Senior Legal Counsel - Privacy (Flights & Attractions)

Role Description

The Role: We are currently looking for a Sr Legal Counsel - Privacy, Flights & Attractions to join our Amsterdam based Privacy Team. In this role, you will be responsible for independently supporting a variety of business teams, primarily the Flights and Attractions team.

Key Job Responsibilities and Duties:

• Assess data processing activities within the global Booking.com corporate group;
• Conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments;
• Provide (ad-hoc) legal advice for privacy related matters globally, including in the field of cybersecurity;
• Directly advise the Flights and Attractions product team on privacy matters;
• Keep up with new developments in data protection and privacy laws globally;
• Implement and maintain privacy policies and procedures;
• Perform third party services risk assessments and negotiate data processing agreements and data protection issues within commercial contracts with group members or third parties;
• Work closely with the Global Privacy and Data Protection Officer, other Legal Counsels (in particular Product Legal Counsels), Risk & Compliance, Procurement, Security and other colleagues as well as outside counsels worldwide.

Qualifications & Skills:

• 5+ years' experience in a top tier law firm and/or major corporation;
• Hands-on experience in data protection laws, privacy compliance and data security;
• A BSc/MSc in Law and a CIPP/E / CIPT (or other similar) certification is a plus;
• Deep understanding of GDPR and EU applicable data protection legislation and close familiarity with information technology and cybersecurity;
• Experience working in a commercial environment with tech and product development teams;
• Adaptable; has openness to new ideas, is a “quick-read” for changing situations and balances long-term view with short-term actions;
• Knowledge and experience in applying risk-based decision-making;
• Strong project management skills and able to “roll up sleeves” to get the job done;
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision, own matters and drive result and create accountability;
• Experience engaging and managing external counsel;
• Excellent in communicating in English - verbally, in writing and listening (other language skills are a plus).

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, 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 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

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.