Data Protection Advisor

Are you passionate about data protection and ready to play a key role in a function that keeps our organisation running smoothly and responsibly? We’re looking for a proactive and confident Data Protection Advisor to become an essential part of our team. In this role, you’ll be at the heart of the action—working directly with customers, members of the public, and key regulatory bodies such as the ICO. No two days are the same, and your expertise will help ensure we handle data with integrity, accuracy, and care.

What you will be doing as Data Protection Advisor:

• Supporting the completion of Data Protection Impact Assessments
• Supporting the completion of Privacy and Security Questionnaires and the completion of Records of processing Assessments
• Liaising with and supporting project and commercial leads
• Undertaking data protection compliance checks
• Supporting the wider Data Protection team with SARs, EIRs, C&T, or other relevant activities
• Managing and overseeing Data Protection mailboxes
• Working closely with the broader Data Protection team to escalate and manage risks, complaints, breaches, or requests
• Developing and maintaining procedural documents to demonstrate governance of workstreams
• Assisting in creating data protection standards and guidance documents, incorporating the latest ICO updates and best practices
• Supporting the delivery and creation of training across the business

What you should bring to the role:

• Proven experience working within a GDPR or data protection–focused role, with the confidence to advise others and help shape best practice across the organisation
• A natural multitasker who thrives under pressure, able to juggle multiple priorities, tight deadlines, and varied tasks without breaking stride
• Strong skills in handling, planning, collating and organising data, ensuring information is accurate, accessible, and ready to support key decision‑making
• A collaborative mindset, with experience working closely with colleagues across different departments to deliver shared goals and consistent compliance
• Solid IT capability, including confident use of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and PDF tools to create polished, professional documentation

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary £40,000 - £45,000 per annum, depending on experience
• Annual Leave- 26 days holiday per year increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays)
• Performance-related pay plan directly linked to both company and individual performance measures and targets
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits. If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else, just let us know. We’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.