Privacy Counsel

British Airways PLC; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff travel benefits (unlimited basic

Discounted Hotline airfares

Job summary

British Airways is seeking a Privacy Counsel to provide expert privacy advice across the business, helping teams manage privacy risks and meet regulatory requirements. The role focuses on integrating privacy into decisions from the outset and supports AI initiatives with governance controls.

We welcome applications from experienced privacy professionals, not limited to qualified lawyers, with knowledge of AI tools and privacy risk management. Team collaboration is essential.

Qualifications

• Expertise in privacy, data protection and privacy risk management.
• Experience conducting DPIAs/PIAs and maintaining governance frameworks.
• Ability to balance legal obligations with business priorities and commercial needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide privacy and data protection advice across the business, including GDPR, AI, data governance; identify and manage privacy risks.
• Lead privacy assessments and support teams in risk identification and mitigation.
• Maintain privacy governance framework: records of processing activities, policies, controls and assurance docs.
• Support privacy incidents, regulatory enquiries and breach reporting obligations.
• Build relationships with stakeholders; deliver training and privacy-by-design guidance.
• Support the DPO and contribute to ongoing privacy programme development.

Skills

Privacy expertise

DPIA/PIA

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Qualified solicitor or barrister (privacy law)

Data protection certification (CIPP/E, CIPM)

Tools

OneTrust

Microsoft Copilot

Cowork

Harvey

Job description

A career without limits

As the nation's flag carrier, we take great pride in connecting Britain with the world and the world with Britain.

It's something we've been doing for over 100 years, ever since we launched the world's first international scheduled air service between London and Paris.

This originality has been in our blood since day one. It's the spirit we share with the people that fly with us, our partners, and our colleagues.

So, whether you are a reassuring voice on the end of a phone, a smile at the door, under a wing keeping the turbines spinning or landing us gently in far-flung places, a job at British Airways is yours to make.

We know great things can happen when you're inspired to think big and bring your ambition to work every day, which is why, at British Airways the sky is never the limit.

The role:

Privacy Counsel

As British Airways continues to invest in technology, digital products and new ways of working, the responsible use of data has never been more important. We're looking for a Privacy Counsel to provide expert advice across the business, helping teams manage privacy risks, meet regulatory requirements and build privacy into decision-making from the outset.

This is a key role within our Legal team, providing specialist privacy advice across a wide range of business activities. Whether it's supporting new technology, advising on AI initiatives, assessing privacy risks or strengthening governance frameworks, you'll help ensure British Airways continues to use data responsibly and compliantly.

We are looking for a technically imaginative systems thinker with practical knowledge of AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot, Cowork and Harvey, and the flair to turn privacy requirements into effective controls, intuitive workflows and AI-assisted governance assessments.

Importantly, this role does not have to be filled by a qualified lawyer. We welcome applications from experienced privacy and data protection professionals with the knowledge and expertise required to succeed in the role.

What you'll do

• Provide expert privacy and data protection advice across the business, including GDPR, AI, data governance and emerging regulation.
• Lead privacy assessments and support teams in identifying, assessing and managing privacy risks across projects and business activities.
• Maintain and enhance BA's privacy governance framework, including records of processing activities, policies, controls and assurance documentation.
• Support the management of privacy incidents, investigations, regulatory enquiries, complaints and breach reporting obligations.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across the business, delivering training, guidance and privacy-by-design support.
• Support the Data Protection Officer, oversee privacy performance and contribute to the ongoing development of BA's privacy programme.

What you bring

• Strong expertise in privacy, data protection and privacy risk management, with the ability to provide practical, commercially focused advice.
• Experience conducting DPIAs and PIAs, maintaining governance frameworks and supporting compliance programmes.
• The ability to assess risk, exercise sound judgement and balance legal obligations with business priorities.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with experience working across multiple teams and seniority levels.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly and confidently.
• A proactive and organised approach, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes.

Qualifications and experience

• Qualified solicitor or barrister specialising in privacy law, or an experienced data protection/privacy professional with equivalent expertise.
• Privacy expert with knowledge of both contentious and non-contentious privacy matters.
• Recognised data protection certification, such as CIPP/E, CIPM or equivalent.
• Experience using OneTrust, including configuring workflows within the platform. (Essential).
• Practical knowledge of AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot, Cowork and Harvey.

What we offer:

We believe that all the people who work with us should feel valued for the part they play. It's one of the reasons our rewards go far beyond a competitive salary.

• From the day you join us, you'll get access to brilliant staff travel benefits including unlimited basic and premium standby tickets on British Airways flights.
• You'll also receive up to 30 discounted Hotline' airfares per year for yourself, friends, and family.

At British Airways you'll have the chance to take on new challenges and move forward in a way that feels right for you. We encourage all those who work for us to consider opportunities right across our business to help you develop and progress.

We never stand still, and we don't expect our people to either.

Inclusion & Diversity

At British Airways we all have a part to play in creating an inclusive place to work. Diverse representation among our people is really important to us and we recognise that all our colleagues are uniquely different and bring their own originality, creativity and identity to work.

Inclusion and diversity is a key driver of innovation and we're committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they can be themselves. We're looking for people from all backgrounds and cultures to join us and be a part of our journey to become a Better BA as we continue to connect Britain with the world and the world with Britain.