At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead data protection initiatives and ensure compliance with UK GDPR and privacy regulations.
- Company: Join RAC, a trusted name in the industry for over 128 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on data protection while growing your career towards a DPO role.
- Qualifications: Experience in data protection and strong stakeholder management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
RAC has an exciting opportunity for a Data Protection Manager to join our Governance, Risk & Compliance team, supporting data protection and privacy across the Group. This is a highly visible role in a fast‑paced environment, where you’ll provide expert guidance and oversight to ensure compliance while enabling the business to use data responsibly. Working closely with Legal, Information Security, Risk and business teams, you’ll play a key role in managing risk, strengthening governance, and embedding a strong data protection culture across RAC.
This is more than a standard compliance role. You’ll have real ownership, the opportunity to take on greater responsibility, and exposure across senior stakeholders and governance forums. If you’re someone who enjoys solving problems, driving improvements, and is keen to grow your career, potentially towards a future DPO role—this is a fantastic opportunity to make your mark!
What You’ll Do
- Governance & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with UK GDPR, DPA 2018 and PECR
- Maintain and evolve data protection frameworks, policies and controls
- Monitor performance and report on data protection risks
- Oversee Records of Processing Activities (ROPAs)
- Advice & Business Partnering
- Provide clear, pragmatic data protection advice to stakeholders
- Support projects with privacy by design and default
- Advise on data use, sharing, retention and transfers
- Act as a key contact for privacy‑related queries across the business
- Data Subject Rights & Complaints
- Oversee SARs and other data subject requests
- Ensure timely, high‑quality and compliant responses
- Manage complaints and escalations with confidence
- Data Breaches & Incident Management
- Manage personal data breaches and incidents end‑to‑end
- Assess notification requirements (ICO and individuals)
- Support investigations, remediation and learning
- Risk Management & DPIAs
- Lead and review DPIAs
- Identify, assess and mitigate privacy risks
- Ensure appropriate governance of higher‑risk processing
- Third Parties & Data Sharing
- Support data sharing agreements and safeguards
- Review supplier and partner data protection clauses
- Manage third‑party data protection risk
- Regulatory Engagement & Continuous Improvement
- Support ICO engagement, audits and enquiries
- Deliver training and promote awareness across the business
- Identify issues, fix them, and drive continuous improvement
What You’ll Bring
- Skills, Knowledge & Experience
- Strong knowledge of UK GDPR, DPA 2018 and PECR
- Experience in a data protection, privacy or compliance role
- Hands‑on experience with SARs, breaches and DPIAs
- Ability to translate regulation into practical, business‑friendly guidance
- Strong stakeholder management across legal, risk, IT and business teams
- Ability to take ownership and manage competing priorities effectively
- Personal Attributes
- Confident, proactive and solution‑focused
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
- Clear communicator with the ability to influence at all levels
- Commercial and pragmatic approach to risk
- Comfortable handling sensitive issues and driving outcomes
- Ambitious, with a desire to learn, grow and take on more responsibility
- Qualifications
- CIPP/E, CIPM or equivalent (desirable)
- Legal or compliance background advantageous
Location | Working Pattern | Salary
This role follows a hybrid model, 2 days in our Bradley Stoke, Bristol office and 3 remote. Salary aligned with market and experience.
Benefits
- Earnings That Motivate: Enjoy a competitive salary plus automatic enrolment in our Owning It Together Colleague Share Scheme.
- Tools to Drive Your Future: Get started with a free RAC Ultimate Complete Breakdown Service from day one, plus access to a car salary sacrifice scheme after 12 months.
- Time Off That Matters: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays.
- Financial Security & Perks: Benefit from a pension scheme with up to 6.5% matched contributions alongside life assurance cover.
- Wellbeing That Works for You: Our 24/7 confidential support service is available to you and household members.
- Extras That Make a Difference: Access Orange Savings, our exclusive discount portal.
Why RAC?
For more than 128 years, we’ve been keeping drivers moving, and today we’re trusted by over 15 million members.
Data Protection Manager employer: RAC
RAC is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and well-being, offering a dynamic work environment where you can truly make an impact as a Data Protection Manager. With a hybrid working model based in Bradley Stoke, Bristol, you'll benefit from competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and a supportive culture that encourages professional development and work-life balance. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and provides unique opportunities for career advancement while enjoying a range of perks designed to enhance your overall experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Protection Manager
✨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 RAC looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Protection Manager
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 RAC. 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 RAC
✨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 RAC’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
