Legal Counsel – Data Privacy

Santander

Legal Counsel providing Data Privacy support and advice for Santander UK's digital initiatives and regulatory compliance. Collaborating with teams on GDPR, AI, and data governance.

Posted 7/14/2026full-timeLondon • 🇬🇧 United KingdomMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, and PECR, providing strategic legal advice on data privacy within financial services and technology sectors. Capable of drafting and negotiating data privacy terms in commercial contracts while effectively communicating complex legal concepts to non-lawyers.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Qualified Solicitor In England & WalesUK GDPR ExpertiseData Privacy Legal AdviceStakeholder ManagementCommercial Contract Negotiation

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Data Privacy Regulatory FrameworksDrafting Data Privacy ProvisionsInternational Data Transfer MechanismsAI Governance AdvisoryLegal Template Development

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsStakeholder Relationship BuildingAbility To Manage Competing Priorities

Industry Keywords

Data Protection Act 2018PECRFinancial ServicesOutsourcing AgreementsData Sharing Agreements

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

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About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Providing strategic and commercially focused Data Privacy legal advice to support digital products, innovation projects, customer-facing platforms and strategic corporate initiatives;
Advising on UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, PECR and related privacy legislation and regulatory developments;
Reviewing, drafting and negotiating data privacy provisions within outsourcing agreements, data sharing agreements and wider technology and commercial contracts;
Supporting the Bank’s use of AI, including advising on AI-specific contractual provisions and supporting implementation of AI initiatives alongside the Chief Data Officer function;
Advising on international data transfers, including Standard Contractual Clauses, Binding Corporate Rules and other transfer mechanisms;
Working closely with senior stakeholders across the Bank to deliver expert, accurate, concise, commercial and cost-effective legal advice that is readily understandable to non-lawyers;
Collaborating closely with Data Privacy Compliance (including the DPO), Information Security, Data Privacy & Ethics and other business stakeholders to ensure a high standard of privacy compliance across Santander UK;
Supporting Litigation, Retail, Business Banking and Santander Corporate Banking Legal teams on Data Privacy related queries;
Keeping abreast of external developments in Data Privacy law and the financial services industry to enable Santander UK to react appropriately and in line with best practice, continuously seeking to improve processes, practices and policies;
Sharing technical skills, experience and best practice with colleagues and the wider business and supporting other departments through training and the development of legal templates and checklists.
Answering legal queries from internal customers as well as managing external suppliers/stakeholders to successfully deliver advice, projects and other outcomes on a timely basis.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Qualified solicitor in England & Wales, barrister or equivalent overseas qualified lawyer; (Required)
Excellent knowledge and experience of UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, PECR and wider Data Privacy regulatory frameworks; (Required)
Experience advising on Data Privacy issues within financial services, technology, digital or outsourcing environments; (Required)
Experience reviewing, drafting and negotiating data privacy terms within commercial contracts, outsourcing agreements and data sharing agreements; (Required)
Experience providing legal advice that is readily understandable to non-lawyers; (Required)
Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills with the ability to build trusted relationships across business and control functions; (Required)
A willingness to develop a working knowledge of Payments and Payments regulation. (Preferred)
Ability to provide pragmatic, commercial and risk-based legal advice in a fast-paced environment; and (Required)
Strong communication skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines effectively. (Required)
Experience advising on AI governance and AI-related contractual or regulatory issues; (Preferred)
Knowledge of international data transfer mechanisms, including SCCs and BCRs; (Preferred)
Experience supporting Data Privacy governance frameworks, policies and procedures; (Preferred)
Experience dealing with a large volume of matters and competing demands; and (Preferred)
Excellent project management skills, with an ability to manage multiple, conflicting interests and deadlines. (Preferred)

Benefits

Comp & perks

30 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, which increases to 31 days after 5yrs service, with the option to purchase up to 5 contractual days per year.
£6,000 car allowance per year.
Company funded individual private medical insurance
Protection for you and your family, with company-funded death-in-service benefit and income protection insurance, and the option to take advantage of discounted rates for additional life assurance and critical illness cover.
Share in Santander’s success by saving or investing in our share plans.
Competitive rewards that reflect the real impact you make and the value you bring.
Wellbeing that goes beyond work — we work with a range of wellbeing partners across our 4 pillars of wellbeing (physical, mental, social and financial) to give you access to a suite of apps, discounted gym and fitness access, weekly online classes, flexible healthcare and mental health support.
Support for every life stage — from menopause and pregnancy to parenthood and beyond, with enhanced family leave, childcare options and tailored wellbeing support.
Time to give back through volunteering opportunities that let you make a difference in the communities we serve.
Global growth opportunities to shape your career, learn new skills and explore what’s possible across our international network.