Job Title: Compliance and Data Protection Manager (Edgewing)
Location: Reading area. The role could be contracted to any BAE Systems site (preferably Frimley) but on commencement will immediately be assigned to our Edgewing JV in the Reading area. A financial support package may be available to enable this assignment if required, dependent on certain criteria being met. Due to the nature of this assignment, we envisage there will be a need for mostly on site working, however, flexible working arrangements may be possible – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this role.
Salary: £65,498+ (DOE)
Who we are:
Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.
From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.
Job Description:
As a Compliance Data and Protection Manager, you’ll support the Head of Compliance & Ethics in ensuring the organisation meets its data protection obligations across a complex international environment. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you’ll provide expert advice on privacy matters, help assess and manage data protection risks, and support the development of a positive culture of compliance across the business.
This is an exciting opportunity to join Edgewing at an early stage of its journey, where you’ll play a key role in shaping data protection practices and governance frameworks that support the delivery of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
Core duties:
- Monitor and assess data protection compliance across the organisation, helping to ensure adherence to applicable legislation, regulatory requirements and internal policies
- Lead Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and related privacy reviews, identifying risks and recommending practical solutions that support business objectives
- Evaluate and manage privacy and data protection risks, working with stakeholders to develop effective mitigation strategies and promote informed decision-making
- Collaborate with senior leaders and cross-functional teams to embed data protection principles into day-to-day operations, projects and strategic initiatives
- Act as a trusted adviser on data protection matters, providing expert guidance on privacy-related issues, regulatory developments and compliance obligations
- Instruct and work with external legal counsel on data processing agreements, data sharing agreements and other privacy-related contractual arrangements
Essential Skills:
- Extensive experience advising on data protection and privacy compliance, with knowledge of UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act and wider GDPR frameworks
- Experience operating in an in-house Data Protection, Compliance or Legal environment
- Understanding of data protection governance, regulatory requirements and compliance frameworks
- Experience interpreting legal and regulatory requirements and providing practical, risk-based advice to stakeholders
- Ability to build effective relationships and work collaboratively with stakeholders at all levels, including senior leaders, external legal advisers and industry partners
- Effective communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to explain complex data protection issues to a range of audiences
The Edgewing Team:
By joining Edgewing, you will have a unique opportunity to help shape the company from the ground up — setting the foundations for generations to come, influencing how we work, and helping us build something world-class together. At Edgewing, we’re united by a shared purpose to drive what’s next in defence – uniting UK, Italian, and Japanese expertise to shape the future of global defence. With trust at the heart of everything we do, we empower our people to dare to go beyond, bring their best as one, and leave a mark that matters on a truly global mission, making a lasting impact through work that truly matters.
Why BAE Systems?
Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.
A place where everyone can thrive:
We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.
Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.
Closing Date: 7th August 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
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