Data Protection Officer

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 2,100+ 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), we’re expanding rapidly and looking for exceptional individuals to join our Head Office team.

About the Role

As a Data Protection Officer at Travel Counsellors, you will be responsible for maintaining effective systems and controls and monitoring compliance to enable the company to comply with the Data Protection Act 2018, the UK and EU General Data Protection Regulations and other applicable data protection legislation and regulations (Data Protection Legislation).

Principal Accountabilities

• Subject Matter Expert (SME) for all activities within Travel Counsellors relating to data protection.
• Develop, implement, and manage the company’s data protection and privacy compliance framework.
• Set standards, create policies and procedures and monitor compliance with Data Protection Legislation.
• Develop training programs to enhance data protection awareness across the business.
• Advise on new business projects involving personal data and support with data protection impact assessments, with risk-based advice.
• Conduct data privacy risk assessments and audits and implement strategies to mitigate identified risks.
• Process and respond to DSARs in accordance with applicable laws
• Serve as the primary point of contact and liaison for the ICO and other relevant data protection authorities.
• Monitor changes to data protection laws and regulations, advising the company and updating policies and procedures accordingly.

Required Skills/Experience

• Prior experience working in DPO capacity.
• Experience in implementing and overseeing data protection frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of UK data protection laws and practices. Experience of global data protection laws and standards would be an advantage.
• Experience conducting privacy risk assessments and DPIAs.
• Experience managing data breaches and regulatory reporting obligations.
• Knowledge of cyber security principles and practices.
• Ability to plan, organise and execute data projects effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build collaborative relationships at all levels.
• Professional qualification in data privacy (e.g. CIPP/E, CIPM, CIPT) or equivalent is preferred

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. 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 attalentacquisition@travelcounsellors.com