Senior Legal Counsel, Technology & Privacy

Smith+Nephew; Watford; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A global medical technology leader in Watford is seeking a Senior Counsel, Technology and Privacy. You will navigate legal complexities in digital transformation, ensuring compliance with data privacy laws while supporting innovative healthcare solutions. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in commercial contracting and a strong background in GDPR, digital health, and AI governance. This role offers a hybrid working model and generous employee benefits.

Benefits

Generous annual bonus

Pension schemes

Flexible vacation and time off

Private health and dental plans

Discounts on gyms and fitness clubs

Qualifications

• 7+ years post-qualification experience in commercial contracting with IT/technology focus.
• Strong knowledge of UK Data Protection Act, HIPAA and global privacy frameworks.
• Experience working with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Acting as a trusted legal advisor to IT and Privacy teams.
• Drafting and negotiating complex technology contracts.
• Advising on data privacy regulations.

Skills

Commercial contracting experience

Knowledge of GDPR

Advising on digital health

Data privacy law expertise

Cloud services knowledge

Cybersecurity experience

Education

Qualified solicitor (England and Wales, US or Commonwealth)

Job description

Life. Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.

Are you a legal expert with a passion for technology and data privacy? This is your opportunity to join a global medical technology leader and shape the future of digital innovation in healthcare. As Senior Counsel, Technology and Privacy, you’ll be at the heart of our digital transformation, helping us navigate the evolving legal landscape while enabling innovation that improves lives.

What will you be doing?

As a member of our Global Legal team, you’ll have a key role in acting as a trusted advisor to our IT and Privacy teams, guiding strategic projects and ensuring legal compliance across our global operations. From drafting and negotiating complex technology contracts, to advising on data privacy regulations, your work will be critical in supporting our digital health initiatives. You’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams, contribute to AI governance, and help implement cutting-edge legal technologies. Whether it’s supporting research and development for connected medical devices or advising on GDPR and HIPAA, your legal insight will help us deliver safe, compliant and innovative product and service solutions to patients and customers worldwide.

What will you need to be successful?

Success in this role means being a proactive, commercially minded legal partner who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. You’ll need to:

• Be a qualified solicitor (England and Wales, US or Commonwealth jurisdiction) with 7+ years post-qualification experience in commercial contracting with a focus on IT/technology contracting and data privacy law
• Have strong knowledge of GDPR, UK Data Protection Act, HIPAA and other global privacy frameworks
• Demonstrate experience advising on digital health, AI, cloud services, and cybersecurity within a regulated industry
• Be confident working with senior stakeholders and translating complex legal concepts into practical guidance

You. Unlimited.
We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.

Inclusion and Belonging: Committed to welcoming, celebrating and thriving on inclusion and belonging. Learn more about our Employee Inclusion Groups on our website www.smith-nephew.com
Your Future: Generous annual bonus and pension schemes, Save As You Earn share options.
Work/Life Balance: Flexible vacation and time off, paid holidays and paid volunteering hours, so we can give back to our communities!
Your Wellbeing: Private health and dental plans, healthcare cash plans, income protection, life assurance and much more.
Flexibility: Hybrid working model. (for most professional roles).
Training: Hands-on, team-customised, mentorship.
Extra Perks: Discounts on gyms and fitness clubs, salary sacrifice bicycle and car schemes and many other employee discounts

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