Data Governance Lead in Manchester

Overview

The Data Governance Team within the GDS Product, Strategy, Planning and Performance directorate is responsible for applying specialist expertise to deliver data protection and privacy solutions across the Government Digital Service.

The focus of this role is to partner with the GOV.

UK Performance Analytics team to ensure analytics design, implementation and use of user data is lawful, ethical and transparent.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on PECR, cookies and tracking technologies; assess lawful routes, advise on consent models and embed privacy‑by‑design into analytics implementation.
• Lead the Data Governance leadership team and support senior management on compliance and risk management.
• Design and implement privacy and data protection controls, including Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and Records of Processing Activities.
• Train and raise awareness of data protection obligations throughout GDS.
• Communicate complex technical details to non‑technical stakeholders and build trust with GDS colleagues.
• Engage with external stakeholders such as the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and privacy groups.
• Support the Deputy Head and Head of Data Governance on strategy, risk identification and delivery of strategic objectives.
• Prioritise workloads and manage timelines in a fast‑paced environment.

Person Specification / Qualifications

• Relevant privacy qualification (e. g. IAPP CIPP/E, CIPM, BCS ISEB) or equivalent experience.
• Expert knowledge of PECR and tracking technologies, with proven experience applying privacy‑by‑design in complex digital services.
• Leadership experience in data protection teams with a proactive, collaborative approach.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver on changing operational and legal deadlines.
• Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of new and emerging technologies, including AI, and their impact on public services.
• Risk‑management experience balancing risk against operational, technical and commercial requirements.

Benefits

• Flexible hybrid working with flexi‑time and the option to work part‑time or condensed hours.
• Civil Service Pension (average employer contribution of 28.5%).
• 25 days of annual leave, increasing by one day per year up to a maximum of 30.
• Extra day off for The King’s birthday.
• In‑year bonus scheme recognising high performance.
• Career progression, coaching and a training budget.
• Paid volunteering leave and volunteer leave days.
• Wellbeing support via employee assistance programme and a range of employee discounts.
• Access to a suite of learning activities through Civil Service learning.
• Office Attendance

The role operates under a discretionary hybrid working policy; staff are expected to attend the office or a non‑home based location for 40‑60% of the time over the accounting period.

Security & Clearance

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring check and hold or be eligible for a Security Classification (SC) clearance.

Applicants need to meet the UK residency requirements for clearance; failure to meet residency requirements may result in the withdrawal of provisional offers.

This is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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