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- Tasks: Lead data protection strategy and advise on privacy matters for a global sports brand.
- Company: Join a globally recognised sports brand at the forefront of tech and sport.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous bonuses, and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a high-performing legal team within a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 4–8+ PQE in data protection and privacy law.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with emerging technologies and collaborate across teams.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Are you a lawyer seeking to take ownership of data protection strategy for a global brand? Do you want to drive privacy innovation at the forefront of tech and sport? Are you looking to make a move in-house or simply looking for a high impact legal role? If so, keep reading.
The Client
We are working exclusively with a globally recognised sports brand that is looking to appoint a Senior Legal Counsel to join their Legal Team. You will lead on all data protection and privacy matters across a dynamic, tech-forward business that operates on a global stage. This is a unique opportunity to take on a senior, visible role within a high-performing legal team, advising on critical data, compliance, and privacy matters.
The Role
As Senior Legal Counsel, you will act as the subject matter expert on all things data protection. Reporting into the Head of Legal, your responsibilities will include:
- Advising on complex legal, regulatory, and ethical obligations related to data privacy across the organisation and its partners, while enabling business strategy.
- Drafting and negotiating data protection documentation including processing agreements, DPIAs, and data sharing terms.
- Leading internal policies and procedures, ensuring ongoing compliance and embedding privacy by design principles across business functions.
- Overseeing responses to DSARs and managing relationships with external counsel as required.
- Keeping stakeholders across the organisation informed and up to date on legal and regulatory developments in data protection.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure lawful and strategic use of consumer and operational data.
The Profile
This is a senior position suited to a lawyer who can confidently operate with autonomy, influence senior stakeholders, and lead on data protection in a fast-paced and visible environment. Qualification as a solicitor in England & Wales (4–8 PQE is ideal, but senior candidates outside this range with strong experience are encouraged to apply).
- Significant experience in data protection and privacy law, gained either in-house or at a top-tier firm.
- Strong knowledge of UK and EU data protection regimes; familiarity with international standards is a plus.
- A commercial, solution-driven mindset and ability to communicate complex legal matters clearly to non-legal colleagues.
- A sound understanding of emerging technologies, including AI, and the data risks they bring.
- Previous experience working with or advising sports, entertainment, or media businesses will be advantageous, but not essential.
What’s on Offer
- Competitive base salary
- Generous bonus scheme and excellent benefits
- A high-impact, senior position at the heart of a globally admired brand
- Hybrid working model and a dynamic, collaborative environment
This is the perfect opportunity for a confident and commercially astute lawyer to step into an impactful and highly visible role, leading data protection strategy for a major brand with an enormous international footprint.
Ready to lead privacy strategy for one of the world’s most iconic sports brands? Apply below or reach out to luke.masih@thesjp.co.uk. We also offer a generous referral scheme, so feel free to share this with someone in your network who might be a good fit.
Contact Detail:
The Stephen James Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel – Data Protection (4–8+ PQE) | Leading Global Sports Brand
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in data protection law, especially in relation to sports and technology. This will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to staying ahead in a rapidly evolving field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the sports and tech industries. Attend relevant conferences or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the role and the company culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss how you would approach data protection strategy in a global context. Think about specific examples from your past experience that showcase your ability to influence stakeholders and lead compliance initiatives.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company's values and recent projects related to data privacy. Tailoring your conversation to align with their mission will show that you are genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel – Data Protection (4–8+ PQE) | Leading Global Sports Brand
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in data protection and privacy law. Emphasise any relevant roles, particularly those where you've advised on complex legal matters or worked with cross-functional teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for data protection and how it aligns with the sports industry. Mention specific examples of how you've driven compliance and privacy initiatives in previous roles.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Detail your qualifications and experience that match the job description. Highlight your PQE, knowledge of UK and EU data protection regimes, and any familiarity with emerging technologies like AI.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to data protection strategy and compliance. Be ready to discuss how you would approach advising stakeholders and leading privacy initiatives within a dynamic business environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Stephen James Partnership
✨Understand the Business
Before your interview, take the time to research the sports brand and its operations. Understand their data protection needs and how they align with their business strategy. This will help you demonstrate your ability to advise on complex legal matters in a way that supports their goals.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience in data protection and privacy law in detail. Highlight specific cases where you've successfully navigated complex legal issues or implemented effective compliance strategies. This will showcase your capability as a subject matter expert.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll be advising non-legal colleagues, practice explaining complex legal concepts in simple terms. Use examples from your past experience to illustrate how you've effectively communicated these matters to stakeholders, ensuring they understand the implications for the business.
✨Demonstrate a Commercial Mindset
During the interview, emphasise your solution-driven approach and how you've balanced legal obligations with business objectives in previous roles. This will show that you can think strategically and contribute to the company's success while ensuring compliance.
