At Booking.com, data drives our decisions. Technology is at our core. And innovation is everywhere. But our company is more than datasets, lines of code or A/B tests. We’re the thrill of the first night in a new place. The excitement of the next morning. The friends you encounter. The journeys you take. The sights you see. And the memories you make. Through our products, partners and people, we make it easier for everyone to experience the world.
Role:This role provides leadership in assessing, interpreting, advising on, and applying laws governing global platform and intermediation services offered by Booking.com within the Accommodation Business Unit (ABU). It directly supports Product teams within ABU, and focussed on the US Growth strategic priority, to develop and expand their offerings, requiring deep expertise in platform and travel‑related services regulation, strong commercial, and product acumen.
The Senior Managing Counsel's team acts as the central point of contact between Product ABU, Engineering & Data ABU, and LPA, partnering with the business and various LPA functions to ensure strategic goals are supported and risks are managed. This hands‑on role is embedded within the business, working closely with global Product teams to identify, define, prioritise, support, and implement a number of strategic initiatives. It requires business‑focused legal analysis to translate business needs into practical solutions, including developing playbooks and improving processes.
Success in this role requires creative problem‑solving and efficient advancement of product initiatives. A strong international perspective is essential for synthesising input from diverse stakeholders and providing confident guidance. This role is critical for enabling Booking.com to launch product initiatives that drive growth and innovation.
The role is global in scope and is based in the Netherlands.
Key Job Responsibilities and Duties:- Serve as the primary LPA point of contact for ABU Product and Engineering & Data leadership, providing commercially focused legal guidance on product development, commercial contracts, disputes, competition/consumer law, intellectual property, and relevant regulations.
- Lead, manage, and develop a high‑performing ABU Product Legal team through collaborative and inclusive leadership.
- Manage the ABU Product Legal team's annual budget and support the Senior Director with broader Legal & Public Affairs budget management.
- Coordinate collaboration between key business stakeholders, ABU Product Legal and wider LPA teams, and across other Booking Holdings brands.
- Identify and implement best practices to enhance efficiency through improved systems, processes, and resource allocation, and deliver training as needed.
- Continuously review and update legal precedents, playbooks and guidelines to foster innovation and ensure suitable risk management.
- Take ownership of planning and providing legal support and leadership for relevant Company Priorities (e.g., US Growth), liaising with senior stakeholders across the business and LPA colleagues.
- Effectively manage multiple projects and deadlines by applying strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
- Oversee the analysis and implementation of relevant case law and legislative/regulatory developments impacting ABU Product and its growth. Facilitate the implementation of necessary changes to meet regulatory requirements.
- Manage engagement with external counsel, seeking opportunities to streamline processes and improve controls.
- Promote best practices and collaboration within the legal team, supporting knowledge sharing and effective work methods. Ensure that all relevant perspectives (e.g., privacy, competition & consumer law, public affairs, fintech legal and compliance) are integrated into relevant initiatives.
- Bachelor degree (Master’s Degree / Specialised Diploma is an advantage) and admission to practise in at least one jurisdiction
- 8-12 years experience in a reputable law firm or in‑house team
- Qualified to practice law in the EU, UK, or US.
- Native or fluent English speaking and writing skills.
- Adaptable, with a growth mindset, ready to embrace change in order to meet evolving business needs, work in ambiguous situations and under pressure, and learn from mistakes
- Strong ability to lead and inspire a team
- Experience is translating company and department strategy into team objectives for yourself, and your team members
- Experience in management of and impactful communication with senior stakeholders, effectively communicating complex ideas and projects simply and succinctly
- In‑depth understanding of the legal issues that commonly arise in the industry, along with ability to quickly learn and grasp the importance of new and emerging issues and manage processes from inception to completion
- Experience negotiating complex and high value commercial agreements
- Excellent drafting skills and attention to detail
- Ability to successfully manage multiple projects or a portfolio of projects whilst meeting deadlines and prioritising appropriately.
- Demonstrated cross‑functional project leadership and commercial acumen, with ability to balance risk with business objectives.
- Strong collaborative, professional approach; able to succeed in and lead diverse, multidisciplinary, multicultural teams.
