Senior Legal Counsel

About Us: At , 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 Legal Counsel Employment forms part of the Litigation, Employment & ERO team, which forms part of the Legal & Public Affairs function. This role will work closely with the Head of Employment NL who oversees all NL employment law topics from a wider perspective (but is not responsible for the overview of the NL works council strategy across the different projects and initiatives).

Day-to-day, the person in this role will combine strong strategic and analytical skills and hands-on knowledge of Dutch Employment Law with interpersonal skills. Additionally, this role will demonstrate the ability to work independently and flexibly in 's fast-changing environment. This role works with senior leaders across the Company and requires strong influencing and relationship building skills. 

The role is of a strategic nature and comprises a broad spectrum of activities that add value to the Company and support the Company in achieving its strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

Providing general as well as strategic employment legal support and advice, 

Managing strategic/high value employment litigations and termination negotiations 

Providing advice about legal matters and trends relating to predominantly Dutch Labour Law as well as global projects that require (global) labour law assistance;

Providing assistance with reviewing and rolling out new policies and templates

Managing outside counsel where needed

Partnering with key stakeholders throughout the business.

Qualifications & Skills:

5+ years relevant experience in Dutch Employment law, preferably with in-house experience. 

Contribute legal expertise to a wide range of HR activities such as employment conditions, organisational changes, disciplinary actions, employment contracts, investigations, managing sick employees, dismissals and settlement agreements, engagement with trade unions and works councils.

Excellent stakeholder management skills and experience in working within an international, multicultural and fast paced environment

The ability to effectively and proactively provide sound legal advice, exercise good business judgment

The ability to work with senior management in order to implement policies and processes on a cross-functional basis

Demonstrated ability to independently advise, influence and partner with key (senior) stakeholder and appropriately escalating legal and business matters.

Align business strategy and corporate activities (including transactions) with employment law requirements.

A confident self-starter with strong interpersonal and organizational skills

Openness and flexibility to thrive in a fast paced environment

Fluency in English (both verbal and in writing) is required

Further traits look for:

Alignment with '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 's Legal & Public Affairs (LPA) team provides you with opportunities to shape the future. The LPA team plays a key role in enabling 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 '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:

'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- 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 wallet credit 

Inclusion at  

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 , 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. 

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.