Overview

Senior Managing Counsel, Trips Legal (Commercial - Ground Transport and Attractions) leads Booking.com’s commercial legal team for the Ground Transport (Cars and Rides) and Attractions verticals, a key part of the strategy to expand the Connected Trip and multi-product offerings for travelers. The role oversees all commercial and regulatory legal matters related to contracts for these verticals and all commercial aspects of new product launches, and manages a team of commercial lawyers.

The role supports the Commercial teams within Trips and collaborates with LPA to align strategic goals, manage risks, and execute a broad range of commercial initiatives. This is a hands-on role embedded in the business, working with the Trips Product Legal team to identify, prioritise, support and implement commercial initiatives.

This position is global in scope and requires an international perspective, the ability to coordinate input from diverse stakeholders, and strong contracting and advisory skills to translate business needs into practical contractual solutions. The Senior Managing Counsel will coach and develop a small team and will work with external counsel as needed.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as the primary LPA point of contact for Trips Commercial leadership on commercial matters and help develop long-term relationships with key partners and the commercial aspects of our products and programs.
• Provide clear, concise and pragmatic legal and strategic advice to the Ground Transport and Attractions leadership teams, handling high-risk, complex and strategic matters in compliance with laws and internal policies.
• Review, draft and negotiate bespoke contracts with key stakeholders and partners to support scaling of the Ground Transport and Attraction verticals; liaise with Tax and Finance and other functions as required.
• Lead, manage and develop a high-performing Trips Legal Commercial team (Ground Transport and Attractions) through collaborative leadership.
• Manage the Trips Commercial team’s annual budget (Ground Transport and Attractions) and support broader Legal & Public Affairs budget management.
• Coordinate collaboration between business stakeholders, Trips Legal Commercial, and wider LPA teams (in partnership with Trips Legal Product) across Booking Holdings brands.
• Identify and implement best practices to enhance efficiency, improve processes, and leverage AI tools; develop and deliver training as needed.
• Continuously review and update template agreements, playbooks and guidelines to foster innovation, efficiency and risk management.
• Plan and provide legal support for Company Priorities and Trips strategic priorities, liaising with senior stakeholders to ensure clear communication and execution.
• Balance multiple projects and deadlines with strong organizational and prioritisation skills; provide commercial guidance to balance risk and business objectives.
• Facilitate changes to contracts to meet regulatory requirements and manage engagement with external counsel to streamline processes and controls.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration within the legal team and ensure relevant perspectives (tax, privacy, product, competition & consumer law, public affairs, fintech legal and compliance) are integrated into commercial initiatives.

Key skills and experience

• Master’s Degree and admission to practice in at least one jurisdiction.
• 8-12 years of experience in a reputable law firm or in-house, preferably in a commercial legal role.
• Qualified to practice law in the EU, UK, or US.
• Native or fluent English speaking and writing skills.
• Strong knowledge of commercial law, contract law, and related areas (competition & consumer law, privacy, compliance).
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to align legal advice with business needs.
• Adaptable with a growth mindset; able to work under pressure and handle ambiguity.
• Proven leadership and team development abilities; capable of inspiring a team and translating strategy into team objectives.
• Experience in managing senior stakeholders; ability to explain complex ideas simply.
• Experience negotiating complex, high-value commercial agreements; excellent drafting and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with deadlines and priorities; strong cross-functional leadership and commercial acumen.
• Proficiency with Google Suite (Sheets, Docs) and AI tools; commitment to continuous improvement.

Further traits look for

• Alignment with Booking.com values: Customer First, Succeed Together, Own It, Learn Forever, Do the Right Thing.
• Curiosity, flexibility, and a creative, pragmatic approach to problem-solving.
• Confidence in collaboration and ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proactivity, resilience, and drive to deliver results.
• Strong judgment, balancing big-picture thinking with attention to detail.
• Courage to take a stance and make tough decisions.
• Team-oriented, self-aware, good listening skills; ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Forward-thinking with 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. The LPA team helps Booking.com become a one-stop solution for travel-related needs, enabling a seamless Connected Trip experience. You will partner with the business to navigate regulations, build products, and negotiate key deals while driving ethical, sustainable growth.

Inclusion and benefits

Booking.com is an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, including global benefits and unique-to-Booking.com perks such as flexible hybrid working, time off, and product discounts. We are committed to inclusion and provide adjustments to support applicants throughout the process.

Application process

• How we hire: detailed instructions on post-application requirements, materials, deadlines, portfolios, or assessments as defined by the business unit.