Howden UK Broking Head of Data Protection

Overview

In this role, you will lead Howden UK Broking and UK Reinsurance’s Data Protection function, shaping a practical risk-based framework aligned with UK and EU data laws. You’ll work with senior leadership to drive strategy, governance, training, and by-design practices across the businesses. You will oversee regulatory interactions, reporting, and risk mitigation to protect personal data at scale. This is an opportunity to influence data protection at a fast-growing, employee-owned insurer with a strong culture and global reach.

Pay / Benefits

• flexible hours
• hybrid working
• volunteering and charity
• diversity and inclusion
• reasonable adjustments
• employee ownership

Responsibilities

• Develop and drive a data protection strategy aligned with UK Broking and UK Reinsurance operating models
• Create and maintain an annual Data Protection Plan and ensure regulatory alignment
• Establish and maintain a data protection risk and control framework, policies, and monitoring
• Implement horizon scanning to identify and act on new data protection legislation
• Produce updates and reports to governance committees on data protection risks and compliance
• Maintain data protection tooling and promote consistent use across the businesses
• Raise awareness and deliver training to employees on data protection topics
• Oversee interactions with the Information Commissioner’s Office and other authorities
• Ensure correct data protection registrations and licences across entities
• Embed data protection by design within business processes
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with senior leadership, information security, internal controls, and group data protection functions
• Provide risk-based advisory support on data protection matters across marketing, DPIAs, subject rights, notices, and data security
• Ensure DPIAs, ROPAs, data protection risk assessments, and KRIs/KCIs are developed and reported
• Prioritise high-risk processing activities and manage data subject rights requests
• Lead and develop the data protection team, with succession planning and staff development
• Deliver data protection training across employee levels and report to governance committees

Key requirements

• Experience building, implementing and managing enterprise data protection programmes
• Knowledge of UK GDPR, UK Data Protection Act 2018, PECR and related laws
• Experience with monitoring compliance and risk management frameworks
• Ability to manage multi-stakeholder projects and negotiations
• Strong communication skills across boards, IT staff, and external regulators
• Experience in reporting to senior governance committees
• Financial services experience preferred
• CIPP/E or Certified Data Protection Practitioner (PC.dp) preferred but not essential
• Experience in handling data subject rights requests
• Familiarity with data protection by design and data security controls

• Strategic leadership
• Cross-functional stakeholder management
• Effective communication
• Knowledge of GDPR, UK DPA, PECR
• DPIA methodology
• ROPA maintenance

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