Group and UK Data Protection Officer

Location: Flexible UK (Hybrid with regular travel to Hook and London)

Data is one of Serco's most valuable assets and protecting it is fundamental to the trust our customers, governments and millions of citizens place in us every day. We're looking for an exceptional Group & UK Data Protection Officer (DPO) to provide independent oversight of data protection across our global business, while fulfilling the statutory responsibilities of the UK Data Protection Officer.

This is far more than a compliance role. You'll help shape how privacy supports innovation across a business operating in defence, justice, transport, healthcare, citizen services and other critical public services. From emerging technologies and AI governance to complex international data transfers, you'll ensure privacy remains central to every decision we make.

Operating independently, you'll advise and challenge senior leaders, influence strategic decisions and provide assurance that Serco continues to meet the highest standards of data protection and governance.

A role with influence across the organisation

Reporting with statutory independence, you'll work across Group functions and the UK business, partnering with executive leaders, legal, cyber security, digital, risk and operational teams to embed privacy into everything we do. You'll shape our global privacy framework, provide oversight of UK data protection compliance and ensure privacy risks are understood, managed and reported effectively.

Whether advising on a major transformation programme, supporting the responsible adoption of AI, engaging with regulators or helping the business navigate evolving legislation, you'll play a critical role in protecting both individuals and Serco's reputation.

What you'll be doing

• As Group & UK Data Protection Officer, you'll provide independent leadership across all aspects of privacy governance, including:
• Acting as Serco's statutory UK Data Protection Officer while providing strategic oversight of privacy across the wider Group.
• Developing and evolving Serco's global privacy framework, governance standards and assurance model.
• Advising senior leaders on complex privacy risks, regulatory requirements and emerging legislation.
• Providing independent oversight of Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and high-risk processing activities.
• Supporting major business change, digital transformation, supplier arrangements and AI-enabled solutions by embedding privacy by design.
• Leading the organisation's approach to personal data incidents, regulatory notifications and lessons learned.
• Acting as the principal point of contact with regulators, supervisory authorities and data subjects within your DPO remit.
• Monitoring organisational compliance through assurance activity, audits, reporting and governance reviews.
• Providing clear reporting to Executive leadership and governance forums on privacy performance, emerging risks and regulatory developments.

Who we're looking for

This is an opportunity for an experienced privacy leader who combines technical expertise with sound judgement, commercial awareness and the confidence to influence at the highest levels. You'll bring:

• Extensive experience in a senior data protection, privacy, governance or compliance leadership role.
• Expert knowledge of UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and a strong understanding of EU GDPR and wider international privacy requirements.
• Experience operating within a complex, highly regulated or multinational organisation.
• The ability to translate legislation into pragmatic, risk-based advice that enables business success while maintaining compliance.
• Experience engaging confidently with executive leadership, regulators and external stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of privacy governance, information lifecycle management, international data transfers and records management.
• An appreciation of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, automated decision-making and the evolving privacy landscape.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the confidence to provide independent challenge where required.
• Professional privacy qualifications such as CIPP/E, CIPM or equivalent would be highly desirable.

Why Serco?

Serco delivers services that make a difference to millions of people across the UK and around the world. With operations spanning multiple sectors and jurisdictions, data protection plays a critical role in maintaining the confidence of governments, customers, employees and the public. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence privacy strategy across a complex international organisation while maintaining the independence expected of a statutory Data Protection Officer.

You'll work alongside senior leaders across Legal, Risk, Cyber Security, Digital, AI Governance and Operational teams, helping shape how Serco manages privacy in an increasingly digital world.

What we offer

• A competitive six figure salary
• On target bonus of 20%, with potential for 40%
• Company car or car allowance
• 10% contributory pension
• PMI for you and a partner
• 25 days leave

Ready to make an impact? If you're looking for a role where you can combine independent oversight with strategic influence and help shape privacy across a global organisation, we'd love to hear from you.

Join Serco and help build the trusted foundations that enable us to deliver essential services around the world.

A little bit about us:

At Serco, everyone plays a vital part in delivering essential public services that make a real difference. As a global team of 50,000 people across Defence, Transport, Justice, Immigration, Healthcare, Leisure and Citizen Services, we’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the services that communities rely on. Guided by our values of Trust, Care, Innovation and Pride, our people make meaningful impact, every single day.

Our inclusive recruitment commitment:

We prioritise your skills and potential. As a Disability Confident Leader, the Top Great British Employer of Veterans 2026, and a Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, we champion equal opportunities for all. We offer flexible and hybrid working where possible and make reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities, veterans and people with convictions, who meet the minimum job criteria, are guaranteed an interview. Simply opt into the relevant scheme on the application form.

Ban The Box: We also support fair access for those with unspent criminal convictions through our ‘Ban the Box’ pledge (some roles may have security exemptions).

For support with your application, please contact recruitmentuk@serco.com.

Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.