Global Legal Counsel - Data Protection, Assistant Director

Ernst & Young Advisory Services Sdn Bhd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global consultancy seeks a Global Legal Counsel for Data Protection in London. You will oversee data protection compliance, manage global incident responses, and collaborate with diverse teams across multiple jurisdictions. The ideal candidate is legally qualified with 6-8 years of relevant experience in data protection, particularly in cross-border situations. Join us to build a better working world and develop future-focused skills in a diverse environment.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Inclusive work environment

Flexible work arrangements

Qualifications

• Legally qualified with a current practicing certificate.
• 6-8 years of relevant experience in data protection.
• Solid knowledge of GDPR and ideally other jurisdictions.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Global Data Protection program and management processes.
• Manage Records of Processing Activities (RoPA) program.
• Collaborate with Regional DP Leaders to integrate local activities.

Skills

Legal qualification and current practicing certificate

Experience in data protection

Knowledge of EU data protection legislation

Excellent command of English

Sensitivity to intercultural communication

Education

Law degree

Tools

Privacy certifications (e.g., CIPP/E, CIPM)

Job description

Global Legal Counsel - Data Protection, Assistant Director

Location: London

Other locations: Primary Location Only

Requisition ID: 1629442

At EY, we’re all in to shape your future with confidence. We’ll help you succeed in a globally connected powerhouse of diverse teams and take your career wherever you want it to go. Join EY and help to build a better working world.

Our global data protection team is seeking a qualified data protection lawyer to advise on and coordinate data protection matters, in particular, to oversee and run the Global Record of Processing Activities (RoPA) Inventory as well as coordinate the Global Incident Response (IR) Process. This involves overseeing a team who are responsible for completing and maintaining EY’s Global RoPA and integration of Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) records and Third Party Vendor Due Diligence (VDD) data as well as coordinating the work of other resources and EY’s Global Delivery Service (“GDS”) involved in the Global Incident Response Process.

The global data protection team is responsible for the implementation and transformation of EY’s privacy compliance program, which includes Binding Corporate Rules. The team works closely with all parts of the business on data protection matters, including both personal data privacy and the protection of client and EY confidential information.

Opportunity

As the Global Legal Counsel – Data Protection RoPA and Incident Response, you will be responsible for overseeing the Records of Processing Activity (RoPA) process and inventory as well as the management of the Global Incident Response (IR) process. You will be working closely with business stakeholders, the other members of the global data protection team, and EY Regional/Local Privacy Leaders as well as data protection resources in EY’s GDS locations in India, Argentina, Philippines and Poland.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee EY’s global Data Protection program for Records of Processing Activities (ROPA) process and the management of Global Incident Response process.
• Manage the ROPA program which includes an intake process to meet the requirements of Article 30 GDPR to record all processing activities in a centrally managed inventory.
• Support the optimization of the ROPA process to work efficiently within the global EY organization as part of an overall data protection management platform and adapt to new regulatory frameworks such as for AI technologies.
• Work and collaborate with Regional and Country DP Leaders to adapt and integrate local RoPA activities into the Global RoPA.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to update, implement, and maintain IR methodology as part of the global DP program.
• Communicate the Global IR plan to Member Firms, provide training, and support overall preparedness e.g. through planning and conducting of table top exercises.
• Lead the overall IR policy improvement and process alignments in the Global IR process.
• Manage a variety of internally and externally triggered global incidents in coordination with Member Firms, Information Security, and our business Service Lines.
• Communicate effectively and consistently with key stakeholders.
• Work with a team of data protection resources globally throughout EY.
• Collaborate with team efforts to raise awareness among EY personnel globally regarding the importance of compliance with data protection regulations and EY’s own privacy compliance program.
• Identify / flag legal and regulatory issues surrounding IR and related data protection issues and provide appropriate legal advice / work to implement related solutions.
• Escalate to the Chief Privacy Officer and Global DPO any significant incidents, related issues, and plans for their resolution, including as applicable implications of local data protection regulations as aligned with local counsel.
• Provide general support to the global data protection team.

Skills and attributes for success

• Must be legally qualified and holding a current practicing certificate;
• Between 6-8 years of relevant experience either in private legal practice or an in‑house role (including proven experience in the field of data protection in cross‑border situations (including advising on complex matters such as incident response, DPIAs, etc.));
• Solid knowledge in EU data protection legislation (specifically the GDPR) and ideally familiarity with the legislation of one or more other jurisdictions;
• Ideally, internationally recognized privacy certification, such as CIPP/E and CIPM;
• Experience in conducting internal investigations, and in particular data breach response investigations preferred, but not required.
• Excellent command of the English language;
• Sensitivity to intercultural contacts and communication.

What we offer you

At EY, we’ll develop you with future‑focused skills and equip you with world‑class experiences. We’ll empower you in a flexible environment, and fuel you and your extraordinary talents in a diverse and inclusive culture of globally connected teams. Learn more.

Are you ready to shape your future with confidence? Apply today.

To help create an equitable and inclusive experience during the recruitment process, please inform us as soon as possible about any disability‑related adjustments or accommodations you may need.

EY | Building a better working world