Enforcement and Data Management Lawyer

Your new company A major public‑interest organisation is in search of a senior specialist lawyer to take ownership of data management and information governance within a high‑profile enforcement environment. This is a newly formalised role, created to bring structure, leadership, and senior oversight to a function that has previously been managed on an ad hoc basis. It is a rare opportunity for an experienced lawyer to step into a role with genuine autonomy and influence. Your new role The role supports complex, sensitive investigations and sits at the intersection of enforcement activity and data protection law. You will advise on how data is lawfully and practically managed in investigatory contexts, ensuring robust compliance in situations involving high scrutiny, confidentiality, and risk. The position involves a significant amount of project and work stream ownership, from initial design through to implementation and completion, alongside the provision of pragmatic, responsive legal advice to investigation teams. You will operate with a high degree of independence, setting up structure, driving task management, and providing senior oversight within a matrix environment made up of lawyers, specialists, and investigators. While strategically important, the role is also hands‑on and will involve detailed delivery due to the size of the specialist team. This is very much a role that the successful candidate can make their own, particularly as the wider division continues to evolve and expand over time. What you’ll need to succeed Qualified lawyer in England and Wales with 6-10 PQE (guidelines only) Experience within enforcement, regulatory investigations, disciplinary bodies, or a closely aligned data management role Strong understanding of how UK data protection law (UK GDPR, DPA, FOIA and common law) interacts with enforcement and investigatory powers Exposure to public sector enforcement or regulatory settings is highly desirable Confidence and credibility providing technical legal advice to senior stakeholders A proactive, self‑starting mindset with the ability to drive work forward independently Comfortable balancing strategic oversight with hands‑on, operational delivery, including administrative work Experience working effectively in matrix teams under pressure What you’ll get in return The opportunity to build and lead a specialist function in a high‑impact area Exposure to high‑profile, sensitive work with real public interest implications Autonomy and trust to shape the role and supporting frameworks A division that is changing and expanding, offering long‑term development prospects Full‑time or part‑time (4 days per week) considered Hybrid working with approximately 40% office attendance on a monthly basis Opportunity to start as soon as possible Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C’s, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays41bf1e1f-b16b-4260-a40a-17c77a06fd15…