Legal Counsel – Data Protection and Commercial

We are seeking a commercially minded lawyer to join the in-house legal team at Mountain Warehouse, specialising in data protection and commercial contracts. Reporting to the Head of Legal, you will provide practical advice on the use of personal data across our retail, e-commerce and international operations, alongside drafting and negotiating commercial agreements. You will work closely with IT, Digital, Marketing, HR, Finance, Buying and Operations to support business initiatives and manage legal risk. Key Responsibilities Data protection and privacy Advise on data protection and privacy matters across the business, coordinating local legal advice where required for international operations. Support new projects, systems and technologies by identifying privacy requirements at an early stage and advising on appropriate safeguards. Draft, review and maintain privacy notices, data protection policies, data processing agreements and data sharing arrangements. Advise on lawful bases for processing, transparency, retention and the handling of customer and employee personal data. Support data protection impact assessments, records of processing activities and international data transfer arrangements. Advise on direct marketing, cookies, customer profiling and loyalty programmes. Coordinate responses to data subject requests and privacy complaints, working with relevant business teams. Provide legal support for personal data breaches and cybersecurity incidents, including assessing notification requirements and supporting regulatory communications. Conduct privacy reviews of suppliers and advise on contractual safeguards for personal data. Advise on privacy issues arising from artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. Deliver practical training and monitor legal developments relevant to the business. Commercial contracts Draft, review and negotiate commercial agreements, including IT, software, cloud services, digital platforms, marketing, consultancy, supplier and confidentiality agreements. Advise on contractual risk, including liability, indemnities, intellectual property, termination rights and service continuity. Support procurement and operational teams throughout negotiations, explaining material risks and recommending workable solutions. Assist with contractual disputes and work with the business and external advisers to achieve practical resolutions. Develop and maintain contract templates, negotiation guidance and approval processes. Wider legal support Provide timely, accessible legal advice to colleagues across the business. Support e-commerce, consumer law and advertising matters connected with digital and marketing activities. Work with IT and information security colleagues on the legal aspects of cybersecurity and information governance. Support corporate transactions and business integration projects on data protection and commercial matters. Identify matters requiring escalation and keep the Head of Legal informed of significant risks and developments. Instruct and coordinate external advisers where specialist or local advice is required. We would like to meet someone who is Essential Qualified solicitor in England and Wales with relevant experience in data protection and commercial law. Strong working knowledge of UK data protection and privacy requirements, including the UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018 and rules governing electronic marketing and cookies. Experience advising on EU GDPR requirements and international data transfers. Experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, particularly technology agreements and data processing arrangements. Ability to translate legal requirements into clear, proportionate advice and practical business processes. Strong drafting, negotiation and communication skills. Confidence managing a varied workload, taking ownership of matters and recognising when to seek guidance or escalate issues. Ability to work effectively with both technical and non-technical colleagues. Desirable Previous in-house experience or a client secondment. Experience advising retailers, e-commerce businesses or organisations handling substantial volumes of customer data. Experience supporting breach response, regulatory enquiries and complex data subject requests. Familiarity with advertising technology, customer analytics and artificial intelligence. A recognised privacy qualification, such as CIPP/E or CIPM. Personal approach You will be practical, organised and comfortable working in a fast-moving business. You should take an interest in how data and technology support our operations, identify the issues that matter and propose workable solutions. You will combine sound legal judgement with a collaborative approach and the confidence to challenge proposals constructively. What we offer A varied in-house role working closely with the Head of Legal, with meaningful responsibility for data protection and commercial matters and the opportunity to support Mountain Warehouse’s digital development and international operations. Benefits Competitive salary and benefits package Hybrid working, 3 days in London based office & 2 working from home Holiday allowance 50% staff discount & 25% for family and friends Pension scheme