Senior Business Operations Manager - CBO Office
Job Description
Business Operations at Booking.com bridges strategy and execution, ensuring the organization can effectively translate priorities into outcomes
Through planning, operational governance, performance monitoring, and cross-functional coordination, we drive alignment, operational readiness, and execution excellence—helping Booking.com deliver on its Mission, Vision, and Strategy with the customer at the center.
The Chief Business Officer (CBO) Office is responsible for leading business planning and operations, program management and change management for Booking.com. The CBO Office reports to Booking's Chief Business Officer and works directly with the most senior leadership across the organization, including Department LT's and corporate functions (HR/People, Finance, Legal, and Global Strategy & Development), to enable Booking.com to achieve its strategic and operational goals.
The Senior Business Operations Manager serves as a strategic and hands-on operating partner to (also reporting into) the Director of Business Operations, in the CBO Office
In this high-impact role, you act as the "connective tissue" between strategy and execution for Booking.com — ensuring the company operates efficiently, scales effectively, and makes decisions grounded in data
You are responsible for shaping, building and scaling key elements of the enterprise operating system, orchestrating the translation of strategy into execution so both remain tightly aligned
The role requires strong versatility, contributing across a wide range of initiatives and adding value wherever it is most needed.
Key Responsibilities
Note: This role does not have ownership of Booking.com strategic direction or priority-setting, and does not define, manage or report on P&Ls or company-level strategy But you may have the opportunity to influence how strategy is translated, structured, and executed, which can shape outcomes It is also not a traditional operations role solely focused on driving measurable efficiencies in company-wide systems/workflows or in volume-based functions (e.g., customer service). |
Level of Education & Job Knowledge
- Bachelor degree required
- Master degree (preferred) in Business or a related field.
- Extensive Knowledge (8 - 12 years):
- 8-12+ years of experience in strategy, business operations, strategic program management, or a similar strategic/operational function at a fast-paced, complex organization. (Note: Solid experience working and executing initiatives within a company; consultancy experience only will not be considered).
Special Knowledge/Skills
Required:
Enterprise Planning: In-depth experience leading financial, strategic, and operational planning processes across large programs, business units/functions, and corporate functions.
Strategic (Lean) Portfolio Management: Experience prioritizing and governing portfolios of strategic initiatives, enabling investment decisions, dependencies, risks, and execution against business outcomes.
Domain Expertise: Experience working with digital customer-facing cross-functional (especially product and development) teams and lifecycles focused on delivering customer outcomes.
Strategic Problem Solving: Ability to think strategically and connect dots where others have a limited view
Able to break down highly complex problems into actionable solutions, drive recommendations, and follow up.
Financial & Analytical Acumen: Financial knowledge (e.g., how to read a P&L) and ability to understand key business drivers
Solid data and insights analytical skills (both quantitative and qualitative).
Cross-Company Governance: Proven track record of designing and managing large-scale, cross-functional programs, processes, and operating rhythms (MBRs/QBRs, OKRs, governance).
Change Management & Communication: Exemplary communication skills with an "embracing change/growth" mindset
Ability to explicitly communicate why, what, how, when, and whom a change impacts
High bar of excellence in producing leadership-ready presentation materials.
Leadership & Influence: Strong leadership skills, with the ability to influence and steer VP/SVP stakeholders, and build lasting relationships across the organization.
Process, Project & Program Management: Experience designing and delivering complex cross-functional processes, projects and programs, establishing clear governance, managing dependencies and risks, and driving successful execution at scale.
Technology & Tools: Experience with AI and work management/planning tools (e.g., Jira/Atlassian suite), coupled with a passion for leveraging technology to improve planning, execution, and business outcomes.
Preferred:
Experience in a B2C technology, platform, or marketplace company.
Familiarity with enterprise financial planning tools and business intelligence platforms (e.g., Tableau, Anaplan).
Fluency in SQL or experience working closely with data/analytics teams.
Prior experience in a Chief of Staff, Business Operations, or Strategy & Operations capacity within a large, global organization.
Your Traits
Independently manages multiple complex projects/programs from start to finish, with deadlines.
Structured and strategic thinker who thrives in complexity and ambiguity.
Obsessively data-driven; you balance qualitative insights while trusting numbers over opinions.
Energized by technology and AI—actively explores how emerging tools can make the business smarter, faster, and more effective.
A natural connector who brings the right people together.
High bar of excellence, and equally at home in the big picture and the details (strategically minded, yet execution-focused).
Calm and resilient under pressure, able to manage competing priorities and adapt quickly in fast-moving environments.
A clear and persuasive communicator who presents with impact and adapts style effectively to suit any audience.
Your Operating Style
Simplifier: You simplify the complex and make the implicit explicit.
Influencer: You have the ability to lead through influence, effectively aligning stakeholders at all levels (including VPs/SVPs), even in the face of competing priorities.
Biased for Action: You are biased toward action but measured in judgment
Possesses the intellectual curiosity of a consultant and the grit of an operator.
Trusted Partner: You build trust quickly, maintain it over time, and default to collaboration rather than silos.
Highly Organized: You make sure all processes/projects/programs run smoothly and reliably, designing effective tools and resources to drive optimization and meet internal partners' expectations.
Location: The candidate for this role has to be based in The Netherlands (or be willing to relocate)
This is a 40 hours/week hybrid role with an expectation of being (at least) 40% of your time in-office in Amsterdam.
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 https://careers.booking.com/benefits/, 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
This role does not come with relocation assistance.
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.