Legal Counsel – Data Privacy
Location: London or Milton Keynes, United Kingdom. The role is part of Santander UK Legal’s Digital, Technology & Operations Legal team, advising on Data Privacy matters including GDPR, the Data Protection Act2018, and PECR.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic and commercially focused Data Privacy legal advice to support digital products, innovation projects, customer‑facing platforms and strategic corporate initiatives.
- Advise on UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act2018, PECR and related privacy legislation and regulatory developments.
- Review, draft and negotiate data privacy provisions within outsourcing agreements, data sharing agreements and wider technology and commercial contracts.
- Support the bank’s use of AI, including advising on AI‑specific contractual provisions and supporting implementation of AI initiatives alongside the Chief Data Officer function.
- Advise on international data transfers, including Standard Contractual Clauses, Binding Corporate Rules and other transfer mechanisms.
- Work closely with senior stakeholders across the bank to deliver expert, accurate, concise, commercial and cost‑effective legal advice that is readily understandable to non‑lawyers.
- Collaborate closely with Data Privacy Compliance (including the DPO), Information Security, Data Privacy & Ethics and other business stakeholders to ensure a high standard of privacy compliance across Santander UK.
- Support Litigation, Retail, Business Banking and Santander Corporate Banking Legal teams on Data Privacy related queries.
- Keep abreast of external developments in Data Privacy law and the financial services industry to enable Santander UK to react appropriately and in line with best practice, continuously seeking to improve processes, practices and policies.
- Share technical skills, experience and best practice with colleagues and the wider business and support other departments through training and the development of legal templates and checklists.
- Answer legal queries from internal customers as well as manage external suppliers or stakeholders to successfully deliver advice, projects and other outcomes on a timely basis.
Qualifications and Experience
- Required: Qualified solicitor in England & Wales, barrister or equivalent overseas qualified lawyer.
- Required: Excellent knowledge and experience of UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act2018, PECR and wider Data Privacy regulatory frameworks.
- Required: Experience advising on Data Privacy issues within financial services, technology, digital or outsourcing environments.
- Required: Experience reviewing, drafting and negotiating data privacy terms within commercial contracts, outsourcing agreements and data sharing agreements.
- Required: Experience providing legal advice that is readily understandable to non‑lawyers.
- Required: Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills with the ability to build trusted relationships across business and control functions.
- Required: Willingness to develop a working knowledge of Payments and Payments regulation.
- Required: Strong communication skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines effectively.
- Required: Experience advising on AI governance and AI‑related contractual or regulatory issues.
- Preferred: Ability to provide pragmatic, commercial and risk‑based legal advice in a fast‑paced environment.
- Preferred: Knowledge of international data transfer mechanisms, including SCCs and BCRs.
- Preferred: Experience supporting Data Privacy governance frameworks, policies and procedures.
- Preferred: Experience dealing with a large volume of matters and competing demands.
- Preferred: Excellent project management skills, with an ability to manage multiple, conflicting interests and deadlines.
Benefits
30 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (increases to 31 days after 5years of service); £6,000 car allowance per year; company‑funded private medical insurance, protection for you and your family, and income protection insurance; share plans; discounted rates for additional life assurance and critical illness cover; access to wellbeing programmes; enhanced family leave and childcare options; volunteering opportunities; global growth opportunities.
Equal Opportunities
Santander is an inclusive organisation that provides equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of age, gender, disability, civil status, race, religion or sexual orientation. All candidates must have the right to work in the UK.
#J-18808-Ljbffr…