Data Protection Officer

Sevenoaks, Kent
Human Capital Partners Limited

Human Capital Partners are conducting the search to appoint the Data Protection Officer (DPO) to a rapidly growing Fintech.

The role is based near Sevenoaks in Kent and the role will the successful candidate to be in the office three days a week, with two from home. You will most likely need to the office, due to public transport links.

The successful candidate will ensure the company meets its obligations under the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018). Reporting to the Chief Risk Officer, the DPO will monitor compliance and data practices internally to ensure that the business and its functions comply with the applicable requirements under the DPA 2018 and relevant national legislation. The DPO will be responsible for advising on, and where required, carrying out staff training, data protection impact assessments and internal audits. The DPO will also serve as the primary contact for supervisory authorities and individuals whose data is processed by the company.

The DPO works across all business lines in an independent advisory role to help the company maintain perspective on what constitutes “doing the right thing” with a risk-based approach.

The successful candidate will:

• Possess expert knowledge of Data Protection Law and practices and able to fulfil the tasks in DPA 2018.
• Good team player, flexible and able to work on own initiative.
• Strong interpersonal skills, able to establish effective working relationships at all levels.
• Appreciates the importance of confidentiality, accuracy and attention to detail.
• Resilient, not derailed by a setback and returns to a high level of performance quickly.
• Comfortable identifying and raising issues, particularly where driving good outcomes for customers are concerned.

• Hold at least one data protection and/or privacy certification, such as CIPP, CIPT, CIPM, ISEB, etc.
• Have 5 years’ experience within a compliance, legal, audit and/or risk function, with a minimum of three years’ experience in privacy and data protection compliance.
• Ideally previously held a DPO, or Deputy DPO position.
• Ability to demonstrate leadership and project management experience.
• Be familiar with privacy and security risk assessment and best practices, privacy certifications/seals and information security standards certifications.
• Have gained experience working in an FCA regulated industry (desirable).
• Possess previous people management experience (desirable).
• Experience in developing policy and compliance training.
• Sufficient knowledge of information technology and data management systems required.
• Strong change and project management skills, including the ability to manage time well, prioritise effectively and handle multiple deadlines.
• Ability to undertake large, long-term projects, develop alternative methods and implement solutions.