Data Protection Lead - Contract

Data Protection Lead - Contract

Location: London, Bristol or Manchester (Hybrid)

Contract Length: 6 Months

Day Rate: £600.00 - £650.00

IR35 Status: Inside IR35

Security Clearance: BPSS

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.

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

Essential Skills & Experience

• 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.