At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage data protection compliance and support privacy practices across the business.
- Company: Join Whitbread, a leading FTSE 100 hospitality company with a strong heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, pension contributions, and health benefits.
- Other info: Flexible working options and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in data protection while working in a supportive legal team.
- Qualifications: 2+ years of data protection experience or a qualified lawyer (NQ-2 PQE).
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 73000 £ per year.
Location: Dunstable, (LU5 5XE) hybrid working (3 days per week in the office)
Salary: £68,000 - £73,000 dependant on skills and experience, up to 20% bonus, up to 10% pension contributions, health benefits
Function: Legal
Reports To: Senior Legal Counsel – Data Privacy and Compliance
Looking to join a collaborative, supportive legal team where your expertise is trusted and your work genuinely matters? Whitbread is a FTSE 100 company, the UK’s largest hospitality business, and home to one of the country’s most recognisable brands, Premier Inn. We have heritage that stretches back over 275 years. We combine scale and stability with a strong focus on doing the right thing for our guests and our people.
We’re now looking for a Data Protection Specialist to join our Legal team. This is a key role in ensuring Whitbread meets its data protection obligations. You will support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of data protection practices across the business, helping to embed a strong culture of privacy and compliance.
About the role
The primary focus of the role will be to manage and take ownership of the organisation’s day-to-day data protection compliance, whilst providing additional support on the wider strategy, governance, and AI related matters. The role would suit a data protection specialist or junior qualified lawyer looking to build on their data protection experience. Note that for a qualified lawyer the job title would be amended to Legal Counsel – Data Privacy. You’ll work closely with colleagues across Legal, Technology, Digital, HR and the wider business, acting as a key data protection point of contact.
Flexible Working - Although this role is advertised as full time, we recognise that people do their best work in different ways. For the right person, we’re open to conversations about alternative working patterns.
What you’ll be doing
- Support the implementation and maintenance of data protection policies, notices and templates.
- Maintain records of processing activities (ROPA) and ensure other privacy management tools are up to date.
- Coordinate DPIAs and other risk assessments from scoping through to completion.
- Respond to and manage data protection rights requests (e.g. DSARs) and complaints.
- Management of the data privacy inbox – handling queries and requests from employees and guests directly.
- Act as a key contact for data protection queries, supporting teams with guidance on best practice.
- Provide data protection advice on CRM, digital marketing, cookies and consent.
- Assist with personal data breaches, including investigation, risk assessment, and reporting.
- Initial review of supplier due diligence and data processing agreements, identifying gaps and potential risks.
- Identify privacy risks and escalate key issues to the Senior Legal Counsel and external UK DPO, when required.
- Provide support to data protection teams in Ireland and Germany.
- Coordinate and progress the work of the Data Champions Network.
- Contribute to ongoing improvement in data privacy processes and standards.
What we’re looking for
We’re more interested in good judgement, curiosity, and a collaborative mindset than a rigid checklist. That said, you’ll likely have:
- At least 2 years data protection experience (or be a qualified lawyer NQ-2 PQE)
- Strong experience in UK data protection law requirements
- Excellent organisational and management skills
- Experience working with consumer and/or employee personal data
- Strong communication skills with the ability to write clear, accurate and practical advice
- Confidence working with senior stakeholders in a complex organisation
- A pragmatic, solutions focused approach
- Private practice or in-house backgrounds are welcome.
What kind of person thrives here?
People who enjoy this role tend to be:
- Approachable, positive, and collaborative
- Comfortable taking ownership, while working closely with others
- Excellent communicator with a strong customer service focus
- Organised and strong attention to detail
- Motivated by improving processes and making a real difference
Why Whitbread
At Whitbread, people matter. You’ll be joining a collegiate, pragmatic legal team that works closely with the business, values good judgement over bureaucracy, and gives genuine autonomy. We’re proud to be a Top Employer for 14 consecutive years, a top apprenticeship employer, 10 in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, and a Top 25 Exemplary Employer in the Investing in Ethnicity Parliamentary Matrix.
General Counsel - Data Protection Specialist - Houghton Regis in Bedford employer: Whitbread - Head Office
Whitbread is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work environment where your expertise in data protection is valued and impactful. With a strong focus on employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, you will thrive in a culture that prioritises both professional development and personal well-being. Join us in Houghton Regis and be part of a prestigious FTSE 100 company that has been dedicated to doing the right thing for over 275 years.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Counsel - Data Protection Specialist - Houghton Regis in Bedford
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We think you need these skills to ace General Counsel - Data Protection Specialist - Houghton Regis in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Whitbread - Head Office, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
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Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Whitbread - Head Office and the specific role of General Counsel - Data Protection Specialist - Houghton Regis. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Whitbread - Head Office
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
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Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
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