Data Protection Officer

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