Senior Managing Counsel - Employment & Regulatory
About Booking Holdings
Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG) is the world's leading provider of online travel and related services, provided to consumers and local partners in more than 220 countries and territories through five primary consumer-facing brands: Booking.com, Priceline, Agoda, KAYAK and OpenTable. The mission of Booking Holdings is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. For more information, visit BookingHoldings.com and follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter) @BookingHoldings.
This role is eligible for our hybrid work model: Two days in-office.
Booking Holdings B.V. (BHBV) is seeking a proactive and adaptable Legal Counsel with 8+ years of experience to join our newly established entity in the Netherlands. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a globally recognized organization with a major presence in the Netherlands-while stepping into a first-of-its-kind role as the founding legal counsel for BHBV. You will have the autonomy to shape the legal function from day one, supported by the strength and resources of the broader Booking Holdings global legal team, and reporting into the Booking Holdings legal team based in the United States.
In this newly created position, you will serve as a key legal advisor to BHBV, a Dutch entity within the Booking Holdings Inc. group. You will provide guidance on day-to-day HR legal matters, works council engagement, and employment-related policies and processes.
Beyond employment law, the role will span a broad spectrum of legal and regulatory topics, including commercial contracts, corporate governance, artificial intelligence, compliance, global regulatory developments, and litigation support for the broader Booking Holdings legal team. You will help the organization navigate complex and evolving legal landscapes across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring alignment with Booking Holdings' global standards and risk management practices.
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We are particularly interested in candidates who bring experience in Dutch employment law and who are eager to expand into broader areas of practice within an international context.
The ideal candidate combines strong legal acumen with business pragmatism, thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, and is comfortable working across time zones and functional areas. You will partner closely with colleagues across Legal, HR, Compliance, and Finance in the U.S., Europe, and Asia Pacific, and will have the opportunity to collaborate with the Booking.com Legal and Public Affairs team, particularly on employment and regulatory matters.
Key responsibilities:
- Provide legal advice to BHBV on employment law matters, including contract management, employee relations, and works council processes.
- Advise on a broad range of legal issues affecting BHBV's operations, including litigation, corporate, commercial, and regulatory matters.
- Support the broader Booking Holdings legal team in understanding and complying with emerging regulations across the company and its brands, including areas such as consumer law and artificial intelligence.
- Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts and internal policies.
- Provide legal input on cross-functional projects and strategic or operational initiatives.
- Serve as a trusted legal advisor to HR, senior management, and other key stakeholders.
- Collaborate with legal colleagues across the Booking Holdings group to ensure global policy alignment and consistency.
- Coordinate with external counsel as required.
Skills and experience:
- Qualified lawyer (Netherlands) with 8+ years of relevant legal experience, ideally including time in-house
- Strong understanding of Dutch labor and employment law, with experience advising on works council matters
- Broad legal experience in other categories, including regulatory, commercial or litigation
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-growth environment
- Clear, concise communicator-both in writing and in conversation
- Able to operate independently while being highly collaborative
- Globally minded and comfortable working across jurisdictions and time zones
- Fluent in English and Dutch
Pre-Employment Screening
If 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.
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
- Health Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Short-Term Disability
- Long-Term Disability
- Fitness Subsidies
- Dental Insurance
- Mental Health Benefits
- Virtual Fitness Classes
Parental Benefits
- Adoption Leave
- Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
- Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
- Family Support Resources
- Return-to-Work Program
Work Flexibility
- Flexible Work Hours
- Remote Work Opportunities
- Hybrid Work Opportunities
Office Life and Perks
- Commuter Benefits Program
- Casual Dress
- Happy Hours
- Snacks
- Some Meals Provided
- Company Outings
- On-Site Cafeteria
- Holiday Events
Vacation and Time Off
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Personal/Sick Days
- Volunteer Time Off
- Summer Fridays
Financial and Retirement
- Pension
- Company Equity
- Performance Bonus
- Relocation Assistance
- Stock Purchase Program
Professional Development
- Promote From Within
- Mentor Program
- Access to Online Courses
- Lunch and Learns
- Internship Program
- Leadership Training Program
- Work Visa Sponsorship
- Learning and Development Stipend
- Professional Coaching
- Shadowing Opportunities
Diversity and Inclusion
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program
- Employee Resource Groups (ERG)
- Unconscious Bias Training