Data Governance and Legal Services Manager

Hours: fixed term maternity cover until December 2027, full time, 37 hours per week (1.0 FTE)

Salary: Band 6 (non-negotiable) - £43,482 to £48,823 per annum (pay award pending)

About the post

The University of Suffolk is looking for an experienced and proactive Data Governance and Legal Services Manager to join the Vice-Chancellor’s Office on a maternity cover basis.

This role leads the University’s approach to data protection, data governance and legal services. Reporting to the University Secretary, you will act as the University’s Data Protection Officer, providing expert advice and guidance to colleagues across the University on UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, Freedom of Information, privacy matters, data sharing, Data Protection Impact Assessments, data retention and records management.

You will oversee the effective management of Subject Access Requests, Freedom of Information requests, data breaches, privacy notices, data processing records and compliance reporting. The role will also involve supporting contract reviews, liaising with legal advisers where required, contributing to regulatory compliance activity, and preparing reports that identify risks, trends, and training needs.

You will line manage and work closely with colleagues in the Data Governance and Legal Services team, supporting committees including Committee administration, and help deliver projects that strengthen data governance, legal processes, and institutional compliance.

About you

We are looking for someone with strong knowledge of data protection legislation, experience of managing information rights requests and DPIAs, excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to provide clear, practical advice on complex matters. You will be highly organised, confident working with senior stakeholders, comfortable handling sensitive and confidential information, and committed to collaborative, professional and service-focused working.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 25 days for Bands 1-4 and 30 days for Bands 5 and above, plus 8 bank holidays and any university closure days.
• Enjoy an extra day of paid leave on your birthday, subject to qualifying/service conditions.
• Flexible working, including family friendly policies.
• Competitive workplace pension scheme (USS) – with an employer contribution rate of 14.5%, tax relief on contributions and life cover.
• Staff discounts at a number of local amenities in Ipswich.
• Discounted membership at Adastral Park Leisure and Sports
• Access to a range of high-quality learning and development opportunities
• Discounted rates for staff approved to study a UoS undergraduate or postgraduate course, subject to a set of criteria and conditions.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Staff recognition annual awards.

Closing Date: Friday 2 October 2026

Interview Date: To be confirmed

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Please note: We recommend that you apply as soon as possible, even if the closing date is in the future.

Applications received may be reviewed before the closing date and should we receive a high number of applications for this post, or high-quality applications which demonstrate suitability, we reserve the right to close the vacancy early. We may hold interviews as and when applications are received, and we reserve the right to offer to a candidate prior to the closing date.

We are a values driven organisation, committed to ensuring we remain a beacon for aspiration and achievement, while providing a great environment to work and study. We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community and we encourage applications from under-represented groups.