At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead data protection initiatives and ensure compliance with GDPR across a global law firm.
- Company: Prestigious international law firm committed to excellence and diversity.
- Benefits: Agile working environment, ongoing training, generous pension contributions, and supportive leadership.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on privacy governance while collaborating with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in data privacy roles, law degree, and strong understanding of GDPR.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
A prestigious international law firm is seeking a highly experienced Data Protection Officer to join their London office. This role offers the opportunity to play a pivotal part in shaping and maintaining privacy governance across a global organisation renowned for its commitment to excellence, diversity, and flexible working practices.
As Data Protection Officer, you will be at the forefront of ensuring compliance with EU GDPR, UK GDPR, and other relevant legislation, collaborating closely with risk, compliance, and legal teams. The organisation values your expertise in privacy law and your ability to foster a culture of awareness and responsibility around data protection. You will benefit from an agile working environment that encourages personal growth, training opportunities, and the chance to work alongside knowledgeable professionals who are passionate about making a difference. If you are looking for a role where your skills will be valued and your impact will be felt across multiple jurisdictions, this is the perfect opportunity.
- Join a globally recognised professional services group with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and flexible working arrangements, offering you the chance to thrive in an empowering environment.
- Take ownership of privacy governance frameworks and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with evolving data protection regulations across multiple jurisdictions.
- Benefit from ongoing training opportunities, generous pension contributions, and supportive leadership that prioritises your development and well-being within a dynamic workplace.
What you'll do:
- Implement comprehensive measures and privacy governance frameworks to manage data use in compliance with EU GDPR, UK GDPR, and other relevant legislation, including developing methodologies for data collection compatible with excellent client service.
- Advise on and assist with data mapping, records of data processing, vendor management reviews, while partnering closely with internal stakeholders to review operations and projects for compliance with data privacy laws.
- Own the privacy authorisation process for third-party processing activities by reviewing vendor contracts (including standard contractual clauses for international transfers) and overseeing privacy-specific contractual controls in partnership with Procurement.
- Ensure all filing, notification, and fee requirements with supervisory authorities in relevant jurisdictions are met efficiently and accurately.
- Participate actively in internal data governance committees to contribute expertise and support collaborative decision-making on privacy matters.
- Manage ongoing reviews of privacy governance frameworks and provide regular as well as ad hoc reporting on data privacy compliance throughout the organisation.
- Monitor changes to relevant privacy laws worldwide and make informed recommendations to adapt policies and procedures accordingly.
- Set standards and review global policies that meet EU GDPR, UK GDPR, and localisation requirements in countries of operation.
- Develop and deliver engaging privacy training sessions across business functions while collaborating with internal teams to raise employee awareness of data privacy issues.
- Coordinate, conduct, and monitor thorough data privacy audits; maintain records of all data assets and exports; oversee incident management plans for timely remediation of personal data incidents including impact assessments, breach response, complaints or notifications.
- Provide expert advice into AI governance processes by addressing data protection considerations within AI systems, automated decision-making, emerging technologies as part of DPIAs and risk assessments.
- Respond promptly to data subject rights requests such as DSARs; fulfil statutory deadlines for responses; advise on breach notification obligations; collaborate with designated privacy lawyers or external advisers when necessary.
- Ensure accountability for core privacy operational outcomes including timely completion of DPIAs and maintaining accuracy of Records of Processing Activities (RoPA).
- Work closely with Data Governance Manager and Information Security teams to align oversight responsibilities; establish clear escalation routes; manage data-related risks effectively across functions.
- Promote effective work practices by acting as a dependable team member who shows respect for colleagues.
What you bring:
- At least 3-5 years' post-qualification experience or equivalent proven track record in data privacy roles within regulated industries such as legal or financial services.
- Comprehensive understanding of EU GDPR, UK GDPR regulations plus familiarity with other major global privacy frameworks; ability to interpret evolving legislation worldwide.
- Experience developing policy documents related to compliance training programmes; proven ability delivering engaging sessions tailored for diverse audiences.
- Background in compliance/legal/audit/risk functions with recent hands-on experience managing privacy compliance initiatives within large organisations.
- Law degree or postgraduate legal qualification required; holding at least one recognised certification (CIPP/CIPT/CIPM/ISEB etc.) preferred or willingness to achieve certification soon after joining.
- Sufficient knowledge of information technology systems/data management platforms enabling effective collaboration between technical teams & business units.
- Well-developed interpersonal skills allowing you to interact considerately at all organisational levels; ability to foster trust & nurture positive relationships among colleagues.
- Excellent writing/presentation abilities enabling clear communication of complex concepts both internally & externally including reports/policy updates/training materials.
- Strong project/change management capabilities demonstrated through successful handling of multiple priorities/deadlines simultaneously; adept at recommending strategic improvements based on detailed analysis.
- Ability to handle confidential/sensitive information responsibly using discretion & empathy when dealing with personal data issues.
What's next:
Apply today by clicking on the link provided.
Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates
Data Protection Officer in London employer: Robert Walters
Join a leading organisation in the UK property and infrastructure sector as a Legal Director - Construction and Development, where you will be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration and innovation. With a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth, this role offers a unique chance to influence major projects while enjoying a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and development. Located in Cheshire, you will benefit from a vibrant community and access to a wealth of resources in the construction and development field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Protection Officer in London
✨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 Robert Walters looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
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 Robert Walters. 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 Robert Walters
✨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 Robert Walters’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
