Data Protection Lead - Contract/Inside IR35

AgileSource are seeking experienced Data Protection Leads to join a growing Data Governance function supporting major digital transformation programmes within government. The successful candidates will operate at a senior level, partnering with product, engineering, architecture and business stakeholders to embed privacy-by-design principles across complex digital services and data-driven initiatives., * Provide expert data protection and privacy advice across large-scale digital transformation initiatives.

• Embed Privacy by Design principles into product development, technology delivery and operational processes.
• Work closely with developers, software engineers, architects and delivery teams to ensure privacy requirements are understood and implemented effectively.
• Conduct and review privacy risk assessments and advise on mitigation strategies.
• Support data sharing initiatives and ensure appropriate governance controls are in place.
• Engage confidently with senior leaders and stakeholders, presenting recommendations and risk positions clearly.
• Balance compliance obligations with delivery objectives, positioning data protection as an enabler rather than a blocker.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of the wider Data Governance and Data Protection function.
• Operate independently across multiple workstreams while collaborating effectively with colleagues across the organisation.

This is a highly collaborative role requiring strong technical understanding of data protection within digital environments, alongside the ability to influence senior stakeholders and enable programme delivery while effectively managing privacy risk., * Significant experience in a senior Data Protection, Privacy or Information Rights role.

• Strong working knowledge of UK GDPR and wider data protection legislation.
• Experience supporting large-scale transformation or digital programmes.
• Proven experience working within technical environments alongside developers, engineers and data architects.
• Demonstrable experience embedding Privacy by Design into digital products and services.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, including engagement with senior leadership teams.
• Ability to work effectively in ambiguous and fast-moving environments.
• Experience developing pragmatic, risk-based solutions that support delivery outcomes.

Desirable Experience

• Experience within Central Government, Civil Service or wider public sector organisations.
• Experience supporting digital product delivery teams.
• Data sharing governance experience.
• Broader understanding of information security principles (although this is not a security-focused role).
• Microsoft 365 proficiency.