Data & AI Governance Operations Specialist (PMO)

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

About the team: The Data & AI Governance department enables extending the governance theme of policies, standards, processes and technology for governing data and AI to driving excellence in our approach to leveraging secure, trusted, accessible data for data driven decision making through:

• An overarching Data & AI Policy to include associated standards

• Data & AI Governance including meta and master data management

• Data & AI Delivery Governance

• Data & AI Quality including both technical and business quality measures

This enables the maturity of Data and AI capabilities across Booking.com, unlocking data and algorithms as assets for delivering innovative growth opportunities and cost saving operational efficiencies. 

Role Description: Data & AI Governance Operations Specialist possesses a strong Data & AI Governance and project management background. They have excellent communication skills, with demonstrated experience leading medium to large projects, They have solid experience assessing business needs, developing the implementation strategy and leading end-to-end activities for Data & AI Governance initiatives.

The role is responsible to work with senior stakeholders, as well as across Global/Regional/Site responsibilities. The role works with teams representing multiple sub-departments, and sometimes other departments within Booking.com as well. They are responsible for the success of the projects they lead, including but not limited to: requirements gathering and needs analyses, getting buy-in for concepts from senior-level stakeholders, end to end plan, risks and dependencies identification and management, presentations of findings & requests for support, leading the project team, administration of the project documents & supporting meetings, as well as constant alignment of their initiatives to the goals of Booking, the Data & AI Governance  department, and the teams they work with. They are challenged to learn & adapt to new tools & technologies as a part of being a champion of change. This role supports the high velocity of change and enables an agile development environment where releases are frequency & impact many layers of the organization

This role may also get involved in running a strategy workstream from problem definition to delivering a solution  including the implementation strategy or execute change management initiatives and communications plans.


Key Job Responsibilities and Duties:

Data and AI Governance:

• Data Stewardship: Manage and define Data Ownership and Stewardship structures, ensuring clear accountability and proper onboarding of data stewards.

• Data & AI Governance Principles: Apply and enforce Data & AI Governance principles, processes, and standards to ensure consistent and effective governance practices.

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to Data & AI regulatory policies, such as GDPR, DMA, SOx, and the EU AI Act, by staying updated on compliance requirements and integrating them into governance frameworks.

• Data & AI Governance Practices: Oversee data cataloging, data profiling, metadata management, data classification, data lineage, master data management, and workflows, ensuring robust governance of critical data elements.

 Project Management: 

• Craft Methodology and Standards: Apply structured methodology to and lead project/change management activities.

• E2E Project Management: Lead independently End-to-end (E2E) low/medium [Project/Workstream] and/or support high complexity [Project] from scoping to execution, analysis, recommendation and implementation.

• Project Initiation and Planning: With limited supervision, drives the program scoping and planning working with different teams and creating associated documentation.

• Project Implementation and Completion: Drive project plan execution, ensuring project objectives are met on agreed timelines, track and report progress and ensure a project closing and correct handover to Business as usual.

• Project Governance: With limited supervision design and implement project governance and delivery structure to ensure efficient delivery, communication and decision making

• Delivery/Impact: Drive the progress and successful delivery or initiatives that bring value to the business. 

• Stakeholder Management: Primary point of contact for Project(s) related queries. Ability to work and productively interact with different stakeholders up to Senior Managers and Senior Director Level

• Success Metrics: Define and measure the success metrics of the Project(s) in scope.

• Facilitator: Lead independent workshops to support the delivery of the Project(s)

• Project Management Tooling: Utilize Atlassian Jira and Confluence to manage project workflows, track progress, and collaborate effectively across teams.

• Change Management: Apply change management methodologies, with a understanding of the change curve and process, to guide teams through transitions and ensure smooth adaptation to changes.

Role Qualifications and Requirements:

• 2+ years of experience around Data Governance, or, alternatively, 3+ years of experience in working with Data, coming from Data Analysis, Business Analysis, Analytical background

• 3-5 years or relevant project management experience

• PMP or Agile Project Management or equivalent certification is preferred.

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, including automatic Genius Level 3 status and Booking.com wallet credit 

• Living and working in Amsterdam, one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe

• Contributing to a high scale, complex, world renowned product and seeing real-time impact of your work on millions of travelers worldwide

• Working in a fast-paced and performance driven culture

• Opportunity to utilize technical expertise, leadership capabilities and entrepreneurial spirit

• Promote and drive impactful and innovative engineering solutions

• Technical, behavioral and interpersonal competence advancement via on-the-job opportunities, experimental projects, hackathons, conferences and active community participation

• Competitive compensation and benefits package and some great added perks of working in the home city of Booking.com

 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at Booking.com: 

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion have 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

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.