At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure safe and responsible AI use while advising on data protection risks.
- Company: Join Standard Life, a leader in retirement savings with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, private medical cover, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of curiosity and connection in a supportive, flexible environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in AI governance and help shape the future of data protection.
- Qualifications: Experience in AI governance or compliance, with strong knowledge of data protection principles.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
If you’re someone who enjoys solving complex problems and cares about building things that last, Standard Life could be the place for you. We’re looking for an AI Data Protection Specialist to join our IT Risk, Data and AI Governance team.
Job Type: Full time
Location: Hybrid working - Birmingham, Edinburgh, Telford, London
Flexible working: All roles are open to part-time, job-share and other types of flexibility. We will discuss what is important to you and balancing this with business requirements during the recruitment process.
Closing Date: 05/05/2026
Salary and benefits: £60,000 - £80,000 plus an indicative bonus range of 16-32%, private medical cover, 38 days annual leave, excellent pension, 12x salary life assurance, career breaks, income protection, 3x volunteering days and much more.
Who are we? We’re Standard Life, a retirement specialist focused entirely on retirement savings and income. We champion the belief that everyone’s journey to and through retirement can be better, and for more than 200 years, we’ve been helping our customers plan and prepare for their financial futures. Life today is increasingly complicated, uncertain and unpredictable. People move through different careers, face unexpected moments and navigate important choices. We offer our colleagues flexibility, trust and benefits that work for whatever life brings. In return we expect curiosity, connection, accountability and high standards. We make room for what matters - so you can bring your best, every day.
The role The AI Data Protection Specialist will play a key role in supporting the safe, lawful and responsible use of artificial intelligence across Standard Life. The role will focus on ensuring data protection requirements are appropriately considered, embedded and evidenced as AI use cases are designed, approved and operated under the AI Governance Framework. Working closely with technology, data, legal, privacy, risk and business teams, the role will provide expert advice and challenge on data protection risks associated with AI, including the use of personal data, automated decision‑making, transparency, fairness and accountability. The role will support the business to implement proportionate controls that enable innovation while meeting regulatory and ethical expectations.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Advising on data protection considerations for AI use cases
- Supporting DPIAs and related assessments
- Contributing to AI use case reviews through the AI Review Board and other governance forums
- Maintaining relevant data protection governance artefacts, registers and guidance aligned to AI activity
- Supporting the ongoing development of AI‑specific data protection guidance and awareness
What are we looking for?
- Experience working in an AI governance or risk, compliance or oversight role within a regulated environment, for example technology risk, data governance, model risk, operational risk, or information security.
- Familiarity with external AI frameworks or regulatory guidance such as ISO42001, NIST AI RMF, EU AI Act, industry standards or ethics principles relating to technology, data or AI.
- Knowledge of artificial intelligence concepts and risks, for example model risk, bias, transparency, data usage or automation, gained through governance, risk or oversight work rather than technical development.
- Strong understanding of data protection principles and requirements, including UK GDPR, Data Protection Act, and concepts such as lawful basis, data minimisation, transparency, accountability and individual rights.
- Experience advising on data protection risks in change initiatives, technology delivery or complex data use cases, with the ability to provide clear, practical guidance.
- Experience producing clear written outputs such as DPIAs, governance papers, guidance or management information.
Desirable skills and experience:
- Ability to assess, challenge and document data protection risks and controls in a structured and proportionate way, particularly in evolving or ambiguous contexts.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including working with technology, data, legal and business teams, and the ability to explain complex requirements in plain language.
- Experience working within financial services or another highly regulated sector.
We want to hire the whole version of you. We are committed to ensuring that everyone feels accepted and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If your experience looks different from what we’ve advertised and you believe that you can bring value to the role, we’d love to hear from you. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please let us know so we can help you to be at your best.
AI Data Protection Specialist in Birmingham employer: Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group)
Standard Life is an exceptional employer that prioritises flexibility and employee well-being, offering a hybrid working model across key UK locations such as Birmingham, Edinburgh, Telford, and London. With a strong commitment to professional growth, employees benefit from generous annual leave, comprehensive health coverage, and a supportive work culture that values curiosity and accountability, making it an ideal environment for those looking to thrive in the evolving field of AI governance and data protection.
Contact Details:
Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land AI Data Protection Specialist in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Standard Life and their AI governance practices. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for data protection and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to data protection and AI. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and keep it relevant.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace AI Data Protection Specialist in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in AI governance and data protection. We want to see how your skills align with the role of AI Data Protection Specialist, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Knowledge:Demonstrate your understanding of data protection principles and AI frameworks in your written application. Mention specific regulations like UK GDPR or the EU AI Act to show us you know your stuff and can navigate the complexities of the role.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use plain language to explain your experience and how it relates to the responsibilities of the role. We appreciate clarity and want to understand your qualifications without any jargon!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group)
✨Know Your AI and Data Protection Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of AI concepts and data protection principles, especially UK GDPR. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also passionate about it.
✨Prepare Real-World Examples
Think of specific instances where you've dealt with data protection risks or AI governance challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you demonstrate your experience effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, be ready to discuss how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders in the past. Highlight your communication skills and ability to explain complex requirements in simple terms.
✨Show Your Curiosity and Accountability
Standard Life values curiosity and accountability, so come prepared with questions about their AI Governance Framework and how they approach data protection. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the role and willing to take responsibility for your work.
