Data Protection Officer

Data Protection Officer

Working hours 37 hours

Permanent

Salary £70,000

Location Pity Me, Durham/Hybrid working (Minimum 2 days per week in office)

We’re open to discussing flexible working

About the role

We are looking for a Data Protection Officer to join us here at Northumbrian Water Group, to lead the organisation’s data protection and environmental information compliance strategy.

Reporting to the Head of Organisational Compliance, and working closely with the CEO on escalations, you’ll be the expert authority on all matters related to data protection and EIR.

You will manage the Information Access Team, overseeing compliance with legislation, and ensure that policies, training, and audits are robust and up to date, whilst acting as the key liaison with the Information Commissioner’s Office, providing guidance and consultation on data processing activities.

Your role will be pivotal in supporting the Executive Leadership Team, advising on risk, and ensuring that the organisation’s data practices align with both legal obligations and business goals.

This is a hybrid role, offering a balance between working from home and being based at our Pity Me office.

About you

We are looking for a Privacy professional with a strong legal background and a passion for data protection and environmental information compliance.

You will bring at least four years’ experience leading data protection initiatives, possess a specific data protection qualification, and have a deep understanding of UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act, and the Environmental Information Regulations.

You’re confident in interpreting complex legislation and translating it into practical, strategic advice and with exceptional communication skills, you can influence executives, engage with regulators, and lead teams with clarity and purpose.

You will thrive in dynamic environments with a results-driven attitude, and have a keen eye for risk management and compliance.

Your ability to train, advise, and support colleagues across all levels of the business ensures that data protection is embedded in the organisation’s culture.

Ideally, you also bring experience from the water industry or public sector, and you’re comfortable navigating the intersection of statutory obligations and commercial priorities.

Here at Northumbrian Water/Essex & Suffolk Water, we embrace and value Diversity, Inclusion and Equity, and encourage all colleagues to bring their most authentic self to work.

Our colleague network groups include our Rainbow Support Network (LGBTQIA+), REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), WiSTEM (Women in STEM) and Thisability (disability and neurodiversity) networks. They provide a safe space for colleagues from diverse backgrounds, welcoming all colleagues regardless of their personal characteristics to participate in valuable conversation that improves our organisational awareness, understanding and inclusivity.

We encourage and welcome all applications, as we strive to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to having diverse communities represented within all our teams, structures, and organisation. 

Please note this role will require a DBS to be completed prior to employment

NWG are an inclusive employer who support the rehabilitation of offenders, we will not, however consider candidates who have certain unspent convictions to ensure our commitment to fostering a safe and secure working environment for all OR colleagues, suppliers, customers and third parties.

About us

Here are NWG we strive to make Northumbrian Water Group (NWG) a Great Place to Work, for all. We embrace and value Diversity, Inclusion and Equity and encourage you to bring your full self to work. As an equal opportunity employer we’re committed to having a diverse community represented across our business.

We’re aware that not everyone will have every skill listed in the job description, however if you have some of the skills listed, we'd encourage you to apply

NWG at a glance:

Our purpose at NWG is caring for the essential needs of our communities and environment, now and for generations to come.

We do this by providing reliable and affordable water and wastewater services for our customers.

We make a positive difference by operating efficiently and investing prudently, to maintain a sustainable and resilient business.

Our vision is to be the national leader in the provision of sustainable water and wastewater services. To support us in achieving our vision, we have five core values which are the guiding principles, defining who we are, what we do and how we do it.

Our benefits

We’re a Great Place to Work because of the amazing people who work for us, and to say thank you we offer a range of benefits to colleagues. Our ‘Tap Into’ benefits include:

• Generous holiday entitlement starting at 26 days, plus bank holidays and additional time off on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. There’s also the option to buy or sell holidays.
• Company pension scheme, where we’ll double match your contributions up to an employer contribution of 11%.
• Free access to local attractions.
• A fantastic discount scheme, with savings on days out, shopping, travel and more.
• Award winning ‘Living Well’ wellbeing support, including access to a digital GP service for you and your family members.
• Support with sustainable travel – through salary sacrifice cars and a cycle to work scheme.
• Financial wellbeing support – access our community savings scheme, financial education and low cost loans through Salary Finance. We also provide 4 x Life Assurance and an Income Protection Scheme.
• Support with your development – we offer a range of development opportunities, can support you through an interest free qualification loan and we’ll even pay for any relevant professional body subscription.