Legal Counsel and UK Data Protection Officer

We are Kao, listed as one of the world’s most ethical companies for the last 20 years. Our EMEA brand portfolio spans across three sectors; Consumer Care (John Frieda, Guhl, Bondi Sands, Bioré, Jergens, Curél), Professional Hair (Goldwell, Oribe, KMS Hair, Kerasilk), and Molton Brown. Our corporate philosophy, The Kao Way, guides us in everything we do – acting with integrity, courageously driving innovation, and treating each other with trust and respect.

About our role: The position acts as Data Protection Officer for the UK, providing privacy advice and guidance across the UK business, handling data breaches and data subject rights requests, and complying with other compliance requirements. In addition, this role provides legal support to the UK business across a wide range of commercial legal matters. Reporting into the Legal Director EMEA, you will form part of a dynamic and commercially focused team supporting multiple stakeholders across the Kao business.

What you will do:

• Manage and respond to data protection-related queries from Kao stakeholders and employees.
• Demonstrate expert knowledge of both UK and European data protection.
• Provide strategic advice, policies and direction to the business on leveraging data in a controlled environment for data-driven advertising.
• Participate in the development and specification of technology projects / changes ensuring data protection and confidential information security compliance.
• Support the business through the provision of legal advice on data protection and on the appropriate handling of confidential information security matters in relation to complex issues.
• Work with digital and mobile product teams to analyse products, platforms, features and systems, and provide practical data protection, confidential information security and privacy risk mitigation strategies.
• Consult and provide data protection and confidential information security advice to global management of Molton Brown, the groups UK businesses and legal entities as well as partially to continental European businesses.
• Co-ordinate investigations into any data protection breaches and security incidents.
• Manage data protection incidents which may involve 3rd party players, retailers or employee data.
• Manage Data Subject Access Requests (DSAR).
• Liaise and act as a contact point for the ICO on matters relating to Kao, including data breach reporting.
• Act as the main point of contact for all internal/external enquiries relating to data protection.
• Review and modify Data Processing agreements to ensure Kao’s Data Protection rights and trade secrets are protected and enforced.
• Draft, review and negotiate wholesale agreements, educator, guest artists and influencer agreements, advertising services agreements, NDAs, charity participator agreements, prize promoter/supplier agreements, service provider agreements, creative services agreements, third party marketing contracts including agency agreements, facilities and property agreements, event contracts, venue / equipment hire, trademark licence agreements, cross-promotion agreements.
• Review marketing materials and prepare terms and conditions for competitions, giveaways, promotions, and events.
• Review and advise on marketing claims including ESG claims, free from claims in partnership with Regulatory teams.
• Review website collateral, offers, and update web terms and conditions.
• Review and approve creative copy for NDPs and upcoming campaigns.
• Conduct training sessions to the business including Data Protection, Anti-trust, Social Media and Marketing.

What you will need:

• Degree educated or equivalent Qualified Solicitor.
• Training and qualifications from a leading city or national law firm preferred.
• In-house experience is essential, preferably within the beauty, fashion, retail or FMCG industry.
• Excellent knowledge in data privacy, general commercial, contract, consumer and competition law.
• Deep understanding of complex matters and sound business acumen.
• Good technical understanding, especially of cosmetic industry and regulations.
• Affinity to work with and sound understanding of luxury global brands.
• Be proactive in working on issues and lead to a resolution of them.
• Ability to develop wide networks in the industry and build relationships with colleagues, including individuals in management.
• Demonstrate a practical and commercial approach in dealing with a variety of legal issues across multiple jurisdictions and legal systems.
• Personable and approachable, with excellent communication skills.

At Kao, we believe the diversity of our teams strengthens our global mission. Here we trust and respect each other, collaborating in a friendly and inclusive work environment to achieve great results.

What you can expect from us:

• An entrepreneurial environment where passionate and innovative teams come together.
• Respect, teamwork and collaboration are at the heart of how we work.
• A workplace culture that prioritises employee wellbeing, with opportunities to get involved in initiatives such as Mental Health First Aiders, our Charity Committee, and DE&I communities.
• A broad range of benefits, including flexible working, competitive salaries, health and wellbeing offers, pension schemes, insurance options, and more…
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Your voice matters here, we value entrepreneurial thinking and innovation from our teams.

To find out why 33,000 people across the Globe work at Kao please visit: Discover careers at Kao and how we live our purpose, Kirei – Making Life Beautiful.