Senior Legal Counsel – Data Protection (4–8+ PQE) | Leading Global Sports Brand

JR United Kingdom; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global sports brand in Portsmouth is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel specializing in Data Protection. The successful candidate will take ownership of data protection strategy, ensuring compliance and driving privacy innovation. This role offers a high-impact opportunity within a dynamic legal team, making a significant contribution to privacy principles within a tech-forward organization.

Benefits

Generous bonus scheme

Excellent benefits

Hybrid working model

Dynamic, collaborative environment

Qualifications

• 4–8 years PQE, but senior candidates with strong experience also considered.
• Experience in data protection law, preferably in-house or at a top-tier firm.
• Strong knowledge of UK and EU data protection laws.

Responsibilities

• Lead on data protection and privacy matters across the organization.
• Advise on legal obligations related to data privacy and business strategy.
• Draft and negotiate data protection documentation.

Skills

Data Protection Law

Compliance

Legal Advisory

Negotiation

Stakeholder Management

Education

Solicitor Qualification in England & Wales

Job description

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Senior Legal Counsel – Data Protection (4–8+ PQE) | Leading Global Sports Brand, portsmouth, hampshire

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Client:

The Stephen James Partnership

Location:

portsmouth, hampshire, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Views:

2

Posted:

04.06.2025

Expiry Date:

19.07.2025

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Job Description:

Are you a lawyer seeking to take ownership of data protection strategy for a global brand?

Do you want to drive privacy innovation at the forefront of tech and sport?

Are you looking to make a move in-house or simply looking for a high impact legal role?

If so, keep reading ?

The Client

We are working exclusively with a globally recognised sports brand that is looking to appoint a Senior Legal Counsel to join their Legal Team. You will lead on all data protection and privacy matters across a dynamic, tech-forward business that operates on a global stage. This is a unique opportunity to take on a senior, visible role within a high-performing legal team, advising on critical data, compliance, and privacy matters.

The Role

As Senior Legal Counsel, you will act as the subject matter expert on all things data protection. Reporting into the Head of Legal, your responsibilities will include:

• Advising on complex legal, regulatory, and ethical obligations related to data privacy across the organisation and its partners, while enabling business strategy.
• Drafting and negotiating data protection documentation including processing agreements, DPIAs, and data sharing terms.
• Leading internal policies and procedures, ensuring ongoing compliance and embedding privacy by design principles across business functions.
• Overseeing responses to DSARs and managing relationships with external counsel as required.
• Keeping stakeholders across the organisation informed and up to date on legal and regulatory developments in data protection.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure lawful and strategic use of consumer and operational data.

The Profile

This is a senior position suited to a lawyer who can confidently operate with autonomy, influence senior stakeholders, and lead on data protection in a fast-paced and visible environment.

• Qualification as a solicitor in England & Wales (4–8 PQE is ideal, but senior candidates outside this range with strong experience are encouraged to apply).
• Significant experience in data protection and privacy law, gained either in-house or at a top-tier firm.
• Strong knowledge of UK and EU data protection regimes; familiarity with international standards is a plus.
• A commercial, solution-driven mindset and ability to communicate complex legal matters clearly to non-legal colleagues.
• A sound understanding of emerging technologies, including AI, and the data risks they bring.
• Previous experience working with or advising sports, entertainment, or media businesses will be advantageous, but not essential.

What’s on Offer

• Generous bonus scheme and excellent benefits
• A high-impact, senior position at the heart of a globally admired brand
• Hybrid working model and a dynamic, collaborative environment

This is the perfect opportunity for a confident and commercially astute lawyer to step into an impactful and highly visible role, leading data protection strategy for a major brand with an enormous international footprint.

Ready to lead privacy strategy for one of the world’s most iconic sports brands? Apply below or reach out to [emailprotected] . We also offer a generous referral scheme, so feel free to share this with someone in your network who might be a good fit.