Head Of Legal - Automotive

The Role: Head of Legal, Compliance and Data Protection

Location: Swindon or Manchester (hybrid)
Salary: £85,000-£100,000 DOE + car allowance/benefits +
Sector: Automotive

We are delighted to have partnered with a leading international automotive organisation to find them an experienced and dynamic Head of Legal, Compliance and Data Protection . This role will lead the UK functions and work cross-functionally with colleagues across Europe.

This is a high-profile leadership role, working closely with senior executives and international stakeholders to provide commercially focused legal advice, strengthen governance, and ensure compliance across a complex, regulated environment. The Head of Legal, Compliance and Data Protection will be a detail oriented individual who demonstrates working with precision and powerful communication skills.

The successful candidate will act as Data Protection Officer (DPO), Compliance Officer and Company Secretary, with approximately 50% of the role dedicated to compliance-related activities and the remainder across legal, data protection and company secretarial responsibilities. Due to the broad spectrum of this role, the ideal candidate will have experience in a Senior in-house legal role and extensive exposure to commercial contract law.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Legal, Compliance and Data Protection functions, setting priorities and ensuring alignment with business strategy and group requirements
• Develop and maintain the Compliance Management Framework, including anti-bribery, competition law, anti-money laundering and corporate governance
• Act as the Data Protection Officer (DPO), ensuring compliance with UK GDPR and data protection legislation
• Manage Subject Access Requests (SARs), data breaches, Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and regulatory engagement with the ICO
• Provide strategic legal advice and guidance to senior leadership on commercial contracts, negotiations and legal risk
• Manage litigation, disputes and external legal advisers, including cost control and performance management
• Fulfil Company Secretarial and corporate governance responsibilities, including maintenance of statutory records and coordination of Board matters
• Support Compliance Champions and coordinators across the business, promoting a culture of integrity, speak‑up and risk awareness

Experience and Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with significant experience in commercial law, compliance and corporate governance gained within a large or international organisation
• Strong understanding of UK GDPR and data protection legislation, with experience managing SARs and wider data protection compliance
• Proven track record in compliance management, including anti‑corruption, antitrust, AML and white‑c
• Excellent commercial awareness and the ability to provide pragmatic, business-oriented legal advice
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the confidence to influence senior leaders and the Board
• Experience managing complex legal, regulatory and compliance matters, including cross-border issues
• High level of integrity, professionalism and assertiveness, with strong project management and organisational skills

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary (£85,000-£100,000) depending on experience
• Car allowance or company car
• Performance-related bonus
• Private medical insurance and pension
• 25+ days' holiday plus bank holidays
• Hybrid working arrangement (Swindon or Manchester)
• Opportunity to work for a globally recognised automotive bra

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