Data Protection Executive

At Grant Thornton we do things differently - looking to the future, driving ambitious growth and pioneering positive change in our industry. Providing audit, tax and advisory services, we empower clients through strategic insight, curiosity, and genuine partnership. And we empower our people with real opportunity, an inclusive culture and work life balance.

The Data Governance and Compliance team sits at the centre of the firm’s data and digital agenda, ensuring that data is managed responsibly, securely and in line with regulatory, ethical and organisational expectations. The team provides oversight and practical support across data protection, governance and risk management, embedding strong controls, policies and standards while enabling the safe and effective use of data and emerging technologies.

We’re happy to talk flexible working and consider reduced hours and job shares, we’ll support you to balance your work and life.

As a Data Protection Executive within our Data Governance & Compliance practice, you will:

• Act as a first point of contact for routine DP queries and support requests, escalating to senior members of the Data Protection Team when required.
• Support with Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs), including coordinating searches, logging requests, and preparing response bundles.
• Respond to data breaches including assessing risk to the firm and preparing responses to stakeholders.
• Coordinate and facilitate responses to client/3rd party contracts, letter of engagement and privacy-related questionnaires.
• Manage the firm’s annual Copyright and Motion Picture Licence renewals.
• Support with the annual Record of Processing Activities/Information Asset Register review.
• Assist in collating and preparing data protection reports.
• Schedule meetings, coordinate agendas, issue notes/actions and follow up on actions.
• Review creation of new AI Agents and ensure the appropriate governance checks have been completed, liaising with the firm’s Data Protection Officer when required.
• Review Insider Risk Management alerts raised on the firm’s data loss prevention (DLP) and governance tool, Purview, escalating where required.
• Review new suppliers data protection responses via our Third-Party Risk Management System.
• Support with maintaining a record of the personal data processed by suppliers.
• Upload relevant DP documentation and escalate concerns or non-compliance.

Joining us as a Data Protection Executive, the minimum criteria you’ll need is experience of working in a professional environment and a basic understanding of UK GDPR/Data Protection Act 2018. Attention to detail is essential as this role involves dealing with personal data and preparing responses to enable the firm to meet its Data Protection obligations.

It would be great if you had some of the following skills, but don’t worry if you don’t tick every box, we’ll help you develop along the way:

• Experience supporting with data protection queries and DSARs.
• Ability to work independently once fully trained and take ownership of your workload.
• Proficiency in privacy & security software eg Microsoft Purview.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time management abilities.

Embracing uniqueness, the culture at Grant Thornton thrives on the contributions of all our people. Building an inclusive culture, where we value difference and respect our colleagues helps our people to perform at the best of their ability and realise their potential.

Life is more than work. The things you do, and the people you’re with outside of work matter, that’s why we’re happy to look at flexible working options for all our roles, and we’ll always do our best to keep your work and life in balance.

The impact you can make here will go far beyond your day job. From secondments, to fundraising for local charities, or investing in entrepreneurs in the developing world, you’ll be giving back to society. It’s that drive to do the right thing that runs through our every move, grounded in our firm’s values – purposefully driven, actively curious and candid but kind.

We’re looking for people who want to contribute, spark fresh ideas and go beyond expectations. People who want to be able to proudly do what’s right, for the firm, our clients, our people and themselves.