Senior Managing Counsel - Employment (UK, Ireland and North America) in Manchester

As Senior Managing Counsel – Employment UK & Ireland / US / Canada / LatAm, you will combine both academic and hands‑on knowledge of Law with strong interpersonal skills. You will demonstrate the ability (and desire) to work independently and flexibly in Booking.com’s fast‑changing environment.

Key responsibilities

• Provide pragmatic and effective legal support to manage Employment Law and HR questions and risks across multiple entities within the UK & Ireland / US / Canada / LatAm regions.
• Act as the main contact for the (external) counsels and HR Business Partners in the region.
• Support with global HR/employment projects initiated within Booking.com contributing to Booking.com’s aim to remain a great employer and be an amazing place to work.
• Proactively inform the HR department with new developments on Labour law.
• Provide training on legal matters to HR and managers, discuss policies to be implemented, and supervision over external legal costs.
• Contribute legal expertise to a wide range of (HR) activities such as disciplinary actions and terminations, organisational changes, employment contract issues and reviews, compensation & benefits.
• Develop, implement and review employment policies and procedures; advise on Employee Representation where applicable.
• Proactively advise on the improvement of procedures in order to prevent recurring issues arising.
• Provide going‑concern updates and discuss important changes within the region to the Director Employment Law.

Skills and experience required

• 8+ years’ experience and a Master’s degree in Law – experience in UK jurisdiction (mandatory).
• Qualified in UK law is a preference.
• Have had a similar position in an international, fast‑paced, fast‑changing working environment.
• Hands‑on experience in advising multiple regions.
• Confidence in being a sparring partner for the Board and extensive experience being the first‑point of contact for multiple HR Business Partners.
• In‑depth knowledge of handling and advising on Employee Representative issues.
• A proven track record of excellent negotiation skills and full resilience in handling pushback from the business.
• A proactive self‑starter and strategic thinker with a thirst for knowledge and continued growth – combined with a team‑player mentality.
• A quick and flexible learner; intellectually curious, open‑minded, adaptable, comfortable with ambiguity and motivated by dynamic change.
• An ambitious mindset that enables you to successfully work independently with little guidance but also to be pragmatic, use good judgment and call out issues.
• The willingness to go the extra mile and not shy away from a challenge.
• Fluency in English (a must‑have; additional European languages are a benefit).

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 prioritising and meeting deadlines.
• Forward‑thinking, with a focus on emerging legal and policy issues.

Benefits & Perks – Global Impact, Personal Relevance

Booking.com’s Total Rewards Philosophy is not only about compensation but also about benefits. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, as well as 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.

Booking.com is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We strive to move well beyond traditional equal opportunity and work to create an environment that allows everyone to thrive.

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.