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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: Collaborative environment with genuine autonomy and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on data privacy and compliance while working flexibly.
- Qualifications: Experience in UK data protection law and strong problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 120000 £ per year.
Salary: £95,000 + bonus + 10% matched pension + health care etc.
Location: Dunstable, hybrid working with a minimum of 3 days per week in our office and 2 working from home/another location.
Reports To: Legal Director
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.
Flexible Working: Although this role is advertised as full time, we recognise that people do their best work in different ways.
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 Counsel (Hybrid) 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 Counsel (Hybrid) in Dunstable
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in data privacy 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 UK data protection laws and AI governance. We want you to showcase your expertise and how it aligns with our needs at Whitbread.
✨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 enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of landing that Senior Legal Counsel position. It shows you’re serious about joining our team and makes it easier for us to track your application!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel (Hybrid) in Dunstable
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, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant achievements that 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 privacy and compliance, and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team at StudySmarter.
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 be a practical problem solver, especially in areas like AI governance and compliance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
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. Highlight your experience in drafting and negotiating agreements, particularly around data processing and sharing. This 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 and can contribute to their goals.
✨Be Ready for AI and Compliance Discussions
Since this role involves AI governance, prepare to discuss emerging technologies and their legal implications. Think about how you can help shape compliance frameworks in a practical way. Showing curiosity and insight into these areas will set you apart from other candidates.