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- Tasks: Lead data protection compliance and shape AI governance in a supportive legal team.
- Company: Join Whitbread, the UK's largest hospitality business with a rich 275-year heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, matched pension, family health cover, and sharesave scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working options and excellent career growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on data privacy and compliance in a high-profile role.
- Qualifications: Experience in UK data protection law and strong problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 120000 £ per year.
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.
Location: Dunstable, hybrid working with a minimum of 3 days per week in our office and 2 working from home/another location.
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 some of the country's most recognisable brands including Premier Inn, Beefeater, Brewers Fayre, and Bar + Block. We have heritage that stretches back over 275 years. 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.
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.
The role could suit a data protection specialist, or a general commercial or regulatory lawyer with demonstrable experience in data protection. You'll work closely with colleagues across Legal, Technology, Digital, HR and the wider business, acting as a trusted adviser and practical problem solver.
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.
- Oversee DPIAs, ROPAs, DSARs and data related disputes.
- Advise on CRM, digital marketing, cookies and consent.
- 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 & Governance
- Acting as the legal subject matter expert on AI regulation and emerging legal developments.
- Competition law risk management and training.
- Supporting compliance reporting to the Audit Committee.
What matters most is a passion for developing, embedding, and improving legal compliance and governance frameworks in a practical, business focused way.
Experience required:
- Experience in UK data protection law (EU exposure helpful but not essential).
- Experience working with significant volumes of consumer and/or employee data (B2C experience important).
- The ability to write clear, practical policies and guidance.
- Private practice or in house backgrounds are welcome.
- Curious about emerging technologies and how the law can enable responsible innovation.
- Motivated by building things that last and make a real difference.
You'll be joining a collegiate, pragmatic legal team that works closely with the business, values good judgement over bureaucracy, and gives its lawyers genuine autonomy. A FTSE 100 company with a strong heritage and clear values.
(Senior) Legal and Compliance Counsel in Dunstable employer: Whitbread - Head Office
Contact Detail:
Whitbread - Head Office Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land (Senior) Legal and Compliance Counsel in Dunstable
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in compliance or data protection. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of data protection laws and AI governance. We want you to showcase your expertise and how it aligns with the role at Whitbread. Practice common interview questions and have your own ready to ask!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Whitbread.
We think you need these skills to ace (Senior) Legal and Compliance Counsel in Dunstable
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior Legal Counsel. Highlight your experience in data protection and compliance, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects or achievements that showcase your skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about data privacy and compliance, and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team at Whitbread. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've tackled complex legal issues in the past. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to think critically and provide practical solutions, especially in the realm of AI governance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our collaborative legal team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Whitbread - Head Office
✨Know Your Data Protection Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on UK data protection laws and any relevant EU regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, especially in relation to consumer and employee data. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can also implement it practically.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think of specific examples where you've acted as a trusted adviser or solved complex legal issues. Whether it's drafting agreements or managing data-related disputes, having concrete examples ready will demonstrate your ability to navigate challenges effectively.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with Whitbread’s brands and their operations. Knowing how data privacy and compliance fit into their business model will help you articulate how you can add value. It’s all about showing that you understand the bigger picture!
✨Be Ready for AI and Compliance Discussions
Since this role involves shaping the approach to AI governance, be prepared to discuss emerging technologies and their legal implications. Show your curiosity and willingness to engage with new developments in the field, as this will highlight your proactive mindset.