Group Manager Investigations

Group Manager Investigations

Full time / Part time

Salary: 57815 - 65021 with potential for further progression to 73211 with our pay progression scheme.

Location: Hybrid

Contracted to our Wilmslow office however we offer flexible home and office-based working opportunities. There will be times when you will be expected to attend the office to collaborate with colleagues or travel due to business need. Please note from Autumn 2026 our head office will relocate from Wilmslow to Manchester city centre.

Why work for the ICO

• Pay progression scheme.
• Hybrid and flexible working options.
• 25 days paid holiday per year plus privilege and public holidays.
• Flexi leave (up to 26 additional days leave per year).
• Pension (employer contribution around 28.9%).
• Online discount scheme to save money at major supermarkets retailers gyms restaurants insurance providers and many more.
• Health Cash Plan.
• Fantastic development opportunities to learn and progress.

Further details can be found on the benefits section of ourwebsite.

Job summary

The Investigations Directorate is responsible for delivering the ICOs

Regulatory Action Framework identifying and progressing high impact regulatory interventions to address breaches of legislation regulated by the Information Commissioner. It is vital that interventions are proportionate fit for purpose and able to withstand external scrutiny.

Group Managers are responsible for leading and managing investigation teams. Using a project management methodology you will ensure delivery of the end-to-end process from initiation to final publication of high-profile and complex regulatory interventions that are consistent with the ICOs Regulatory Action Policy and associated guidance. You will also be expected to identify areas for improvement in quality and service optimising the efficacy of the ICOs enforcement actions.

The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) is the independent regulator of information a data-driven world we provide advice guidance and support to organisations enabling compliance with their obligations as well as protecting individuals and their personal data.

As an employer we are passionate about making a positive difference to the lives and careers of our people and we empower you to be curious impactful collaborative and respectful.

Job description

Group Managers are also responsible for monitoring performance ensuring that relevant KPIs and SLAs are met. Group Managers will show ambition and service focus driving a culture of high performance and continuous improvement across their teams.

You will also build opportunities for multi-agency and partnership working with external bodies both nationally and internationally in the furtherance of the ICOs regulatory interventions and investigations. Additionally you will engage with stakeholders to ensure their needs and concerns are addressed identifying collaboration opportunities and fostering strong relationships to enhance the effectiveness of our regulatory efforts.

You will also be responsible for managing risks associated with investigations ensuring that potential issues are identified and mitigated effectively.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide direct line management within the group including the monitoring and review of individual performance and supporting individual development.
• Lead the delivery of a wide range of interventions ensuring that they are conducted in accordance with the ICOs Strategic Plan regulatory priorities and the principles of the Regulatory Action Policy and associated guidance.
• Perform the role of Delegated Authority by determining the appropriateness of enforcement action against organisations or to provide recommendations to more senior managers where issues are particularly sensitive or complex.
• Oversee group resources within the allocated budget ensuring the effective allocation of resources by regularly assessing incoming cases managing work queues and monitoring staffing levels.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of the Investigations Directorate business plan strategic and operational objectives.
• Maintain procedures for the effective efficient and consistent handling of the workload including the implementation and monitoring of compliance with ICO procedures.
• Be conversant with all relevant legislation including the authorisation of decisions reached within the group and the provision of advice to staff and managers within the group regarding complex issues.
• Monitor activity across the group reporting on performance and providing accurate management information using the information to instigate remedial action where necessary.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and areas for improvements through interrogation of trend analysis and working collaboratively across the business to show ambition and service focus.
• Represent the ICO in external meetings with stakeholders and other regulators and manage contact with the media where appropriate.

Person specification

Essential criteria assessed at application stage:

• Substantial experience relevant to the role requirements as described in the role responsibilities and person specification and accumulated through any combination of academic or vocational qualifications or experience.
• Experience of conducting/ managing investigations of a highly complex nature.
• Experience of managing and developing staff.
• Experience of applying Information Rights or similarly complex legislation.
• Ability to develop and manage staff performance (also measured at interview).

Essential criteria assessed during interview:

• Excellent intellectual ability in order to be able to analyse complex legislation and to apply it to particular cases and to understand the business of organisations across the regulated sector.
• Ability to rapidly assimilate and digest large volumes of information.
• Proficiency and experience in the utilisation of project management methodologies to oversee high quality end-to-end investigations process ensuring timely and accurate reporting tracking documentation and communication.
• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to negotiate and maintain good relationships with senior officials in all areas of public life;
• Ability to work under pressure prioritise and to handle large workloads.
• Good judgement and ability to take high profile decisions.
• Strong communication skills including excellent written skills.

Equality diversity and inclusion

The ICO is committed to promoting and enhancing equality diversity and inclusion. We are focused on developing a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve and together we are building an inclusive workplace where all of our colleagues have the opportunity to make a real difference. We are championing this through our Equality Diversity and Inclusion Board together with a number of staff networks. Read more about our commitment on our website.

Candidates with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for this vacancy will be invited to interview as part of the ICOs commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme.

As part of the ICOs commitment to our EDI objectives and creating a workplace that represents the communities and societies we serve we guarantee an interview to candidates who declare they identify as belonging from an ethnic minority background and who meet the minimum criteria for this vacancy

If you are disabled or have an impairment and require an alternative application method please email the HR team at

Closing Date

Please submit your CV and cover letter by 23:59 4 January 2026. Your cover letter should be no more than 1000 words and should clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. To ensure your application is considered we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application please contact us at.

In the event ofa high volume of applications we may not be able to invite all candidates who meet the minimum criteria to interview. However we encourage you stay in touch and apply for future roles that match your interests.

All candidates who meet the minimum criteria and apply in-line with our guaranteed interview scheme for disabled and ethnic minority applicants will be interviewed.

Please note that post holders for this role will be required to receive security clearance to at least SC level with a willingness to obtain DV clearance if required. This requires the disclosure of spent and unspent convictions. Although convictions will be taken into account any such information will not necessarily prevent you from obtaining a security clearance.