Data Protection Engineer (Cyber Security)

Data Protection Engineer (Cybersecurity) - Global Pharmaceutical Firm - Fully Remote/Hybrid

£70,000 - £90,000 + Annual Bonus & Benefits

About the Role

Robert Half have partnered with a 175-year-old global healthcare/Pharma business who now employ close to 13,000 people worldwide.

They are looking for a talented Cybersecurity Data Protection Engineer to help safeguard sensitive organisational data across their technology environments. This role will focus on designing, implementing, and maintaining advanced data protection controls that secure data at rest, in transit, and in use.

You will play a key role in embedding security-by-design principles across cloud, infrastructure, and application environments, working closely with cross-functional engineering and security teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement data protection technologies including encryption, tokenisation, and data masking
• Manage cryptographic services, Key Management Services (KMS), and secrets management platforms
• Implement and maintain Data Loss Prevention (DLP) controls across endpoints, networks, cloud platforms, and SaaS applications
• Ensure secure data handling across cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP), on-premises, and hybrid infrastructures
• Partner with engineering teams to embed data protection into application architecture and CI/CD pipelines
• Support compliance initiatives including GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and SOC 2
• Conduct data-focused risk assessments and threat modelling
• Monitor and respond to data-related security incidents and alerts
• Develop and maintain data protection standards, policies, and technical documentation
• Stay current with emerging cybersecurity threats, technologies, and industry best practices

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum 4+ years' experience in cybersecurity, information security, or data protection engineering
• Degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related discipline (or equivalent practical experience)
• Hands-on experience with some of:
• Data classification and DLP technologies
• Cloud security tooling (eg Microsoft Purview, Microsoft DLP, CASB solutions)
• Strong understanding of:
• Encryption and cryptographic controls
• Access control and security architecture principles
• Risk management methodologies
• Experience working within cloud security shared responsibility models
• Working knowledge of Identity and Access Management (IAM)
• Experience supporting security monitoring, incident response, and investigations
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Desirable/Preferred Experience

• Experience working within large-scale or regulated healthcare environments
• Knowledge of secure software development practices and DevSecOps tooling
• Scripting or automation experience (Python, PowerShell, Bash, Terraform, etc.)
• Industry certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CSSP, AWS, Azure

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