At a Glance
- Tasks: Act as a trusted privacy advisor and deliver Virtual DPO services to diverse clients.
- Company: Cognisys, a leader in cyber security and compliance consultancy.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, 25 days leave, birthday off, and professional development support.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and learning.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team and make a real impact in data protection.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in data protection consultancy with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 50949 - 57186 £ per year.
About Us
At Cognisys, we help organisations build confidence in their cyber security, governance and compliance.
Through our specialist teams, we provide Penetration Testing, Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) consultancy and Managed Security Services that enable our clients to operate securely and confidently.
Our people are trusted advisors who work in partnership with clients to solve real business challenges.
We pride ourselves on delivering pragmatic, commercially focused advice that creates lasting value, underpinned by our values of
Together, Ownership, Momentum, and Excellence.
As we continue to grow, we're looking for an experienced
Data Protection Consultant (Virtual DPO) to join our expanding GRC team.
About the Role
As a Data Protection Consultant, you'll act as a trusted privacy advisor, delivering Virtual Data Protection Officer (DPO) services and data protection consultancy to a diverse portfolio of approximately 10-15 clients.
You'll help organisations strengthen their privacy governance, navigate complex regulatory requirements and build practical compliance programmes that support their wider business objectives.
Working across multiple industries and organisations, no two days will be the same.
This is a highly client-facing consultancy role, requiring someone who enjoys variety, can quickly build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and thrives in a fast-paced environment where balancing multiple client priorities is the norm.
Alongside supporting our clients, you'll also play a key role in maintaining and enhancing Cognisys' own internal privacy programme, ensuring we continue to uphold the high standards we deliver to our clients.
Key Responsibilities
- Virtual Data Protection Officer Services
- Act as the appointed Virtual Data Protection Officer for a portfolio of clients.
- Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and leadership teams.
- Provide strategic advice on privacy, governance and regulatory compliance.
- Attend governance meetings and represent Cognisys as a trusted advisor.
- Data Protection & Privacy Consultancy
- Advise clients on UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, PECR and wider privacy legislation.
- Translate regulatory requirements into practical, commercially balanced solutions.
- Develop, review and improve privacy policies, procedures and governance documentation.
- Support organisations in embedding Privacy by Design across projects and business processes.
- Conduct privacy health checks, compliance reviews and gap assessments.
- Lead or support Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and Legitimate Interest Assessments (LIAs).
- Review Records of Processing Activities (Ro PA) and data retention practices.
- Identify privacy risks and recommend pragmatic mitigation strategies.
- Incident & Regulatory Support
- Advise clients during personal data breaches and security incidents.
- Support breach assessments and regulatory notification decisions.
- Assist organisations with enquiries from the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
- Data Subject Rights
- Advise clients on Subject Access Requests (SARs) and wider data subject rights.
- Review complex requests and provide practical guidance.
- Support clients with privacy complaints and regulatory enquiries.
- Client Consultancy
- Deliver consultancy engagements remotely and on client sites.
- Produce high-quality reports, recommendations and action plans.
- Present findings and recommendations confidently to senior stakeholders.
- Identify opportunities to introduce additional Cognisys cyber security and GRC services where appropriate.
- Supporting Data Protection at Cognisys
In addition to client consultancy, you'll help shape and maintain Cognisys' own internal privacy programme.
You'll
- Act as the internal Data Protection subject matter expert.
- Maintain and improve Cognisys' data protection framework, policies and procedures.
- Lead internal Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs).
- Maintain and review our Records of Processing Activities (Ro PA).
- Support internal data subject rights requests and privacy enquiries.
- Advise on supplier due diligence, data sharing arrangements and new business initiatives.
- Support the investigation and management of personal data incidents.
- Deliver internal privacy awareness training.
- Monitor regulatory developments and recommend improvements.
- Collaborate with Information Security, People and Legal teams to embed privacy across the business.
- Training & Knowledge Sharing
- Deliver engaging privacy awareness workshops and training sessions.
- Help clients foster a positive culture of accountability and privacy.
- Share best practice and support colleagues across the wider GRC team.
- Stay up to date with developments in privacy legislation and industry best practice.
- Contribute to the continued development of Cognisys' privacy consultancy services.
- Support the ongoing growth of the GRC practice.
Requirements
You'll combine strong technical expertise with excellent consultancy, communication and stakeholder management skills.
You'll enjoy building long-term client relationships, balancing multiple priorities and delivering pragmatic advice that helps organisations improve their privacy maturity.
Minimum of five years' experience delivering data protection consultancy or privacy advisory services within a consultancy or professional services environment.
Experience acting as, or supporting, an internal or outsourced Data Protection Officer.
Excellent knowledge of UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and PECR.
Experience conducting privacy compliance reviews, gap assessments and Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs).
Experience advising senior stakeholders on privacy risks and regulatory obligations.
Excellent written communication and report writing skills.
Strong presentation and stakeholder management skills.
Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple client engagements simultaneously.
A pragmatic, commercially focused approach to problem solving.
IAPP (CIPP/E, CIPM or CIPT), BCS or equivalent privacy qualification.
Knowledge of ISO 27001 and ISO 27701.
Experience working alongside Cyber Security or Information Security teams.
Experience delivering privacy training and awareness sessions.
Knowledge of international privacy legislation.
Why Join Us?
Joining Cognisys means becoming part of a collaborative team that's passionate about delivering exceptional outcomes for clients while supporting one another's success.
In return, we offer
- Hybrid and flexible working.
- 25 days annual leave plus public holidays.
- An additional day off to celebrate your birthday.
- Professional development with dedicated learning and certification support.
- Employee Wellness Hub through Kara Connect.
- The opportunity to work alongside industry experts across Cyber Security and GRC.
- A collaborative culture where you'll be empowered to make a meaningful impact and continue developing your career.
- Applications
We welcome applications from candidates from a range of diverse backgrounds and can make various reasonable adjustments to consider individual needs.
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Data Protection Consultant - Uk in Ledston employer: Cognisys
Cognisys is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and well-being, offering a competitive salary and a flexible hybrid working model. With a strong focus on collaboration and innovation, employees are encouraged to contribute ideas and engage in professional development, all while working alongside industry experts in the dynamic field of Cyber Security and GRC. The supportive culture and additional benefits, such as an extra day off for your birthday and a wellness hub, make Cognisys a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Protection Consultant - Uk in Ledston
✨Join Compliance Communities
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✨Attend Industry Conferences
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✨Leverage Your University Career Services
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We think you need these skills to ace Data Protection Consultant - Uk in Ledston
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 Cognisys. 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 Cognisys
✨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 Cognisys’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
