At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and embed a robust privacy function across the business, influencing product and engineering teams.
- Company: Dynamic company prioritising data compliance at the core of its operations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Opportunity to build a privacy function from the ground up.
- Why this job: Shape the future of privacy in a fast-paced environment with real impact.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 5-8 years' PQE and strong privacy expertise.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Data compliance is not a peripheral function here — it sits at the heart of the product and the business model. As the company matures and invests in its legal and governance infrastructure, this role has been created to lead and embed a privacy function that is genuinely robust, not just defensible on paper.
This is a hands-on leadership role with real scope and immediate impact. You will be the primary privacy resource in-house, leading and driving core privacy workstreams across the business, from policy and governance through to privacy by design, AI governance, and training. This is an opportunity to build something. You will shape the privacy function around genuine business need, working directly with product, engineering, sales, marketing and HR. You will be expected to lead workstreams, not just support them.
What You Will Do
- Privacy governance and policy - own the full suite of privacy policies, frameworks and governance documentation; build and operationalise a data retention framework; maintain the ROPA and privacy notices; support internal and external audits; manage the subject rights process and privacy incidents end-to-end.
- Privacy by design - embed a privacy by design programme across product and engineering; develop practical frameworks that allow fast-moving teams to build compliantly; act as the primary legal voice in product development cycles; work directly with engineering to translate legal requirements into implemented solutions.
- AI strategy and implementation - lead the development of an AI governance framework; advise on privacy implications of AI tools and features; lead DPIAs for AI-related processing; keep the business ahead of regulatory change in this space.
- Global data complexity - progress Transfer Impact Assessments for non-EEA transfers; support jurisdiction-specific compliance requirements; work with engineering on data dictionary and field-level mapping.
- Vendor governance - refine the DDQ process; manage vendor audit cadence; review and negotiate DPAs.
- Training and engagement - design and deliver a refreshed privacy training programme across the business; build genuine privacy literacy, not tick-box compliance; be the adviser people actually want to call.
- Commercial support - advise on data protection aspects of contracts and supplier arrangements; support the wider legal team on matters with a data dimension; advise and influence senior leadership, including at C-suite level, on privacy risk, strategy and business impact; translate complex privacy issues into clear, actionable guidance that executives can act on.
About You
You are a qualified solicitor with 5–8 years' PQE and a strong privacy specialism. You have genuine in-house experience and have owned and delivered privacy workstreams, not just advised on them. You are ready to lead a function, and you want the platform to build something properly rather than inherit someone else's structure. You are comfortable working with engineering and product teams, and you understand that implementation matters as much as the legal analysis behind it. You bring sound judgment, a commercial mindset, and the ability to work autonomously in a complex, fast-moving environment. You are calm and structured under pressure.
Essential:
- Qualified solicitor (England)
Lead Privacy Council employer: Cognism
As a Lead Privacy Council at our company, you will be part of a dynamic and innovative environment where data compliance is integral to our business model. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that encourages professional growth and offers unique opportunities to shape the privacy function from the ground up. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on meaningful contributions, we provide a supportive atmosphere that empowers you to make a real impact in the field of privacy governance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Privacy Council
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the privacy and legal fields. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers and showcase your expertise. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by understanding the company’s privacy policies and recent developments. Be ready to discuss how you can lead and embed a robust privacy function that aligns with their business model. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that resonate with your values and expertise. Use our website to find roles that match your skills in privacy governance and AI strategy. Tailor your approach to each opportunity!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and mention something specific from the conversation that excites you about the opportunity. Keep yourself top of mind!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Privacy Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Privacy:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for privacy shine through! We want to see how much you care about data compliance and how it fits into the bigger picture of our business. Share specific examples of your experience that highlight your commitment to building robust privacy frameworks.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specifics of the Lead Privacy Council role. Use the language from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what we’re looking for. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with our needs, especially around privacy governance and AI strategy.
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity in applications! Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your key achievements stand out. This will help us quickly grasp your qualifications and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognism
✨Know Your Privacy Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest privacy laws and regulations relevant to the role. Understand how they apply to product development and AI governance, as this will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can also translate it into practical solutions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led privacy workstreams in the past. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, especially in a fast-paced environment. This will demonstrate your capability to lead and build a robust privacy function.
✨Engage with Cross-Functional Teams
Think about how you've collaborated with engineering, product, and other teams before. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your ability to communicate complex legal concepts in a way that non-legal teams can understand and implement.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to privacy incidents or compliance challenges. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making criteria, as this will showcase your sound judgment and commercial mindset.
