Data Protection Officer - Fixed Term Contract 13 months
Southampton Hybrid
Salary £46,718 to £54,504 (dependent on experience)
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 across Britain and the world, OS helps its customers in virtually all sectors improve quality of life. As we continue to innovate and evolve in a data‑driven world, the importance of strong data governance and protection has never been greater. We are now looking for a Data Protection Officer (DPO) to join us on a fixed‑term basis and play a pivotal role in ensuring OS continues to meet the highest standards of data protection compliance.
About the Role
The Data Protection Officer provides a critical, legislated function at OS informing, advising, and guiding the organisation on its data protection obligations. Reporting to senior leadership, you’ll influence decision-making, promote best practice, and ensure compliance is embedded across OS.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled data protection professional who can combine deep subject‑matter expertise with strong stakeholder engagement, strategic thinking, and an ability to drive meaningful cultural change.
What You’ll Be Doing
Informing & Advising
Provide expert guidance across OS and its group companies on data protection law (including UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR), Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, Freedom of Information Act 2000), OS policies and regulatory obligations
Influence senior stakeholders, identifying risks and advising 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, identifying Key Performance Indicators, risks, and recommendations for senior leadership
Lead audits and assurance activities prioritising high‑risk areas, gathering evidence and securing 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‑learned activity to prevent recurrence. Oversee accuracy and maintenance of compliance records and logs
Collaborate with partner organisations and government bodies to share best practice
What We’re Looking For
An experienced senior Data Protection professional with significant experience and practical application of data protection within a digital, data driven, complex organisation. Relevant professional qualification / certification in data protection is desirable
Strong, in-depth, up‑to‑date knowledge of UK GDPR, DPA 2018, PECR/e-privacy regimes (including cookies and analytics) and relevant regulatory frameworks
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
Demonstrates extensive experience in dealing with SARs and information access requests
Demonstrates extensive experience in handling data breaches and dealing with 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.
We offer a supportive hybrid working environment, excellent benefits, and a culture built on collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement.
The Rewards
We want you to love what you do. That is why our benefits package rewards a job well done. Check out how we support and invest in our employees by clicking here.
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 like
Location
We embrace a hybrid working model at OS. We have a fantastic HQ in Southampton, Hampshire where 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 (DBS).
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 therefore conditional upon meeting the required security clearance standards.
Closing date: 3 May 2026 @23:59pm
A covering letter of no more than one page is required and should be submitted with your CV.
Interviews are scheduled to take place in person at Ordnance Survey Head office.
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.
Skills required for this role:
Auditing (Inactive), Compliance, Data Protection, General Data Protection Regulation, Information Security, Risk Assurance, Security, Third Party Data