Group Data Protection Officer – United Kingdom / Remote
As we continue to advance the maturity of our data protection and privacy framework, we are seeking an experienced, pragmatic and highly hands‑on Group Data Protection Officer (DPO) to lead and own the function across our UK and European operations for Animal Friends and Pinnacle Pet Group. Building on strong foundations already in place, you will take end‑to‑end responsibility for the group’s data protection strategy, governance and operational delivery.
Reporting directly to the General Counsel, you will be a trusted adviser to senior leadership, shaping the organisation’s privacy vision, strengthening compliance and risk management, and embedding privacy‑by‑design into business decision‑making. You’ll lead on regulatory engagement, oversee incident response, and ensure consistent, proportionate application of data protection standards across multiple jurisdictions.
This is a rare opportunity to take genuine ownership of a strategically critical function, with the autonomy to influence direction, drive continuous improvement, and build a strong culture of accountability and trust at scale. We operate a flexible hybrid working model, between home working and time spent in one of our UK offices with quarterly travel across Europe to collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders. Salary up to c£125,000 base, dependent on experience and suitability.
What we look for as our Group Data Protection Officer
* Significant experience as a DPO or senior data protection professional within a complex, multi‑entity UK and European organisation.
* Deep legal and operational expertise in GDPR, UK GDPR, local Data Protection and E‑Privacy laws, with the ability to turn regulation into practical business action.
* Proven ability to develop and embed data protection frameworks, policies, and controls that drive measurable improvement.
* Strong governance, risk, and compliance acumen, with a track record of influencing and guiding senior leadership.
* Exceptional communication skills and professional gravitas, able to engage, challenge, and advise stakeholders with confidence.
* A hands‑on, pragmatic leader, ideally with professional certification (CIPP/E, CIPP/M, or equivalent) and experience in a regulated industry.
Responsibilities
* Lead data protection compliance across all PPG entities in the UK and Europe, ensuring compliance with GDPR, UK GDPR, and national data protection laws.
* Oversee and enhance the implementation of 2nd‑line data protection controls — guiding and supporting local entities at varying stages of maturity.
* Provide strategic advice and pragmatic guidance to senior executives, local CEOs, and teams across the UK, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
* Lead and mentor a skilled team of data protection professionals, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
* Develop, implement, and monitor data protection frameworks, policies, and processes that align with legal, risk, and governance best practices.
* Serve as the primary contact for regulators, auditors, and data subjects.
* Drive awareness and education initiatives to embed a culture of privacy and compliance throughout the Group.
* Partner with IT Security, Compliance, Risk, and Commercial teams to ensure data protection is built into every business process and product.
* Oversee the creation and maintenance of an accurate Record of Processing Activities (ROPA) across entities.
Why Animal Friends?
We believe in working hard, striving for the best, and enjoying the journey. We’ve cultivated a collaborative and supportive environment where every team member is valued. While we’re focused on achieving great things, we have a strong commitment to a healthy work‑life balance.
Benefits Of Working With Animal Friends
* 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and your birthday off.
* Fully paid day off for charity work.
* 95% of our employees’ pets covered, with up to 50% off insurance and free access to our Vet consultation app JOII.
* Discounts on gym membership and access to a Wellbeing hub.
* We donate £3,000 to the charity of the employee of the quarter’s choice.
* Working within a courageous, passionate and kind‑hearted team.
Animal Friends Pet Insurance Ltd is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, nationalities, disabilities, religions, and sexual orientations. Your application will be dealt with in the strictest of confidence.
We offer accessibility help with application forms which is available via the jobs page of our website.
As an FCA regulated business, we require successful applicants to clear our pre‑employment screening process which includes a credit check and reference checks. Under the latest UK Right to Work regulations, we will require successful applicants to evidence their right to work in the UK, either in person, online, or digitally via a third party subject to circumstances.
Details
* Department: Data Protection
* Contract type: Permanent
* Hours: 37.5
* Salary: up to c£125,000 base dependent on suitability
Seniority Level
* Executive
Employment Type
* Full‑time
Job Function
* Information Technology
* Insurance
Location
London, England, United Kingdom
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