At a Glance
- Tasks: Join Ford's global privacy team, advising on data protection and privacy matters.
- Company: Ford, a leader in innovation and responsible product delivery.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse workplace, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with flexible working arrangements and career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on privacy practices in a dynamic automotive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with expertise in UK and EU data protection laws.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
In this role, you will be a key member of Ford’s global privacy and legal community, working alongside experienced legal, privacy, and operational professionals across regions. You will play a critical role in enabling Ford to:
- Deliver innovative products and services responsibly,
- Embed privacy by design into business and technology decisions,
- Strengthen and maintain customer trust through robust data protection practices.
Responsibilities
This is a hands‑on, individual contributor role requiring strong technical privacy expertise, sound legal judgement, and the ability to operate confidently in fast‑moving, complex environments.
- Provide pragmatic, high‑quality legal advice on a broad range of privacy, AI, and data protection matters, including DSARs and Privacy Impact Assessments, ensuring compliance with UK, EU, and applicable global laws.
- Engage directly with internal clients to identify data and privacy risks early, advising on compliant and commercially appropriate solutions.
- Collaborate closely with legal, policy, and operational stakeholders to design and implement effective privacy risk mitigation strategies across Europe.
- Support compliance activities as part of a global privacy function, contributing to enterprise‑wide initiatives, products, and services.
- Track regulatory developments—particularly across the UK and EU—and support updates to internal standards, frameworks, and governance requirements as needed.
The Minimum Requirements We Seek
- Strong subject‑matter expertise in UK and EU data protection and privacy laws, including UK GDPR, EU GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, the ePrivacy Directive, EU AI Act, and EU Data Act. Exposure to other global privacy regimes is advantageous.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal and regulatory requirements into clear, actionable guidance for a range of audiences.
- Qualification as a lawyer in England and Wales, with a current practising certificate.
- Typically, 3+ years’ post‑qualification experience gained in a leading law firm or in‑house within a large, complex organisation, advising on data protection matters or supporting privacy compliance strategy and implementation.
- Flexibility to support meetings during UK and wider European working hours, with occasional engagement across global time zones.
Preferred Qualifications
- A genuine passion for privacy and for embedding privacy into the design of products and services.
- Experience conducting privacy, cyber, and/or AI impact assessments, with a solid understanding of data governance, compliance controls, and risk management.
- The ability to stay current and adaptable as data protection and AI regulations continue to evolve.
- Experience managing multiple, complex matters simultaneously, often against product development or delivery timelines.
- Strong commercial awareness, with the confidence to provide practical, business‑oriented advice to product, design, engineering, and operational teams.
- Comfort engaging with senior stakeholders and executives.
- The ability to work independently while also thriving in collaborative, cross‑functional, and globally distributed teams.
- Technical fluency and exposure to emerging technologies.
- Automotive industry experience.
- IAPP certifications such as CIPP/E or CIPM.
Additional Information
Our Company is committed to diversity and equality of opportunity for all and is opposed to any form of less favourable treatment or harassment on the grounds of race, religion or belief, sex, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or disability. This position is based in Dunton, and it is expected the successful candidate will be able to attend the Dunton office for typically 4 days a week and remain flexible on the days they are required to attend the office according to business requirements. As part of our pre‑employment checks process, successful candidates will be required to undergo a criminal record check. This will be conducted in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and applied only to unspent convictions.
Data Privacy Counsel, Europe employer: Ford Motor Company
Ford is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly for the Data Privacy Counsel role based in Dunton. Employees benefit from a commitment to diversity, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to engage with cutting-edge privacy and data protection practices within a globally recognised automotive leader. With a focus on embedding privacy by design and maintaining customer trust, Ford offers a meaningful and rewarding environment for those passionate about privacy and compliance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Privacy Counsel, Europe
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Ford Motor Company looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Privacy Counsel, Europe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Ford Motor Company. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ford Motor Company
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Ford Motor Company’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
