Senior Managing Counsel, Trips Legal (Commercial - Ground Transport and Attractions) at Booking.com

About Us: 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.

The Role:

The Senior Managing Counsel, Trips Legal (Commercial - Ground Transport and Attractions) leads the commercial legal team for our Ground Transport (Cars and Rides) and Attractions verticals which are a significant part of Booking.com's strategy to further build the “Connected Trip” and to grow and scale Booking.com’s multi-product offerings to travelers.

The role will be responsible for overseeing all commercial and regulatory legal matters related to our suite of contracts for these verticals as well as all commercial aspects of new product launches, and will manage a team of commercial lawyers.

The role ensures that the commercial legal team amongst others:

• Provides accurate, proactive, independent and commercially focused effective and sound legal advice in relation to Trips commercial contracts in particular by applying knowledge of relevant and latest laws, regulations and other applicable requirements as well as internal policies and procedures;
• Reviews, drafts and negotiates commercial contracts with (third party) partners, taking a pragmatic and business savvy approach;
• Partners closely with the business and serves as a sounding board to the business in relation to a wide variety of commercial (legal) themes; and
• Balances and mitigates risks including by partnering with relevant stakeholders, all with a particular focus on the activities of the Ground Transport and Attractions verticals.

The role directly supports Commercial teams within Trips and enables the development and expansion of Booking.com’s offerings. The role requires solid expertise in platform and travel-related services regulation, coupled with strong commercial and product acumen to provide practical and actionable guidance and advice.

The Senior Managing Counsel’s team serves as the central point of contact between the Ground Transport’s and Attractions’ commercial teams and LPA. The role closely partners with the business and with the various functions across LPA, to ensure that the strategic goals of the Trips teams are well understood and supported, the risks are recognised and appropriately managed, and to provide guidance and support for a broad variety of strategic commercial initiatives and opportunities throughout the company. This is a hands-on role, embedded within the business, working closely with the Trips Product Legal team to identify, define, prioritise, support and implement commercial initiatives. The role requires thorough commercial contracting and advisory skills, applying business-focused legal analysis to translate business needs into practical (contractual) solutions.

The Senior Managing Counsel’s team will continuously invest in, and assess, efficient ways of working with the business (including developing playbooks, improving processes and leveraging AI functionalities) in order to scale their support and allowing the legal team to focus on the areas where they can add most value

As a manager of approximately two lawyers, this role requires direct coaching and professional development skills. 

The role is global in scope, so a truly international perspective is key, as is the ability to source, analyse and manage input from a range of stakeholders to form a view and advise even outside of your direct experience. This role is a critical component in the successful partnership between LPA and Trips, and you will be a vital contributor to Booking.com’s continued growth, innovation and success.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in contract negotiations and drafting as well as in advising on a wide range of commercial matters, particularly in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment, demonstrating a strong customer centric mindset while balancing business interests. They will possess strong leadership skills and will at the same time be hands-on.

This role is based in Manchester.

Key responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary LPA point of contact for Trips Commercial Leadership for commercial matters and help develop a comprehensive, long-term approach to our relationships with key partners and the commercial aspects of our products and programs.
• Provide clear, concise and pragmatic legal and strategic advice and guidance to the Ground Transport and Attractions leadership teams, with responsibility for handling high risk, complex and strategic legal matters, ensuring compliance with laws and policies.
• Reviewing, drafting and negotiating (including leading and coaching the Trips Legal Commercial team on this) bespoke contracts with key stakeholders and key partners to support scaling of the Ground Transport and Attraction verticals. Liaise with all other parts of the business (including but not limited to Tax and Finance teams) where required to ensure their perspectives are included in contracts and commercial initiatives.
• Lead, manage, and develop a high-performing Trips Legal Commercial team (Ground Transport and Attractions) through collaborative and inclusive leadership.
• Manage the Trips Commercial team's annual budget (Ground Transport and Attractions) and support the Senior Director with broader Legal & Public Affairs budget management.
• Coordinate collaboration between key business stakeholders, Trips Legal Commercial and wider LPA teams (in close partnership with Trips Legal Product), and across other Booking Holdings brands.
• Identify and implement best practices to enhance efficiency and improve ways of working with the business and between LPA through improved systems, processes, (AI) tools, services and resource allocation. Develop and deliver training as needed.
• Continuously review and update template agreements, playbooks and guidelines to foster innovation, efficiency and ensure suitable risk management.
• Take ownership of planning and providing legal support and leadership for relevant Company Priorities and Trips strategic priorities, liaising with senior stakeholders across the business and LPA colleagues to ensure excellent communication and efficient execution.
• Effectively manage multiple projects and deadlines by applying strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Advising and influencing the business directly whilst maintaining a commercially sensible approach at all times.
• Facilitate the implementation of necessary changes to our suite of contracts 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 (LPA), supporting knowledge sharing and effective work methods. Ensure that all relevant perspectives (e.g., tax, privacy, product, competition & consumer law, public affairs, fintech legal and compliance) are integrated into relevant commercial initiatives and ensure relevant provisions are included in the commercial contracts (including to ensure regulatory compliance).

Key skills and experience:

• Master’s Degree and admission to practise in at least one jurisdiction
• 8-12 years experience in a reputable law firm or in-house team, preferably in a commercial legal role

• Qualified to practice law in the EU, UK, or US. 

• Native or fluent English speaking and writing skills.

• In-depth legal knowledge particularly in respect of  commercial law, contract law and basic knowledge of several other areas such as competition & consumer law, litigation, privacy and compliance.

• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of business requirements.

• 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. 

• Ability to translate 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 in 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.

• Confidence in ability to provide commercial advice and guidance.

• Ability to work with minimal supervision.

• Strong collaborative, professional approach; able to succeed in and lead diverse, multidisciplinary, multicultural teams.

• High proficiency in Google Suite (Sheets, Docs), and AI platform usage, with a commitment to continuous improvement.

Further traits look for:

• 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 prioritizing and meeting deadlines.

• Forward-thinking, with a focus on emerging legal and policy issues.
  
  

Why join the Legal & Public Affairs Team now?

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 specializing 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 specialize.

• 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!

Benefits & Perks - Global Impact, Personal Relevance:

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 at Booking.com: 

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.