Data Protection Lead - 9 month FTC

Overview of role

Office: London (50% office attendance)

Duration: 9 month FTC

Walkers is seeking an experienced lawyer who can act as Interim Data Protection Lead to support the delivery of the firm's global data protection compliance framework.

The role will serve as an integral part of Walkers' global General Counsel team, reporting directly to the General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer (who is also the Data Protection Officer), becoming the primary point of contact for data protection matters, ensuring robust governance and safeguarding personal data across all jurisdictions where Walkers operates. This role works closely with the Risk and In-House Legal team, as well as other teams and stakeholders across the firm.  Whilst the focus is on data protection, the role offers the opportunity to support the General Counsel on a variety of legal matters and projects.

The role will monitor compliance with data practices internally to ensure Walkers complies with all applicable requirements, and will have delegated authority for all data protection workstreams, including data privacy impact assessments, providing project-specific data protection input and advice, as well as dealing with general data protection queries from within the Risk and In-House Legal team (including an element of training). The role will also serve as the primary contact for supervisory authorities and individuals whose data is processed by the organisation.

Duties, Responsibilities & Person Specification

• Monitor and own the global data protection framework for Walkers.
• Monitor adherence to all applicable data protection laws.
• Ensure compliance with Walkers' data protection and information security policies, procedures and privacy statements.
• Review Data Privacy Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and advise on mitigation strategies and remediation measures.
• Advise on data protection aspects pertaining to specific projects/contracts as the lead point of contact for these queries.
• Assist with reviewing, drafting, updating and maintaining all client engagement and corporate governance related documentation, including policies, procedures and templates, as well as bulletins and other internal communications.
• Collaborate with the IT department on access controls and security measures.
• Manage Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs) and ensure timely responses.
• Uphold rights of access, rectification, and erasure in line with privacy obligations.
• Act as the primary contact for supervisory authorities and internal stakeholders.
• Assist with the management and preparation of all legal proceedings, regulatory inspections and interactions with authorities.
• Provide practical data protection training to the Risk and In-House Legal team.
• Other legal, risk management and data protection related tasks from time to time.

Education, Skills & Experience

• Lawyer with specialist experience in global data protection and privacy compliance.
• Proven track record in implementing data protection frameworks, preferably with a global reach and within professional services.
• Strong understanding of GDPR, and other global data protection regulations.
• Familiarity with information security principles, risk management, and data governance tools.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to influence senior leadership and drive compliance initiatives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Commercial mindset with proven experience working alongside senior management to influence strategic decision-making.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

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