Senior Legal Counsel - Cyber

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:

Booking.com’s growing Legal team is looking forward to welcoming a dynamic and innovative Senior Legal Counsel - Cyber, who is excited to help shape an evolving function in material ways.

We are looking for a pragmatic cyber legal counsel who is comfortable working on emerging issues in a complex environment. A keen eye for detail whilst keeping the bigger business context in mind is essential, as is someone who excels at managing and collaborating with a range of stakeholders across the business. You will be expected to work directly alongside business clients as well as security and fintech teams, drawing upon your legal knowledge and business acumen to provide on-the-ground support and identify potential legal risks and issues, ultimately helping the organisation to protect the personal data of its employees, customers and partners.

As Booking.com continues to expand its operations and digital ecosystem, a dedicated legal counsel who has experience in cybersecurity (and, ideally in financial/banking products) is essential to efficiently and consistently manage and prioritise high priority work.

This is a unique opportunity to build a career in a fast paced travel and tech environment where you can truly make a difference… all in the context of the world’s favorite pastime - travel.

Key responsibilities:

• Partner on the management of cybersecurity incidents as part of a cross functional unit - including by ensuring the ongoing maturation of incident processes as well as responding to incidents.
• Advise on regulatory compliance with global cybersecurity and privacy regulations, and on interactions with data protection and security authorities and law enforcement.
• Be well structured, clear and organised, with an ability to prioritise and drive progress within a very fast paced environment.
• Support the implementation of cybersecurity frameworks and policies by providing practical and risk-based legal advice, guidance and insights.
• Contribute to the development of more junior legal counsels, peers and managers as part of a high performing team.
• Work closely with the other Legal Counsels, the Data Protection Officer, Cybersecurity, Risk & Compliance, Procurement, Booking Holdings Inc and other colleagues as well as outside counsel firms worldwide.
• Provide legal advice for security, cybercrime, and FinTech privacy matters. Through the provision of cybersecurity legal advice, support third party services risk assessments and the negotiation of data processing agreements and data protection issues within commercial contracts with group members or third parties.
• Support with the creation and implementation of efficient and scalable ways of working to enable sustainable business growth.

Skills & Experience required:

• EU, UK or US law degree

• At least 5 years’ experience in a reputable law firm or in-house team with hands-on experience in cybersecurity laws and data security compliance

• Knowledge and experience in cyber-risk and a comprehensive understanding of enterprise technology

• A deep understanding of GDPR and how this applies to developments in the fields of technology and security

• Native or fluent English speaking and writing skills. Dutch an advantage (but not required).

• Excellent communication skills (written and oral)

• Excellent attention to detail

• Excellent organizational and project management skills and ability to meet deadlines, prioritising appropriately

• Ability to remain calm, focussed and pragmatic in crisis situations, to quickly respond to issues at hand and to prioritise effectively, with a “customer first” mindset

• Adaptable, with a growth mindset, ready to embrace change in order to meet evolving business needs, work in ambiguous situations and under pressure, and learn from mistakes

• Able to demonstrate commercial awareness and understanding of the business requirements

• Professional and collaborative approach

• A high standard of knowledge and use of Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and Google Suite (Google Sheets, Google Docs)

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

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.