At Kainos, we’re problem solvers, innovators, and collaborators - driven by a shared mission to create real impact. Whether we’re transforming digital services for millions, delivering cutting-edge Workday solutions, or pushing the boundaries of technology, we do it together.
We believe in a people-first culture, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions truly make a difference. Here, you’ll be part of a diverse, ambitious team that celebrates creativity and collaboration.
Ready to make your mark? Join us and be part of something bigger.
About the Role
The primary purpose of the Principal level AI & Data Counsel role is to lead how Kainos approaches AI and data law globally. As AI becomes embedded in almost every project, we need a senior specialist who can provide clear direction, reduce complexity, and help the business innovate safely and at pace.
This role is ideal for someone who combines deep expertise with a pragmatic, business friendly mindset, someone who can manage risk without creating unnecessary bureaucracy, and who brings clarity to fastmoving regulatory landscapes.
As a Principal level role, this isn’t about ‘advice on request’. It requires someone who can set strategic direction, influence how teams work, and embed practical, defensible approaches to AI and data. You will be central to enabling innovation at scale as regulatory requirements and customer expectations accelerate.
You will be responsible for owning, shaping and scaling how Kainos approaches AI and data law globally. You will operate with a high degree of autonomy, trusted to set direction, prioritise work, and determine how AI and data legal support is delivered across the business.
What You Will Lead
1. AI & Data Legal Strategy (Global)
Set and evolve our legal and regulatory approach to AI and data use across all regions. You will turn complex and emerging rules (AI regulation, GDPR, global privacy laws) into practical guidance that our delivery and product teams can use day to day.
2. AI Governance & Risk Management
Act as the senior legal voice in our AI governance processes, especially for higher risk or novel AI use cases. You will act as the primary legal owner for AI governance forums, senior stakeholder engagement and AI-related security and data incidents, with support from other senior counsel. You will help define:
• AI risk classification
• Standards for transparency, data use, and responsibility
• Customer and partner contract positions relating to AI and data
3. Hands On Support to Product, Delivery & Commercial
This role will advise on AI and data aspects of customer contracts, internal projects, customer requests and bids, products, services, and tools we develop or procure.
4. Data Privacy Leadership
Own our global data management approach across jurisdictions including Transfer Risk Assessments, DPO level support, and contractual and practical operationalisation of data protection requirements
5. Policy, Guidance & Business Education
Design and roll out practical, scalable AI and data legal frameworks, collateral, checklists and processes that allow the business to move quickly without repeatedly reinventing solutions. This includes:
• Developing clear guidance, templates and playbooks so teams know what good looks like and when to ask for help.
• Upskilling other lawyers and stakeholders so AI and data issues can be handled consistently and efficiently.
• Reducing ad-hoc escalation of AI and data issues by embedding self-serve, proportionate guidance wherever possible.
6. Third Party AI Due Diligence
Advise on AI and data risks in third party tools, and help establish consistent, scalable standards for vendor selection, contracting, and ongoing monitoring.
7. Security Incident Legal Leadership
Act as the lead legal contact for security and data incidents, providing senior guidance to ensure swift, calm, and defensible responses across jurisdictions.
8. Ownership and Scaling
This role is accountable for owning and scaling the legal and compliance approach to AI and data across Kainos. While you will not be expected to deliver everything personally, you will act as the principal point of contact, setting standards, defining approaches, and enabling others to support delivery in a consistent and defensible way.
Why We Need This Role
• AI considerations are now present in almost every incoming project.
• Our existing data policies require refresh and simplification for technical users.
• The legal team needs this specialist competency to supplement existing skills and provide the capacity to maintain global AI/data expertise across all business areas.
• We need a dedicated leader who can deliver consistency, speed, and defensible compliance without slowing innovation.
How We Work
This is a senior professional role with flexibility and trust at its core. Workloads can fluctuate, but you will be trusted to manage your time, set boundaries, and work in a way that delivers outcomes. The role has a global dimension, but the culture is respectful of availability and personal commitments. You will be supported by a strong, collaborative legal team and will not be expected to operate in isolation.
Who Will Succeed Here
You are a Principal level counsel who is:
• Experienced in AI regulation and global data protection
• Commercially minded and comfortable enabling the business, not blocking it
• Skilled at translating complex issues into practical, plain English guidance
• Confident influencing senior leaders and shaping how a business works and
challenging thinking when needed
• Comfortable operating autonomously across multiple teams and regions
• Comfortable setting standards and defining scalable ways of working
Why This Role Matters
This is a rare opportunity to define how a growing global technology organisation approaches AI and data law. You will shape frameworks, set standards, and be the go-to authority helping Kainos innovate confidently and responsibly.
At Kainos, we believe in the power of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that is as diverse as the world we live in, where everyone is valued, respected, and given an equal chance to thrive. We actively seek out talented people from all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other characteristic that makes them who they are. We also believe every candidate deserves a level playing field.
Our friendly talent acquisition team is here to support you every step of the way, so if you require any accommodations or adjustments, we encourage you to reach out.
We understand that everyone's journey is different, and by having a private conversation we can ensure that our recruitment process is tailored to your needs.
Top Skills
Kainos Belfast, Northern Ireland Office
4-6 Upper Crescent, Belfast, United Kingdom, BT7 1NT
