Non-Contentious Construction Managing Associate

Non-Contentious Construction Managing Associate

Location: Manchester

Salary: £60,000 to £80,000 plus bonus

Experience: 5-7 years' PQE

If you're a non-contentious construction lawyer ready to step up, this is a strong opportunity to join a busy construction team in Manchester, working on high-quality projects work with real client exposure.

You'll support partners on complex matters, take ownership of key workstreams, and play a hands on role in developing junior lawyers and contributing to team growth.

The Opportunity

This role offers a broad spread of non-contentious construction work, with autonomy, client contact and clear scope to progress.

• Advise on a range of non-contentious construction matters across multiple sectors
• Draft and negotiate construction and engineering contracts, including JCT, NEC and bespoke agreements
• Advise on procurement strategies (including facilities management)
• Support clients with dispute avoidance and risk management mechanisms
• Manage matters from instruction through to completion, ensuring quality and commercial focus
• Build and maintain client relationships and support business development activity
• Supervise and mentor junior lawyers and trainees
• Contribute to precedents, best practice and process improvement
• Collaborate with colleagues across real estate, banking, corporate and projects on multi-disciplinary instructions

About You Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales
• 5-7 years' PQE with strong technical capability in non-contentious construction
• Proven experience advising on UK construction or engineering projects
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills across construction documentation (including JCT and NEC)
• Commercial, pragmatic approach with strong attention to detail
• Confident client relationship management skills
• Experience supervising and supporting junior lawyers
• Collaborative working style and interest in innovation and process led delivery

Desirable

• Experience across a range of sectors (for example, energy, transport, life sciences, industrials or large-scale developments)
• Experience advising on facilities management procurement
• Experience supporting business development and pitching activity
• Experience in a large, multi-office practice environment

What's On Offer

• Salary of £60,000 to £80,000 plus bonus
• High-quality non-contentious construction work with strong client exposure
• Autonomy and responsibility, with partner support
• Clear progression pathway
• Supportive, collaborative culture with a focus on development
• Access to legal technology and process improvement tools

About Our Client

Our client is a large, full-service law firm with a strong construction capability and a collaborative, people-focused culture. The team advises on a broad range of projects and procurement work and is known for combining technical excellence with a commercial, solutions led approach.

Location & Working Arrangements

Manchester City Centre

All applications will be handled in strict confidence. Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to ethical recruitment and the highest standards of confidentiality for all applicants.