The Role:
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.
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.
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.
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.
