Data Protection Officer

Cyan Partners; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Cyan Partners Limited seeks a Senior Data Counsel – Data Protection Lead to shape and direct data protection strategy across the firm. The role combines hands‑on advisory work with leading a privacy team in a sophisticated professional services setting, reporting into the Risk & Compliance function.

The successful candidate will have 7+ years’ experience, be a qualified lawyer or hold data protection qualifications, and possess deep knowledge of UK GDPR and related privacy laws.

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer with data protection experience or individuals holding data protection qualifications.
• Strong technical knowledge of UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, EU GDPR and related UK framework.
• Working understanding of legal privilege and its interaction with DSARs.
• At least 7 years’ experience and prior team management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead on data protection and privacy matters for the firm.
• Direct and develop the data protection team within Risk & Compliance.
• Advise senior stakeholders across the business and act as trusted adviser.
• Balance hands‑on work with management oversight; hybrid role in London.

Skills

Data privacy

Legal advisory

Stakeholder mgmt

Communication

Job description

Senior Data Counsel - Data Protection Lead

*** LAW FIRM EXPERIENCE REQUIRED ***

We are excited to be working with a pioneering, multi-award-winning law firm to source its first Data Lawyer / DPO. This is a newly created role and offers the successful candidate the chance to shape and direct data protection and privacy within the organisation.

The Senior Data Counsel will have overall responsibility for advising the firm on data protection and privacy matters and for ensuring that appropriate arrangements are in place to manage the firm's obligations. The new postholder will take the lead on sophisticated and often complex issues, manage and develop the firm's data protection team, and act as a trusted adviser to senior stakeholders across the business. You will be expected to remain close to the detail and personally handle some substantive matters, while making effective use of mid-level specific data protection and junior legal compliance resource in the team for day-to-day work.

This role will sit within the Risk & Compliance team, working closely with the General Counsel and other members of the of advisory team. For the avoidance of doubt, it is not a fee-earning role. We are seeking an individual who is credible and capable of engaging with stakeholders at all levels in a sophisticated professional services environment. Strong communication skills are essential, and you must be good at establishing effective working relationships.

To fill this role, we require either a qualified lawyer with data protection experience or any individual with data protection qualifications who has gained significant experience in a law firm or professional services environment. You must be able to demonstrate strong technical knowledge of UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, EU GDPR and the wider UK data protection and privacy framework. It is also essential that you have a working understanding of legal privilege and how it interacts with DSARs.

Due to the seniority and independence of the position, we are seeking candidates with at least 7 years’ experience is required, more is welcome, and prior experience of managing a team.

The role can be fulfilled on a hybrid basis, and the office is in London. We can consider part-time working (3 or 4 days a week), although the preference is for full time. A competitive salary is available to the successful candidate, based on individual experience.