Data Protection Manager

Job summary

MaPS is entering a period of change, and as Data Protection Manager you will play a key role in promoting data protection best practice across the business. Reporting to the Senior Data Protection Manager and working closely with the organisation’s Technology & Change Directorate, especially Data and Analytics and Cyber Security & Information Assurance, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the effective management and protection of personal data within the organisation. This role involves working closely with various stakeholders to promote data privacy, manage data risks, and optimise data protection compliance across the organisation.

We’re looking for someone who loves what they do; who keeps their finger on the pulse with changes to data protection and AI regulation:

• Someone who is able to identify data protection impacts and make connections across MaPS’ processing activities including projects and business as usual activity.
• Someone who is keen to make a
• We’re seeking a ‘completer/finisher’ and someone who is curious and communicative
• Someone who enjoys building relationships with teams and senior leaders and who is excited about a brand-new opportunity to make their own
• Extensive knowledge of the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018, along with AI regulation, is a must

This role will manage complex data protection issues, and you will be a subject matter expert providing advice across the business on policies, processes, data breach management, compliance, data subject rights management, and training, amongst many other aspects

About Us
The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) is based in Bedford, in a recently renovated modern office. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to become an integral part of a dynamic organisation, working to help people across the UK.

At the heart of the Money and Pensions Service are our values – caring, connecting, and transforming, which are the foundation of our success. They permeate every area of our work and define all our business relationships and the way we work with each other. We’re not only looking for the best people to come and work for us, but we need people who align themselves with our values:

• Caring
  We care about our colleagues and the people whose lives we are here to transform.
• Connecting
  We will transform lives through our ability to make positive connections.
• Transforming
  We are committed to transforming lives and making a positive societal impact.

Job description

• Manage the formation, implementation and management of data protection frameworks, policies and standards, ensuring adherence
• Manage organisational data risks and issues, and co-ordinating with data owners to accept or resolve them
• Work with the Senior Data Protection Manager to provide strategic oversight of data protection throughout the organisation
• Act as an expert advisor across the organisation on the best practice of data protection
• Develop effective long-term relationships with important decision-makers and influencers

• Advocate improved data protection risk management and practices within the organisation.
• Encourage better data literacy and understanding of data governance within the organisation in conjunction with the Data & Analytics Team
• Support the Senior Data Protection Manager in oversight of all data protection compliance mechanisms such as data protection impact assessments, data subject rights requests, record of processing activities, data breach processes, ICO engagement amongst others

• Undertake Freedom of Information and Subject Access Request casework including ensuring response to requests, and publication schedule
• Play a key role in the continuous assessment of data protection practice, conduct health checks to monitor and ensure data protection compliance
• Promote a culture of data protection compliance through employee training and awareness raising
• Manage data protection/information assurance software, ensuring it supports best data protection practice
• Line management responsibilities as considered reasonable by the Senior Data Protection Manager and Head of Governance and Data Protection

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• Expert knowledge of UK and EU data protection and information security principles and best practice within the UK government/public sector, including preferably experience working for a Data Protection Officer or as part of a Data Protection Officer Team
• Understanding of complex / innovative technologies and their relevant compliance and regulatory requirements such as Artificial Intelligence. Ability to align data protection strategy with business goals and adapt to industry/sector changes
• Previous experience of identifying data protection risks and delivering effective risk-based monitoring of data protection compliance frameworks, providing assurance to senior management
• Excellent communication skills, verbally and in writing, with a demonstrated ability to understand complex technical concepts and translate these to non-specialists simply and effectively, to create practical procedures, guidance and training
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrable stakeholder engagement experience. Able to work in partnership and with people at all levels, demonstrating strong skills in networking and influencing
• Experience engaging with cross-functional business stakeholders to understand business processes, data flows, controls, and business needs
• Previous experience of balancing multiple workstreams, with the ability to maintain momentum on projects and prioritising tasks based on organisational criticality, risk and available resources

• Ability to manage issues, take decisions, escalate where appropriate and provide constructive challenge to current ways of working
• Ability to manage others' adherence to policy and procedures
• Ability to trouble-shoot, challenge and mentor effectively in order to ensure that data protection standards are adhered to
• Experience at delivering continuous improvements and delivering on discrete projects (sometimes of a sensitive nature)
• Experience of working beyond area(s) of professional responsibility and building wider links with the work of other teams across the organisation
• Ability to be comfortable managing/prioritising a large and varied workload taking decisions under pressure on your own initiative and meet challenging deadlines with the ability in a flexible and approachable manner
• Relevant professional qualification and / or experience in data protection and the ability to deputise for the Senior Data Protection Manager

Desirable criteria

• Previous experience in the public sector
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and achieve objectives within set timescales

Benefits

• Generous Annual Leave – 30 days plus Bank Holidays
• Pension scheme – contributions matched 2 to 1 (up to 10% of your salary)
• Interest-free loan for season tickets for buses and trains
• Cycle to work Scheme
• Subsidised eye tests & flu jabs
• Life assurance scheme
• Give as you earn scheme
• Employee assistance programme (EAP)
• PAM Assist and PAM Life scheme (Wellbeing)
• Enhanced family and sick pay
• Paid volunteering (2 days a year)
• Recognition Scheme
• Discounts portal to numerous retailers

Flexible Working
At MaPS, we take pride in our flexible approach to work. As standard, we work on a hybrid basis with a minimum of 2 days in the office per week. Hybrid working is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement and our headquarters in Bedford will be your contractual place of work. The number of days that anyone will be able to work at home will be determined primarily by business needs, but personal and other relevant circumstances will also be considered. If you are successful, any opportunities for hybrid working, including whether a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for you, will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post.

Career Development
In MaPS, we take career development seriously. We actively encourage and support applications from our existing MaPS colleagues. However, we do follow the Civil Service Commissioner recruitment principles, which means that you will be required to participate in a full, open, and fair process.

Reserve List
If you are successful at interview, we operate a reserve list where your details will be held for up to 6 months. Should a vacancy come available in that time with the same essential criteria, reserve list candidates will be offered that position with no further assessment required.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact the Money and Pensions Service via email: recruitment@maps.org.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website.

Step 1: Submit Your Application

Open: 07/01/2026 , Deadline: 21/01/2026

To apply, please submit the following documents:

1. Your most up-to-date CV; and
2. A Covering Letter outlining your suitability for the advertised role.

Step 2: Telephone Interview

Between 07/01/2026 – 23/01/2026

If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to a telephone interview with one of our recruiters. This is an opportunity to:

• Discuss your experience in more detail
• Learn more about the role and our organisation
• Ask any questions you may have

Step 3: Final Stage Interview

Hosted on W/C 09/02/2026

Successful candidates from the telephone interview will be invited to attend a remote interview over Microsoft Teams. This stage will include:

• A task and/or a presentation
• A series of competency-based interview questions

Job Reference: MaPS01056

Close Date: 21/01/2026

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : sophie rigney
• Email : sophie.rigney@reed.com

Recruitment team

• Email : sophie.rigney@reed.com