Legal Counsel – Data Privacy | S3 | Legal | London or Milton Keynes

Santander UK Legal is looking for a Legal Counsel – Data Privacy based out of London or Milton Keynes. The Legal Counsel role sits within the wider Digital, Technology & Operations Legal team, which advises on Digital, Technology, Operations, Infrastructure, Payments, Data Privacy and Intellectual Property.

In this high-profile role, you’ll provide specialist legal advice covering Data Privacy matters, including advising on GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and PECR. You will support innovation, digital transformation and strategic business initiatives across the Bank from a Data Privacy legal perspective.

You will work closely with stakeholders across Legal, Compliance, Information Security, Data Privacy & Ethics, the Data Protection Office and the Chief Data Officer function to support the Bank’s approach to data governance, AI initiatives and international data transfers.

To succeed in this role, you will be responsible for:

• Providing strategic and commercially focused Data Privacy legal advice to support digital products, innovation projects, customer-facing platforms and strategic corporate initiatives;
• Advising on UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, PECR and related privacy legislation and regulatory developments;
• Reviewing, drafting and negotiating data privacy provisions within outsourcing agreements, data sharing agreements and wider technology and commercial contracts;
• Supporting 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;
• Advising on international data transfers, including Standard Contractual Clauses, Binding Corporate Rules and other transfer mechanisms;
• Working 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;
• Collaborating 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;
• Supporting Litigation, Retail, Business Banking and Santander Corporate Banking Legal teams on Data Privacy related queries;
• Keeping 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;
• Sharing technical skills, experience and best practice with colleagues and the wider business and supporting other departments through training and the development of legal templates and checklists;
• Answering legal queries from internal customers as well as managing external suppliers/stakeholders to successfully deliver advice, projects and other outcomes on a timely basis.

Our people are our greatest strength. Every individual contributes unique perspectives that make us stronger as a team and as an organisation. We’re enabling teams to go beyond by valuing who they are and empowering what they bring.

The following requirements represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for success in this role:

• Qualified solicitor in England & Wales, barrister or equivalent overseas qualified lawyer; (Required)
• Excellent knowledge and experience of UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, 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)
• A willingness to develop a working knowledge of Payments and Payments regulation. (Preferred)
• Ability to provide pragmatic, commercial and risk-based legal advice in a fast-paced environment; and (Required)
• Strong communication skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines effectively. (Required)

It would also be nice for you to have:

• Experience advising on AI governance and AI-related contractual or regulatory issues; (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; and (Preferred)
• Excellent project management skills, with an ability to manage multiple, conflicting interests and deadlines. (Preferred)

At Santander, your contribution matters. We recognise the difference you make every day, and we make sure you feel valued, supported and rewarded in return.

Here, recognition goes beyond pay. It’s about the pride you feel in your work, the impact you have on customers and communities, and the opportunities you have to grow and thrive — personally and professionally.

• 30 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, which increases to 31 days after 5 years service, with the option to purchase up to 5 contractual days per year.
• £6,000 car allowance per year.
• Company funded individual private medical insurance.
• Protection for you and your family, with company-funded death-in-service benefit and income protection insurance, and the option to take advantage of discounted rates for additional life assurance and critical illness cover.
• Share in Santander’s success by saving or investing in our share plans.
• As a Santander UK employee, you are able to request staff versions of our products like our Edge Current Accounts and Credit Cards with no fees, as well as apply to many other deals and discounts in Santander products and services.
• Competitive rewards that reflect the real impact you make and the value you bring.
• Wellbeing that goes beyond work — we work with a range of wellbeing partners across our 4 pillars of wellbeing (physical, mental, social and financial) to give you access to a suite of apps, discounted gym and fitness access, weekly online classes, flexible healthcare and mental health support.
• Support for every life stage — from menopause and pregnancy to parenthood and beyond, with enhanced family leave, childcare options and tailored wellbeing support.
• Time to give back through volunteering opportunities that let you make a difference in the communities we serve.
• Global growth opportunities to shape your career, learn new skills and explore what’s possible across our international network.

At Santander, we’re proud to be an inclusive organisation that provides equal opportunities for everyone — regardless of age, gender, disability, civil status, race, religion or sexual orientation.

We’re committed to creating a recruitment experience that’s accessible, fair and welcoming for all candidates. We want our people to thrive — at work and at home — while delivering the best outcomes for our customers and supporting each other to grow.

To make this possible, our roles are site-based with a hybrid working pattern, where colleagues are expected to attend the office at least 12 days per month (pro-rata for part-time roles). When applying, please consider the travel distance, time and cost to your chosen office location(s).

All candidates must have the right to work in the UK to commence employment with Santander.

If this sounds like a role you are interested in, then please apply. If there’s anything we can do in the recruitment process to help you achieve your best, get in touch.