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

About Us: At Booking.com, 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: 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. In this role it is expected from you to make decisions together with your main stakeholders, independently and confidently. Additionally, you will manage and check on advice from the external employment counsel(s), as well as challenge the HR Business Partner on whether advice should be sought.

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 of 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 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 Booking.com’s Legal & Public Affairs (LPA) team provides you with opportunities to shape the future. The LPA team plays a key role in enabling Booking.com 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. 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 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!

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 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.

Inclusion at Booking.com:

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 Booking.com, 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. 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, color, 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. 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.