Information Rights Manager

Overview

At Thames Water, we make a daily difference to over 15 million customers. Every day we deliver 2.6 billion litres of clean water through 32,000 km of pipes – keeping taps running and toilets flushing. As the UK’s largest water company, we’re tackling today’s challenges and building resilience for tomorrow so our customers, communities and the environment can thrive. We’re looking for a specialist Information Rights Manager to join our Data Protection team and play a vital role in safeguarding the rights of individuals while ensuring Thames Water’s compliance with the UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) 2004.

This is a hands-on, people-focused position that combines legal, operational, and strategic work. You’ll lead and manage a team of data protection advisors, influence senior stakeholders, represent Thames Water at governance forums, and ensure that our approach to information rights reflects industry best practice.

What you’ll be doing as an Information Rights Manager

• Lead and oversee Thames Water’s Data Subject Rights and EIR request processes, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations.
• Review, manage and maintain procedures to respond to requests for Data Subject Rights Requests, including Subject Access Requests for both customers and employees.
• Conduct internal reviews for data rights and EIR complaints, identifying risks and developing mitigation strategies.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to embed best practice and promote transparency.
• Deliver training, awareness sessions, and guidance across the business.
• Drive continual improvement in data rights and EIR processes, including the adoption of new technologies.
• Manage, develop, and motivate a team of Data Protection Advisors, setting clear objectives and supporting their growth.

Base location: Hybrid – Clearwater Court, Reading and/or Walnut Court, Swindon.

Working hours: 36 hours, Fulltime Monday to Friday.

What you should bring to the role

We’re seeking a confident, organised, and detail-driven professional who thrives in a fast-paced, compliance-focused environment. You’ll need to be comfortable influencing stakeholders at all levels while managing multiple projects and deadlines.

Essential:

• Data Protection qualification – Practitioner’s Certificate (or equivalent).
• Specialist hands-on experience managing EIR requests, and exceptions.
• In-depth knowledge of UK GDPR, DPA 2018, and data subject rights.
• Proven experience of information compliance and managing requests for information.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly.
• Evidenced/demonstrated ability to manage and develop a team.
• Excellent organisation, attention to detail, and administrative skills.

Desirable:

• Degree-level qualification in a relevant subject.
• Previous experience in stakeholder engagement and team leadership.
• Experience with policy development and embedding change across a large organisation.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary up to £60,000 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 company 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.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape how Thames Water delivers its obligations under data protection and environmental information law. You’ll gain exposure to high-profile compliance matters, collaborate with senior leaders, and influence the direction of our information rights strategy.

In return, we offer a supportive environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a real impact in a role that protects our customers, employees, and the environment.

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.