Head of Data Governance and Data Protection Officer

We are currently recruiting for aHead of Data Governance and Data Protection Officer to work on a hybrid basis, two/three days from our HQ in Coventry and the remainder working remotely from home.

This role has responsibility for ensuring compliance with data protection legislation, fostering a culture of data protection and compliance across the organisation. It oversees the design, development and enhancement of the data management and governance framework, driving policies, procedures and standards to advance AHDB's data capabilities and ensure data integrity, availability, compliance and security.

We are looking for a strategic leader to champion data protection and governance across AHDB, confident in ensuring compliance with data protection legislation and being able to foster a culture of accountability and best practice throughout the organisation. It also helps set the strategic direction for data governance and security, ensuring alignment with organisational goals, strong leadership and communication skills are essential to influence and educate stakeholders at all levels. It’s therefore a prerequisite to hold skills and experience in UK and European data protection laws, including GDPR, proven experience managing SARs, data incidents and breaches, and a comprehensive understanding of data protection and governance practices.

Established in 2008, AHDB is the independent, impartial public body that unlocks success in British agriculture. Funded by a levy from over 100,000 British farmers, growers and processors in the beef, lamb, pork, dairy and cereals sectors, we support and champion farmers and processors, often where no one else can or will.

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• Develop and execute comprehensive data protection and data governance strategies that aligns with AHDB’s overall goals and objectives, driving the organisation’s transition to modern agile practices
  
• Supervise the Data Management and Governance team, including the line management of data stewards
  
• Act as the primary point of contact and adviser on all data protection matters under GDPR
  
• Respond to SARs in accordance with UK GDPR and guidance laid out by the ICO, and act as the main point of contact and adviser
  
• Be an adviser and manage all Freedom of Information (FOI) requests in line with the guidance laid out by the ICO
  
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, external partners, data stewards, data owners and technology teams to establish and enforce data management policies and procedures
  
• Enhance and maintain the integrity of data assets through continuous improvement initiatives
  
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of data governance practices, making adjustments based on regulatory changes and industry best practices
  
• Produce key artefacts integral to AHDB’s data governance programme
  
• Ensure compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, including GDPR, competition law, and data security standards
  

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• Experience in managing and developing teams, fostering a culture of compliance and excellence
  
• Provide expertise in national and European data protection laws and practices, including an in-depth understanding of the GDPR and data security protocols
  
• Strong understanding of data governance frameworks, policies and best practices
  
• Experience of data management, compliance and governance principles
  
• Further experience of managing SAR requests, data incidents and breaches
  
• Knowledge of data management maturity assessments
  
• Experience of working with business glossaries, data dictionaries, data quality solutions, data catalogues, data lineage, master data and metadata management
  
• Proven ability to establish and maintain a high degree of confidentiality, respect, trust and credibility at all levels
  
• Ability to make good judgments regarding data privacy risks and to prioritise resources and activity around managing those tasks
  
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and educate stakeholders
  
• Ideally educated to degree level in a relevant subject, or relevant experience
  

We believe in rewarding our people for their hard work, so we have a great mix of benefits and opportunities to give you the recognition you deserve:

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• 35 hours per week, Monday–Friday, to include hybrid working
  
• 33 days of annual leave plus one privilege day (inclusive of bank holidays)
  
• Life assurance cover (4x salary)
  
• A market‑leading defined contribution pension scheme with Legal & General
  
• Enhanced pay of 20 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, subject to length of service
  
• A paid day each year to volunteer and make a difference in your community
  
• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
  
• Excellent training and development opportunities and an agreed development plan
  
• Recognition awards throughout the year
  
• Reward Gateway membership– this gives you a huge number of online discounts and savings
  

Apply now, or call if you require any further information.

Please note that we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of suitable applications.

At AHDB, we are committed to developing, maintaining and supporting a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion, to include flexible working opportunities. This applies to both our workforce and the practices we follow.