Data Protection Legal Director, Global | London, UK

This is a newly created role, providing an opportunity for someone to join the firm and define the role's remit. The successful applicant will be a seasoned data protection lawyer, with relevant global experience across global data protection laws, privacy regulators and new legislation. The role includes the opportunity to build out and lead a global Data Protection Legal team as part of the Legal and Compliance Privacy programme, based in London. The role will report to the Chief Privacy Officer and a Managing Director in the legal team in London.

The successful candidate will be a strong collaborator, working with Group Privacy advisory to support the business needs and the build out of a combined Legal and Compliance framework in relation to data protection. This will involve working with colleagues in multiple time zones as part of a global team.

• Lead the Data Protection Legal team with global responsibility across all relevant jurisdictions particularly covering UK/EU, Middle East, Americas and APAC.
• Work with the Chief Privacy Officer to provide strategic advice and build out a global team of legal specialists to support the firm's Global Privacy and Data Protection programme for existing and new businesses.
• Develop the Legal data protection framework covering legal support to the business across all aspects of data privacy and protection including:

• Privacy notices and policies used externally across various jurisdictions
• Data incidents, where notification may be required by various regulators
• Cross border data transfers and intra-group transfer agreements
• Records of processing activities (ROPA), legal basis, DPIAs, LIAs and TIAs
• Contracts where personal information is being processed
• Individual rights request exception cases
• Horizon scanning for upcoming data protection and related laws on a country basis
• Registration requirements of data protection officer or similar roles with regulators

When there is the need to engage external counsel, the Director will manage this interface and activities on behalf of Legal and Compliance and the Group Privacy global programme.

• Lawyer qualified in a relevant jurisdiction e.g. UK or a jurisdiction within the EU ideally.
• At least 8 years post-qualification experience in a relevant role at a top-tier law firm and/or in-house legal department.
• In house experience or secondments are an advantage but not a prerequisite.
• Ideally experience in Financial Services and in particular, the asset management industry, and the ability and desire to further develop expertise in adjacent areas of law.
• Strong experience in privacy laws globally, privacy notices and policies, contracts, data incident handling, international transfers, individual rights requests, ROPA, DPIA/PIAs/LIAs and TIAs.
• Demonstratable understanding of operational considerations and working alongside compliance advantageous to reach satisfactory business outcomes.
• Interest and involvement in new areas of law such as Artificial Intelligence (e.g. EU AI Act).
• Strong business and technology (preferably fintech but not necessary) acumen.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to interact comfortably and communicate clearly with a variety of levels of personnel.
• Able to manage a large volume of concurrent tasks within specific/tight timeframes, with a high degree of accuracy and timeliness in work.
• Capable of both independent work and effective collaboration within a broader Legal and Compliance department, supported by strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple competing, and often evolving priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Industry qualifications such as IAPP CIPP/E an advantage, as is participation in Privacy industry initiatives.

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of employee benefits including: retirement investment and tools designed to help you in building a sound financial future; access to education reimbursement; comprehensive resources to support your physical health and emotional well-being; family support programs; and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

BlackRock's hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person - aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being. Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children's educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment - the one we make in our employees. It's why we're dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and other protected characteristics at law.