We offer hybrid and flexible working arrangements supporting your work‑life balance, employer matched pension contribution to 5%, wellbeing support through our company‑funded health plan, health checks and employee assistance program, onsite parking, and more!
We go the extra mile to strategically invest in our employees by providing them with invaluable learning opportunities to propel their careers forward. Our commitment to continuous employee training ensures that knowledge remains up‑to‑date, skills stay sharp, and confidence continues to grow. We firmly believe in empowering our workforce with the tools they need to thrive and succeed.
Head of Compliance & Group DPO employer: Cintra HR & Payroll Services Ltd
Cintra is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees, offering a collaborative work environment in the vibrant Ouseburn Valley. With competitive compensation, flexible working arrangements, and a strong commitment to professional development, we empower our team members to excel in their careers while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. Join us and be part of a company that values your contributions and invests in your future.
Contact Details:
Cintra HR & Payroll Services Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Compliance & Group DPO
✨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 Cintra HR & Payroll Services Ltd looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compliance & Group DPO
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 Cintra HR & Payroll Services Ltd. 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 Cintra HR & Payroll Services Ltd
✨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 Cintra HR & Payroll Services Ltd’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
