Data Protection Manager job description

If you’re looking to hire a Data Protection Manager, this job description template can help with easily defining the key responsibilities and qualifications required. This template provides a clear framework to attract the best candidates with the right skills and experience, streamlining your recruitment process and ensuring accuracy.

Job description template

Reporting to: Data Protection Officer/Head of Privacy/General Counsel

Level/experience: 5–8+ years in data protection, information governance, or compliance, with practical hands-on experience in operational privacy

General role and responsibilities

The Data Protection Manager will oversee the day-to-day management of the organisation’s data protection and privacy compliance framework. Working closely with the DPO, legal, IT, HR, and other business functions, this role ensures that policies are implemented, risks are identified and mitigated, and employees are supported in meeting their data protection obligations.

The role requires a balance of hands-on operational delivery (handling subject rights requests, maintaining records, managing incidents) with advisory responsibilities (guiding teams, supporting projects, embedding privacy by design).

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing and maintaining the organisation’s Records of Processing Activities (ROPA) and data inventories
• Coordinating and responding to data subject rights requests (DSARs) and complaints
• Supporting and conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and risk assessments
• Leading privacy training and awareness initiatives across the business
• Monitoring and auditing compliance with data protection laws, policies, and procedures
• Maintaining and updating data protection policies, privacy notices, breach logs, and other documentation
• Supporting the DPO in liaising with regulators, auditors, and external stakeholders
• Advising project teams and business functions on data protection issues, embedding privacy by design
• Investigating, documenting, and assisting with responses to data breaches or security incidents
• Staying abreast of regulatory changes and updating processes accordingly

Experience and qualifications

• Solid knowledge of UK GDPR, EU GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, PECR, and related frameworks
• Demonstrable experience in an operational privacy role (data protection, compliance, information governance)
• Experience handling DSARs, DPIAs, audits, and regulatory interactions
• Strong organisational and project management skills; able to juggle multiple competing priorities
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills: able to explain complex requirements simply
• Experience training staff and raising awareness across diverse teams
• Professional qualifications such as CIPP/E, CIPM, or ISEB Data Protection Certificate (desirable)

Optional sector-specific responsibilities

Depending on the organisation’s sector and structure, additional responsibilities may include:

• Overseeing marketing/digital compliance (cookies, consent management, adtech)
• Supporting global compliance with non-EU privacy laws (e.g. CCPA, LGPD, APAC)
• Managing vendor due diligence and third-party risk assessments
• Collaborating with information security on cyber risk and incident management
• Providing input into M&A or business transformation projects from a privacy perspective