At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to ensure data protection compliance and provide expert advice on information rights.
- Company: Join the Department for Transport, a key player in public service.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Access to professional development and a diverse, inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public trust while developing your career in data protection.
- Qualifications: Expert knowledge of data protection law and experience in leading teams.
- Data Protection Manager
- Department for Transport
- Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 31st August 2026
📍 Location: Birmingham, Hastings, Leeds, London, Swansea (This role is suitable for hybrid working)
💷 Salary: National Salary: £57,515, London Salary: £62,034 A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
- 🕘️ Contract Type: Permanent – Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time
- 🏆️ Available Positions: 1
This is a unique opportunity to join the Department for Transport's Digital, Information and Security Directorate, where you'll act as the Data Protection Manager for the central department and support the Data Protection Officer in the delivery of their statutory tasks.
Working at the heart of the organisation, you'll provide expert advice on information rights legislation, helping the Department manage risk and maintain public trust.
Leading a team of specialist advisers, you will champion a culture of data protection by design and default, ensuring compliance is embedded into new projects, services and ways of working from the outset.
You'll work closely with senior leaders, influencing decision-making on complex and high-profile issues, while maintaining appropriate records to demonstrate compliance.
- Top Responsibilities
- Manage a team of expert advisers who, along with yourself, provide expert and timely advice on information rights law and associated risks to the business, ensuring a sensible and proportionate approach is taken to help the department operate in a way that inspires public trust and confidence.
- Be an enthusiastic advocate for data protection by design and default to ensure that data protection requirements are factored into processes and change projects at the earliest stages.
- Ensure the department’s accountability obligations are met by maintaining accurate records that help evidence compliance such as an up-to-date Register of Processing Activities.
- Ensure adequate arrangements are in place to fulfil individual rights requests in accordance with statutory timescales, monitoring compliance and taking steps to address poor performance.
- Maintain your ongoing professional development and that of your team.
For more information on the role and responsibilities please see the full job advert on CS Jobs using the link provided.
Benefits
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
- 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
- Access to the staff discount portal.
- Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
- Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
- 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
About You
- To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:
- Expert knowledge of data protection law and practices and experience of advising on complex data processing activities.
- You will have extensive experience in FOI and either have a relevant practitioner-level qualification or be willing to acquire within 6 months of starting the role.
- Experience of leading a team in the field of information governance to deliver excellent customer service.
- Knowledge of information risk management.
Essential qualifications
- You will hold at least a practitioner level, industry-recognised qualification in data protection.
You will be required to provide evidence that you hold any essential qualifications at some point during the recruitment process.
If you cannot provide evidence, your application will be withdrawn.
How to Apply
👉 Read the full description and apply at CS Jobs using the link provided.
This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Monday 31st August 2026
Data Protection Manager in Leeds employer: Department for Transport
Join a dynamic and supportive work environment as a Principal Surveyor, where your expertise will be valued in managing diverse property assets and providing strategic advice on major projects. Our company fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous professional development, ensuring that you have ample opportunities to grow your skills while enjoying the flexibility of part-time work. Located in a vibrant area, we offer a unique blend of professional challenge and work-life balance, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Protection Manager in Leeds
✨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 Department for Transport looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Protection Manager in Leeds
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 Department for Transport. 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 Department for Transport
✨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 Department for Transport’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
