This is a 12 week Fixed Term Contract, with a minimum requirement of 3 days in the office.

We are looking for a Data Protection Governance Manager who understands how data protection integrates with core business operations, including audit, assurance, cyber security, customer experience, and learning & development.

The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to develop, update, and communicate policies, standards, and procedures across the organisation.

You will bring experience in leading compliance initiatives, managing risk and control activities, and supporting business units to meet regulatory obligations.

Strong stakeholder engagement skills are essential, as you’ll be working with internal teams, regulatory bodies, committees, and cross-functional groups.

What you will be doing as Data Protection Governance Manager

  • Overseeing the review, update, and communication of policies, standards, and procedures to relevant stakeholders and business areas.
  • Managing and maintaining Privacy Notices and FAQ documents.
  • Planning, coordinating, and delivering data protection training, communications, and engagement initiatives across the company.
  • Administering the Data Protection Committee and the Water UK forum.
  • Leading risk and control activities for the Data Protection function.
  • Managing ICO registrations for all entities within the Kemble group.
  • Maintaining and updating entries for the ICO accountability tracker.
  • Overseeing the upkeep of the DP Hub and Portal on SharePoint.
  • Potential line management / supervisory expectation.

What you should bring to the role

To thrive in this challenging role, you will need the following skills-

  • Highly skilled in engaging with both internal and external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, committees, and cross-functional teams.
  • Have a proven track record in planning, coordinating, and delivering training, communications, and engagement initiatives that promote a strong understanding of data protection across the business.
  • A solid awareness of how data protection integrates with key business functions—such as audit, assurance, cyber security, customer experience, and learning & development—is essential.
  • Strong IT proficiency, particularly in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint administration, is required.
  • The role also demands experience in compliance, ideally within GDPR or data protection, as well as expertise in risk management, multitasking, and meeting tight deadlines.
  • Exceptional attention to detail, organisational skills, and written communication—including minute-taking—are critical to success in this position.
  • Positive and approachable, an excellent communicator.
  • Initiative, proactivity, the ability to work without close supervision.
  • Ability to learn new skills quickly and take ownership of the role.
  • Collaborative approach to work.

What’s in it for you? 

An opportunity to join a company that offers its employees a rewarding career path, allowing individuals to reach their full potential. This is an exciting time to join Thames Water as we continue to deliver our innovative turnaround plan.

  • Competitive salary up to £60,000 per annum, depending on experience.
  • Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (Plus bank holidays)
  • Performance-related pay is directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
  • Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
  • Personal Medical Assessments – Open to all once a year.
  • Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of your and your family’s health and well-being, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Find out more about our benefits and perks

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.