Senior Privacy Consultant / Data Protection Officer

About Harper James

We’re a national commercial law firm supporting entrepreneurial businesses throughout their growth. Our approach combines experienced people, accessible advice and flexible ways of working.

Our data protection service helps clients understand their responsibilities and manage risk in a way that works for their business. You’ll work alongside our specialist solicitors, bringing your own experience of managing privacy programmes and delivering ongoing support.

Remote working

You’ll work remotely as part of a connected and supportive team, with access to our regional meeting spaces.

We share knowledge, work together on client matters and make time to build relationships with colleagues. You’ll have the flexibility to organise your work responsibly, with support available when you need it.

What we’re looking for

You’ll have substantial experience in data protection, typically gained over five or more years, and a track record of taking responsibility for a privacy programme or a portfolio of clients.

Your background might be in an outsourced DPO service, privacy consultancy, an in-house data protection team or information governance. We’re interested in the experience and judgement you bring, and your ability to help clients make progress.

You’ll be confident in areas including:

* Assessing privacy compliance, identifying gaps and developing practical improvement plans.

* Advising on data protection impact assessments and monitoring resulting actions.

* Maintaining records of processing, privacy notices, policies and retention schedules.

* Supporting data subject access requests and other individual rights requests.

* Assessing suppliers, data-sharing arrangements and international transfers.

* Supporting breach assessment, incident response and engagement with regulators.

* Delivering training and explaining data protection requirements to different audiences.

You’ll have a strong working knowledge of UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act and PECR, alongside an understanding of relevant European requirements. Experience of AI governance or technology projects would also be valuable.

A qualification such as CIPP/E, CIPM or an equivalent is desirable. We place particular value on evidence that you can apply your knowledge effectively.

Your role

You’ll become a trusted point of contact for a portfolio of clients, acting as their appointed DPO where appropriate and helping them maintain an effective privacy programme.

That means understanding each business, agreeing priorities, reviewing progress and providing clear advice when questions arise. You’ll be comfortable working with founders, senior managers, HR and IT teams, and constructively challenging decisions where necessary.

You’ll manage competing demands, maintain clear records and recognise when specialist legal or technical input is needed. Our data protection solicitors will work alongside you on complex legal issues, and you’ll help develop our processes and resources as the service grows.

The Harper James difference

We give people responsibility and trust them to deliver. You’ll be supported by colleagues who share their expertise and value straightforward communication.

You’ll enjoy working here if you:

* Take ownership and follow through on commitments.

* Explain complex issues clearly and without unnecessary jargon.

* Balance commercial understanding with sound professional judgement.

* Work confidently with Microsoft 365 and learn new systems readily.

* Explore responsible ways to use technology and AI to improve your work.

* Contribute to a friendly team where people support each other.

What we offer

* A competitive salary.

* Flexible remote working.

* 33 days’ annual leave, including public holidays, with the option to purchase up to five additional days.

* Private healthcare and life assurance.

* Access to our electric vehicle scheme.

* Varied work with growing businesses and the opportunity to help shape our expanding privacy service.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE