About Us
At Travel Counsellors, our customers, communities, and colleagues are at the heart of everything we do. For over 30 years, we've empowered 2,200+ independent travel agents worldwide, helping them build successful businesses while providing deeply personal, human connections with their customers. Supported by a talented team of over 400 people in our Support Offices, we create unique travel experiences that keep customers coming back. Named the Best Place to Work in Travel (2022) and ranked in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work (2023, 2024 & 2025), we’re expanding rapidly and looking for exceptional individuals to join our Head Office team.
About the Role
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Data Protection Officer to oversee and monitor the organisation’s compliance with applicable data protection laws, including the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. As the Data Protection Officer, you will act as the company’s primary advisor on privacy risk and regulatory compliance and will be the key contact for supervisory authorities and data subjects where required. This is a hands‑on role in which you will both oversee compliance and directly support implementation of practical controls across the business.
Principal Accountabilities
* Act as the organisation’s data protection and privacy expert, advising on compliance across all business activities.
* Lead DPIAs, manage Records of Processing Activities, and maintain privacy notices and transparency materials.
* Monitor regulatory changes and ensure policies, processes, and controls remain compliant and up to date.
* Oversee data subject rights responses, personal data breach investigations, and related regulatory notifications.
* Provide specialist input into new systems, partnerships, and initiatives involving personal data.
* Manage the company’s data protection framework and deliver training to build awareness across the business.
* Oversee key compliance areas including international transfers, supplier due diligence, special category data, retention, and marketing/PECR.
Required Experience
* Professional data privacy qualification (e.g., CIPP/E, CIPM, CIPT) or equivalent hands‑on experience.
* Demonstrated experience in a formal DPO or senior privacy advisory role, with strong knowledge of UK data protection law (global privacy experience an advantage).
* Proven ability to advise senior stakeholders on privacy risk, compliance, DPIAs, and privacy risk assessments.
* Experience developing, implementing, and managing data protection frameworks and breach response processes.
* Strong understanding of international data transfer mechanisms (e.g., UK IDTA, SCCs) and cybersecurity principles relevant to data protection.
* Experience working in high‑volume, consumer‑facing environments such as travel, e‑commerce, or financial services.
* Excellent communication skills with the ability to provide practical, commercially focused advice.
Our Benefits
* Competitive salary + annual bonus
* Flexible hybrid working
* Career development opportunities
* 25 days holiday (increasing to 28 after 5 years)
* Enhanced Maternity/Paternity pay
* 1 day paid charity day
* Company events and incentives
* 3x salary death in service benefit
* Pension scheme
* Private Medical Insurance or Healthcare Cash Plan
* Free breakfast and beverages
Inclusive Recruitment at Travel Counsellors
Travel Counsellors is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, gender, disability, or any protected characteristic. We provide accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process and will make every effort to accommodate reasonable adjustments where required. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our team and encourage all to apply.
For more information about this role – and others – at Travel Counsellors, please do not hesitate to contact the Talent Acquisition team at talentacquisition@travelcounsellors.com
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