Who Are We
At Knight Frank, we work responsibly in partnership to enhance people's lives and environments. Founded in 1896 and headquartered in London, UK, Knight Frank is one of the world's leading independent real estate consultancies. After 128 years we are now located in over 50 Territories, 740+ Offices, 27,000+ People, with 1 Global Network.
At the heart of all we do are our Clients. A relationship built on trust is vital. As trusted partners in property, we act with integrity and care, understanding our clients' unique needs and consistently thinking about the bigger picture to provide personalised, clear and considered advice across all areas of property. Through our deep understanding of key markets and sectors – both emerging and established – we are dedicated to meeting and exceeding their property goals.
A true partnership is a balanced one, and our People are passionate about, and committed to, making our business inclusive and diverse. We give every individual the space and opportunity to perform at their best and be recognised for the immense value they bring. We empower everyone to have autonomy in their role and encourage them to use their voice in how we can make a positive impact as a firm and shape the future of real estate, the built environment and the impact on the communities we serve. Our collaborative and engaged teams provide excellent and dedicated client service. In our workplace, opinions are respected, everyone is invited to contribute to the success of our business and innovation, and new ideas are celebrated.
In 2021 we celebrated our 125th anniversary and set out Our Desired Future, cemented in three pillars: People Potential, Client Centricity and always Creating our Future, together. Learn more about what sets us apart here.
About The Role
Knight Frank is looking to hire a Data Protection Officer to join our Risk and Operations department, based at 55 Baker Street.
Why Knight Frank?
Role
The Data Protection Officer (DPO) will be accountable for designing and embedding a privacy strategy that ensures compliance whilst empowering the business to use data confidently and securely. It is a key voice in shaping how we manage data risk, support innovation, and build trust with clients and partners of Knight Frank, collaborating with internal stakeholders across all parts of our business. There will be a close relationship with the firm's internal legal team, providing support and advice on data privacy matters in contracts, disputes and the development of privacy controls and agreements for the firm.
The role will lead the privacy risk management capability for the UK businesses, providing day to day management and support to data privacy specialists and ensuring quality and sound decision making in the delivery of operational tasks.
Responsibilities
* Develop and lead the data privacy strategy, aligning it with business objectives, regulatory expectations, and commercial ambition.
* Act as a strategic advisor on data initiatives, ensuring privacy-by-design is built into new services, client platforms, and smart building technologies.
* Support the responsible commercialisation of data by helping the business identify opportunities that are compliant, ethical, and transparent.
* Oversee compliance with relevant regulation and legislation for the UK businesses and provide advice on data protection practice and regulation for other jurisdictions where we operate.
* Serve as the organisation's main point of contact for supervisory authorities, managing regulatory engagement, inspections, and formal requests.
* Oversee the delivery of all operational activity, supported by data privacy specialists and third parties. This includes responses to change requests, impact assessments, data breaches, vendor assessments and requests from individuals in relation to their rights under the UK GDPR.
* Provide guidance on data handling in complex environments.
* Support the collection and management of data privacy risks in the firms' risk register
* Provide support and coaching for data privacy specialists in the development and delivery of operational processes, ensuring consistency and quality in the delivery of tasks.
* Develop the global network of stakeholders responsible for privacy matters, providing leadership, subject matter expertise and advice to grow the capability across all jurisdictions where Knight Frank operates.
* Drive privacy awareness and accountability across all functions through tailored training and communications.
* Provide MI and strategic reporting to the ISPG, and other key governance forums.
* Contribute to broader data governance and ESG strategies, ensuring privacy plays a central role in our digital and sustainability goals.
Key Experience Required
* Substantial experience in a senior privacy or data protection role, ideally in a multinational, regulated, or asset-heavy organisation.
* Strong working knowledge of UK and international privacy legislation, especially GDPR, and the ability to apply it pragmatically across jurisdictions.
* A clear understanding of how privacy can support commercial goals, innovation, and digital service delivery — not just regulatory compliance.
* Proven ability to influence, engage, and advise senior stakeholders, including C-suite leaders and operational leaders.
* Professional privacy qualifications (e.g., CIPP/E, CIPM, FIP, or equivalent) are highly desirable.
Competitive salary
Please note: this is a Direct Search led by Knight Frank. Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted nor will fees be paid for unsolicited CVs, even if provided by PSL agencies.