Senior Managing Counsel, ABU Product & Regulatory

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.

This role provides leadership in assessing, interpreting, advising on, and applying laws governing global platform and intermediation services offered by  within the Accommodation Business Unit (ABU). It directly supports Product teams within ABU, and focussed on the US Growth strategic priority, to develop and expand their offerings, requiring deep expertise in platform and travel‑related services regulation, strong commercial, and product acumen.

The Senior Managing Counsel's team acts as the central point of contact between Product ABU, Engineering & Data ABU, and LPA, partnering with the business and various LPA functions to ensure strategic goals are supported and risks are managed. This hands‑on role is embedded within the business, working closely with global Product teams to identify, define, prioritise, support, and implement a number of strategic initiatives.

It requires business‑focused legal analysis to translate business needs into practical solutions, including developing playbooks and improving processes.

Success in this role requires creative problem‑solving and efficient advancement of product initiatives. A strong international perspective is essential for synthesising input from diverse stakeholders and providing confident guidance. This role is critical for enabling  to launch product initiatives that drive growth and innovation.

The role is global in scope and is based in the Netherlands.

• Serve as the primary LPA point of contact for ABU Product and Engineering & Data leadership, providing commercially focused legal guidance on product development, commercial contracts, disputes, competition/consumer law, intellectual property, and relevant regulations.
• Lead, manage, and develop a high‑performing ABU Product Legal team through collaborative and inclusive leadership.
• Manage the ABU Product Legal team's annual budget and support the Senior Director with broader Legal & Public Affairs budget management.
• Coordinate collaboration between key business stakeholders, ABU Product Legal and wider LPA teams, and across other Booking Holdings brands.
• Identify and implement best practices to enhance efficiency through improved systems, processes, and resource allocation, and deliver training as needed.
• Continuously review and update legal precedents, playbooks and guidelines to foster innovation and ensure suitable risk management.
• Take ownership of planning and providing legal support and leadership for relevant Company Priorities (e.g., US Growth), liaising with senior stakeholders across the business and LPA colleagues.
• Effectively manage multiple projects and deadlines by applying strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Oversee the analysis and implementation of relevant case law and legislative/regulatory developments impacting ABU Product and its growth. Facilitate the implementation of necessary changes 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, supporting knowledge sharing and effective work methods. Ensure that all relevant perspectives (e.g., privacy, competition & consumer law, public affairs, fintech legal and compliance) are integrated into relevant initiatives.

• Bachelor degree (Master’s Degree / Specialised Diploma is an advantage) and admission to practise in at least one jurisdiction
• 8-12 years experience in a reputable law firm or in‑house team
• Qualified to practice law in the EU, UK, or US.
• Native or fluent English speaking and writing skills.
• Adaptable, with a growth mindset, ready to embrace change in order…