A successful candidate should demonstrate:
Technical knowledge: Solid understanding of enterprise data technology and machine learning at scale
Risk management: Experience in developing compliance solutions which are resistant against degradation over time, are documented and can be monitored and tested
Strategic thinking: Ability to think beyond quick wins and perceive long-term opportunities for broad-based risk reduction
Customer centricity: Keeping the customer's best interests at heart, both in terms of the protection of their privacy as well as the usability of our products and services
People leadership: Inspiring, coaching and supporting your team members, to allow them to excel and grow
Cross-functional mindset: Willingness to break through silos, collaborate across teams and departments and pitch in when needed to ensure overall mission success
Key Job Responsibilities and Duties:
Support the business with in-depth legal review, advice and guidance on data protection and data privacy issues and/or risks with any current or potential new initiatives
Serve as the primary privacy legal SPoC for all matters arising from the Data, Technology and Customer Service functions in the company
Lead a team that serves as the foremost experts in the privacy legal function when it comes to data governance and technology
Lead the retention & deletion efforts at Booking.com
Support strategic, enterprise-wide priorities to mature our data governance and privacy control landscape
Engage with other Legal & Public Affairs teams and stakeholders to ensure the Legal function speaks with one voice
Constantly (re)prioritize team workload to adapt to changing circumstances
Partnering on review, advice and approval of data sharing use cases, data protection and privacy guidance, policies and procedures for the business
Exercise people management responsibilities, such as performance management and coaching; be accountable for team performance
Qualification & Skills:
- 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
EU, UK or US law degree
A Batchelors’ and/or Masters’ Degree, and a legal professional qualification
Native or fluent English speaking and writing skills
Knowledge and experience in data protection law; a CIPP/E / CIPT (or similar) certification is preferred
A deep understanding of GDPR and the e-Privacy Directive how this applies to enterprise and consumer-facing technology; knowledge of DMA/DSA and AI Act is preferred
Ability to be the “voice of reason” in crisis situations, to quickly respond to issues at hand and to prioritise effectively, with a “customer first” mindset
Excellent communication skills (written and oral), attention to detail, organizational and project management skills and ability to meet deadlines, prioritising appropriately
Adaptable, 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
Demonstrated cross-functional project leadership and commercial acumen, with ability to balance risk with business objectives
Experience in management of and impactful communication with senior stakeholders, effectively communicating complex ideas and projects simply and succinctly
In-depth understanding of the data and privacy issues that commonly arise in the technology and data space, along with ability to quickly learn and grasp the importance of new and emerging issues and manage processes from inception to completion
Strong collaborative, professional approach; able to succeed in and lead diverse, multidisciplinary, multicultural teams
High proficiency in productivity software, and AI platform usage, with a commitment to continuous improvement.
Deadline for applications is21 November 2025.
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.
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!
Booking.com’s Total Rewards Philosophy is not only about compensation but also about benefits. We offer a competitive , 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
Application process:
Let’s go places together:
Detailed instructions on post-application requirements including any required application materials, deadlines, portfolios, coding challenges, or other assessments as defined by BU or department.
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.