- High proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), Google Suite (Sheets, Docs), and AI platform usage, with a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Alignment with Booking.com’s values (Customer First, Succeed Together, Own It, Learn Forever, Do the Right Thing).
- Curiosity, flexibility, and a creative, pragmatic approach to problem‑solving.
- Confidence with collaboration.
- Ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Proactivity, resilience, and a drive to deliver results.
- Strong judgment with attention to both the big picture and key details.
- Courage to take a stance and make tough decisions.
- Team‑oriented, self‑aware, and a good listener.
- Agility in prioritising and meeting deadlines.
- Forward‑thinking, with a focus on emerging legal and policy issues.
This is a pivotal moment in e‑commerce and travel, and joining Booking.com’s Legal & Public Affairs (LPA) team provides you with opportunities to shape the future. The LPA team plays a key role in enabling Booking.com to become a one‑stop solution for all travel‑related needs, from accommodation to rental cars, flights and attractions, and beyond. This offers travellers what we like to call the ‘connected trip’ – enabling them to book every aspect of their travel experience seamlessly through our familiar, easy‑to‑use website or mobile app. As a member of the LPA team you will partner with the business to navigate complex regulations, build new products, and negotiate key deals—while driving ethical, sustainable growth.
Who we are?We are an award‑winning team of around 200 professionals from 36+ nationalities, with lawyers qualified in multiple jurisdictions and non‑lawyers specialising in public policy, economics, compliance, and risk. We have been recognised and shortlisted individually and as a team by the Legal 500 GC Powerlist, Assoc. Of Corp Counsel, Global Competition Review, The Lawyer GC of the Year (shortlisted), Compliance Week and the Financial Times. We encourage active participation in the industry, with board membership and representation at industry bodies at multiple levels, starting with our Chief Legal & Public Affairs Officer, who is currently ACC President for Europe. We also engage with stakeholders on policy issues impacting travel and tech innovation, including through our new public affairs blog A World Worth Experiencing.
As a team, we believe in:- Being integral to decision‑making, shaping Booking.com’s future.
- Supporting Booking's mission to make travel accessible, fostering openness and curiosity.
- Offering opportunities for team members to explore new areas or specialise.
- Providing holistic, integrated legal and public affairs advice.
- Continuously improving Legal Operations, innovating, and sharing best practices.
- Learning from mistakes and embracing growth.
- Working collaboratively with a sense of humor and enjoying the journey together!
Booking.com’s Total Rewards Philosophy is not only about compensation but also about benefits. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, as well unique‑to‑Booking.com benefits which include:
- Annual paid time off and generous paid leave scheme including: parent, grandparent, bereavement, and care leave
- Hybrid working including flexible working arrangements, and up to 20 days per year working from abroad (home country)
- Industry leading product discounts - up to 1400 per year - for yourself, including automatic Genius Level 3 status and Booking.com wallet credit
Inclusion has been a core part of our company culture since day one. This ongoing journey starts with our very own employees, who represent over 140 nationalities and a wide range of ethnic and social backgrounds, genders and sexual orientations.
Take it from our Chief People Officer, Paulo Pisano: “At Booking.com, the diversity of our people doesn’t just build an outstanding workplace, it also creates a better and more inclusive travel experience for everyone. Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. It’s a place where you can make your mark and have a real impact in travel and tech.”
We ensure that colleagues with disabilities are provided the adjustments and tools they need to participate in the job application and interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.
Application process:- Let’s go places together: How we Hire
- Detailed instructions on post‑application requirements including any required application materials, deadlines, portfolios, coding challenges, or other assessments as defined by BU or department.
Booking.com is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We strive to move well beyond traditional equal opportunity and work to create an environment that allows everyone to thrive.
Pre-Employment ScreeningIf your application is successful, your personal data may be used for a pre‑employment screening check by a third party as permitted by applicable law. Depending on the vacancy and applicable law, a pre‑employment screening may include employment history, education and other information (such as media information) that may be necessary for determining your qualifications and suitability for the position.
#J-18808-Ljbffr€90000 - €130000 monthly