Senior Legal Counsel

Senior Legal Counsel

Full-Time 100000 - 120000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Premier Inn

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead data protection compliance and develop governance frameworks for AI and legal matters.
  • Company: Join a supportive team at a leading company in Dunstable.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, pension, health cover, and sharesave scheme.
  • Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of data protection and compliance with real impact and support from leaders.
  • Qualifications: Experience in data protection and compliance, with strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 100000 - 120000 £ per year.

Location: Dunstable, (LU5 5XE) hybrid working (3 days per week in the office)

Salary: £100,000 - £120,000 depending on experience, £5,650 car allowance, plus bonus up to 30%, pension matched to 10%, family health cover, sharesave scheme

Reports To: Legal Director

We’re now looking for a Senior Legal Counsel to join our Legal team. This is a high profile but supportive role where you’ll be empowered to shape how data protection, AI governance, and wider compliance work across the business, with real backing from senior leaders and the space to do things well.

About the role

This role combines data privacy leadership with a broader compliance and AI governance remit, offering real variety and the opportunity to build sustainable, practical frameworks that enable the business to move forward with confidence. Roughly 60% of the role focuses on data protection, with the remaining 40% covering wider legal compliance, governance, and AI related matters.

What you’ll be doing

  • Data Protection (UK led, with international exposure)
  • Lead UK data protection compliance across the full consumer and employee data lifecycle
  • Develop, maintain, and embed clear, workable data protection policies and governance frameworks
  • Manage Whitbread’s relationship with its outsourced UK DPO
  • Provide guidance and support to our teams in Ireland and Germany
  • Oversee DPIAs, ROPAs, DSARs and data related disputes
  • Draft and negotiate data processing and data sharing agreements
  • Work closely with IT and digital teams to ensure privacy by design is built into new initiatives from the outset

AI, Compliance

Senior Legal Counsel employer: Premier Inn

At Whitbread, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. As a Senior Legal Counsel in Dunstable, you'll enjoy a competitive salary, generous benefits including a car allowance and family health cover, and the opportunity for professional growth in a dynamic environment focused on data protection and compliance. Our hybrid working model ensures a healthy work-life balance, while our commitment to employee development and innovation makes us a truly rewarding place to build your career.
Premier Inn

Contact Detail:

Premier Inn Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the legal field, especially those who work in data protection and compliance. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of data protection laws and AI governance. We recommend creating a list of potential questions and practising your responses to show you’re the right fit for the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the position. It keeps you fresh in their minds.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Senior Legal Counsel role. We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel

Data Protection Compliance
AI Governance
Legal Framework Development
Policy Creation
Data Processing Agreements
Data Sharing Agreements
DPIA Management
ROPA Management
DSAR Handling
Stakeholder Management
Cross-Border Data Transfer Knowledge
Collaboration with IT Teams
Legal Negotiation Skills
Compliance Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Legal Counsel role. Highlight your experience in data protection and compliance, as well as any relevant AI governance work. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about data protection and compliance. Share specific examples of your past achievements that relate to the role. We love a good story!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading data protection compliance, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Talk about how you've empowered teams or shaped policies in previous roles. We’re all about collaboration and support here at StudySmarter!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.

How to prepare for a job interview at Premier Inn

✨Know Your Data Protection Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on the latest data protection laws and regulations, especially those relevant to the UK and EU. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented compliance frameworks in previous roles, as this will show your expertise and readiness for the position.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

This role is all about leading data protection initiatives, so think of examples where you've successfully led a team or project. Highlight your ability to influence and guide others, especially in cross-functional settings, as this will demonstrate your capability to shape compliance strategies.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific data protection challenges or compliance issues. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in these scenarios, as it will help you convey your practical approach to problem-solving.

✨Understand the Business Context

Familiarise yourself with the company’s operations and how data protection and AI governance fit into their overall strategy. Being able to connect your legal expertise to their business goals will show that you’re not just a lawyer, but a strategic partner who can drive success.

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