Head of Legal and DPO

Who We Are: BoyleSports is the largest independently owned bookmaker in Ireland. We’re on a mission to create a world-class betting and gaming experience that excites and entertains our customers each and every time they play. With a ‘Customer First’ approach in everything we do, our customers can bank on a great experience, more value and wider betting content than our market rivals. Founded in 1982 by John Boyle, the business has grown to include over 375 shops across Ireland and the UK, a best-in-class betting app and an online gaming platform available across a number of international markets. Over the past few years, key milestones in the growth of the company include a move into the UK market with the acquisition of a group of shops in the Midlands in 2019, the purchase of 33 William Hill shops in Northern Ireland in 2020. More recently, in early 2022 BoyleSports opened an International betting operation in South Africa and later entered the Peruvian market via the acquisition of local betting company Timberazo. Job Title: Head of Legal and DPO Reports to: Group Compliance and Risk Director Department: Compliance (temp) Location: BoyleSports HQ, Dundalk, Co. Louth (Hybrid) The Position BoyleSports is looking for a seasoned senior Legal professional to join its Senior Leadership Team. This is a demanding and complex role in a multi-jurisdictional environment and will require an experienced leader. Delivery of the role will necessitate buy-in from third parties and stakeholders. It will be important to develop strong partnerships with other members of the executive team, as well as assess organisational needs to define the structure and scope of the Legal domain. Key Responsibilities As BoyleSports continues to grow and advance its mission, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing all legal matters and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations across our international operations. You will report directly to the executive team and work closely with various departments to provide legal guidance and mitigate risks. You will be responsible for the following: 1. Legal Develop, implement, and maintain company policies and procedures to ensure compliance with local and international laws and regulations related to gaming, sports betting, and commerce, as well as ensuring ethical and legal conduct. Contributing to commercial, property, litigation, regulatory and employment matters and/or referring to subject matter advice in line with specific requirements Handle or oversee legal disputes, litigation, and arbitration proceedings, collaborating with external legal counsel to achieve cost-effective resolutions. Stay up-to-date with changes in laws and regulations that may impact the company's operations and promptly advise management on necessary actions. Manage and facilitate the acquisition and renewal of iGaming licenses from regulatory authorities worldwide, ensuring consistent adherence to license conditions and requirements 2. Risk Management Analysing, identifying and advising on the legal risks, implications and mitigations of all of the business's core transactions, and develop strategies to mitigate those risks. Support in providing training and guidance to employees on legal and regulatory matters to promote a culture of compliance within the organization. 3. Data Protection Serve as the Data Protection Officer (DPO) and oversee the company's compliance with data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other relevant regulations. Develop and maintain data protection policies and procedures, including data privacy notices, consent mechanisms, and data breach response plans. Conduct regular audits and assessments to identify and address data protection risks, and implement appropriate safeguards to protect customer and employee data. Serve as the primary point of contact for data subjects and supervisory authorities on data protection matters. Serve as an advocate for data protection within the organization and promote a culture of privacy and data protection awareness. 4. Contract and Supplier Management Directing the provision of legal input on all transaction and contractual negotiations, protecting business interests and ensuring that proper legal due diligence exercises are undertaken. Embed effective processes, record keeping and systems for the execution of contracts and other legal documents by authorised signatories, ensuring that robust documentation management is established and maintained. Identify key requirements and assess feasibility of onboarding internal or external support in line with functional ambition and requirements. Overseeing the development and management of relationships with external law firms, ensuring that all external legal resources are cost effective and appropriate for the advice sought. Requirements At least 10 years post qualification experience, with special focus on building and leading complex legal structures. Proven track record of successfully managing legal and regulatory compliance in a multi-jurisdictional environment. Extensive experience in drafting, negotiating, and reviewing commercial contracts, particularly in the context of online gambling operations, including agreements with software providers, payment processors, and marketing affiliates. In-depth knowledge of UK and/or ROI gambling laws, regulations, and licensing requirements, with a proven track record of successfully navigating complex legal frameworks and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Strong understanding of data protection and privacy laws, particularly the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the UK and the Data Protection Acts in ROI, with experience serving as a Data Protection Officer (DPO) or equivalent role, responsible for overseeing compliance with data protection laws and regulations. Scope of law (commercial, property, litigation, regulatory and employment matters in Ireland and UK, with international experience a plus) Must be willing to work regularly out of our HQ in Dundalk, Co. Louth BoyleSports is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.