Senior Privacy Counsel

We’re hiring a Senior Legal Counsel who wants to take ownership of privacy in a large, consumer‑focused environment for a household UK name. This is a hands‑on role where you’ll set direction, build practical frameworks, and help the business navigate complex data issues as it evolves.

You’ll lead the privacy function for the group and manage a direct privacy report. The DPO title is held by an external law firm, and you’ll manage that relationship and act as the internal head of privacy.

Alongside privacy, you’ll cover a defined set of compliance responsibilities, with AI governance as a key area.

Most of your time will be on privacy. You’ll be the person teams come to for early advice, clear decisions, and steady guidance. You will:

• Build and maintain policies, governance structures and processes
• Lead on complex DPIAs, DSAR handling, incident response and lifecycle work such as ROPAs
• Draft and negotiate data processing and data‑sharing agreements
• Work with technology and product teams so privacy is built in from the start
• Support operations in Ireland, Germany and China where relevant
• Manage the relationship with the externally appointed DPO
• Lead and develop your direct privacy report

On compliance, the focus is governance rather than heavy operational work. You will:

• Maintain and communicate the Code of Conduct
• Support competition law awareness and training
• Own the anti‑bribery and corruption framework
• Lead AI governance: policy development, practical guidance, and horizon scanning
• Support the Head of Legal with reporting to the Audit & Risk Committee and periodic risk reviews

• Strong expertise in UK data protection law. EU experience is helpful but not required
• Experience working with significant volumes of consumer and/or employee data in a B2C context
• Skill in building clear, usable policies, frameworks and procedures
• Ability to give practical advice, make sound judgments and influence senior stakeholders
• High ownership, positive energy and a solutions‑focused approach

• You will lead the internal privacy function and shape how it operates for a FTSE 100
• There’s scope to modernise frameworks and bring clarity across a complex, data‑rich setting
• You’ll manage and develop a direct report
• AI governance is in focus and growing in importance