Head of Legal

The Role: Head of Legal, Compliance and Data Protection

Location: Swindon or Manchester (hybrid)

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‑collar crime frameworks
• 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
• Hybrid working arrangement (Swindon or Manchester)
• Opportunity to work for a globally recognised automotive brand with significant scope for impact at senior level

This role is suitable for candidates with existing right to work in the UK.

You will need to travel for this role – please keep that in mind before applying.

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