Data Protection Officer – Fixed Term Contract 13 months
Southampton Hybrid
Salary £46,718 to £54,504 (dependent on experience)
About the Role
Ordnance Survey (OS) is the national mapping agency for Great Britain and a world‑leading geospatial data and technology organisation. As a reliable partner to government, business and citizens, OS helps its customers improve quality of life across virtually all sectors. In a data‑driven world, strong data governance and protection are essential. We are seeking a Data Protection Officer (DPO) to join us on a fixed‑term basis and play a pivotal role in ensuring OS meets the highest standards of data protection compliance.
What You’ll Be Doing
Informing & Advising
* Provide expert guidance across OS and its group companies on data protection law (UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, PECR, Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, Freedom of Information Act 2000), OS policies and regulatory obligations
* Influence senior stakeholders, identify risks and advise on actions to reduce them to acceptable levels
* Act as the organisation’s Data Protection Subject Matter Expert, prioritising high‑risk areas including Corporate, Consumer and new initiatives
* Oversee Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), ensuring compliance is considered early and throughout project lifecycles
* Position Data Authority as a key governance mechanism to ensure consistent and systematic data protection compliance within business initiatives
* Own and maintain data protection policies; collaborate with risk owners to strengthen Subject Access Request (SAR) processes, privacy notices and data‑sharing agreements
* Drive a culture of data protection awareness through training, guidance and engagement across the business
* Provide support to the FOI team
Monitoring & Assurance
* Provide both strategic and operational oversight of data protection compliance
* Develop and implement monitoring tools and mechanisms to ensure compliance, identify key performance indicators, risks and recommendations for senior leadership
* Lead audits and assurance activities prioritising high‑risk areas, gather evidence and secure stakeholder engagement
* Oversee the maintenance of records required to demonstrate compliance
External Engagement & Breach Management
* Act as the primary point of contact for the Information Commissioner’s Office and for data subjects regarding information requests, queries and complaints
* Lead investigations into data breaches and incidents, ensuring prompt escalation, regulatory notifications and lessons‑learnt activity to prevent recurrence
* Collaborate with partner organisations and government bodies to share best practice
What We’re Looking For
* An experienced senior Data Protection professional with significant practical application of data protection within a digital, data‑driven, complex organisation. Relevant professional qualification / certification in data protection is desirable
* Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills at all levels, including senior leadership
* Demonstrable experience leading DPIAs, records of processing activities, audits and data governance frameworks
* Extensive experience in dealing with SARs and information access requests
* Extensive experience in handling data breaches and reporting processes
* Strong IT and MS 365, Teams, Excel and Word skills and demonstrable experience in the use of e‑discovery
* FOI knowledge and experience is desirable
* Experience in providing confidential support to individuals or teams in an office environment
* Ability to translate complex legislation into practical, actionable advice
* Confident communicator with experience delivering training and awareness activities
* A proactive, analytical mindset with strong organisational and assurance capabilities
Why OS?
At Ordnance Survey, you’ll work at the heart of an organisation trusted by millions, where data underpins everything we do. You will have the opportunity to influence strategy, shape governance and contribute to work that supports national infrastructure, innovation and public trust.
The Rewards
* Salary £46,718 to £54,504 (dependent on experience)
* Performance related bonus up to 10%
* A competitive pension scheme (OS contributes up to 12.07%)
* 28 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and three additional company shutdown days over the Christmas period
* Paid maternity, paternity and shared parental leave
* Free subscription to OS Maps
* Access to online learning platforms
* Coaching and mentoring schemes
* Plus, a suite of excellent additional perks and benefits
At OS, we believe looking after your health and wellbeing means more than posters and events. We empower you to manage your work and life the way you need it by offering things such as an extra day’s leave for each year you work, up to 33 days; an employee assistance programme; free onsite parking at our modern HQ in Southampton; flexible working hours; an OS Explorers nursery discount; and a cycle‑to‑work scheme.
Location
We embrace a hybrid working model at OS. The HQ is located in Southampton, Hampshire, and you will be required to split your time evenly, 50% in HQ and 50% working remotely.
Security
OS conducts pre‑employment checks for anyone made an offer of employment. These include identity, right to work, employment history and criminal record checks (via the Disclosure & Barring Service).
This role requires Security Check (SC) clearance, which must be successfully obtained and in place before the successful candidate can take up the post. Appointment to this role is conditional upon meeting the required security clearance standards.
Equal Opportunity
We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that people may need during the recruitment process, and you will be asked whether you require any during the application process.
Research indicates that women, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ+ community members, neurodiverse individuals and people from ethnic minority backgrounds often hesitate to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Ordnance Survey, we are dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive and genuine workplace where everyone can thrive. If you’re enthusiastic about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly match every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be the ideal candidate for this or other roles within Ordnance Survey.
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