Location: Manchester
Practice Area: Construction (Non-Contentious)
PQE Level: 5+ PQE
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Overview
A leading national and international law firm is seeking a talented Non-Contentious Construction Managing Associate or Legal Director (5+ PQE) to join its growing Construction & Engineering team in Manchester. This senior role is ideal for a lawyer with substantial non-contentious construction experience who wants to step into greater responsibility, manage major client relationships, and play a central role in delivering high-profile projects.
You will work within a market-leading team known for technical excellence, significant sector experience and a strong culture of development, collaboration and progression.
The Construction & Engineering Group
The wider practice is one of the largest and most highly rated in the UK, comprising:
- 100+ specialist lawyers
- 20+ partners
- A full-service Construction & Engineering offering
The team supports major clients from both private and public sectors, across:
- Commercial and residential developments
- Living accommodation, retail, and office schemes
- Civil engineering and process plant projects
- Energy, infrastructure and transport
- Utilities and industrial developments
You will also collaborate with Real Estate, Banking, Corporate and Projects teams, offering exposure to multi-disciplinary, high-value matters.
What to Expect in This Role
High-Level Advisory Work
You will advise a wide range of high-profile clients including:
- Government bodies
- Developers & employers
- Funders and sponsors
- Operators
- Contractors & subcontractors
- Professional consultancy teams
Your work will include:
- Advising on procurement strategies and contract structures
- Drafting, negotiating and advising on JCT, NEC and bespoke construction contracts
- Providing strategic project advice across sectors including energy, infrastructure, life sciences, transport, living accommodation, retail and office developments
- Supporting clients with dispute avoidance and project delivery risk management
- Offering commercial, solutions-focused advice on complex and market-leading instructions
Autonomy, Leadership & Client Engagement
- Significant client contact as first-line support to senior partners
- Opportunity to lead on major workstreams and manage complex transactions
- High levels of autonomy supported by a strong senior structure
Cross-Office & International Collaboration
As the team continues to expand across the UK and internationally, you may support colleagues in other locations and jurisdictions.
About You
You will have:
- 5+ PQE as a qualified construction lawyer (E&W or equivalent)
- Strong technical skills in non-contentious construction law
- Demonstrable experience advising on UK construction or engineering projects
- Confident drafting and negotiating skills (JCT, NEC and bespoke forms)
- Ability to deliver tailored, innovative solutions for clients
- Strong commercial awareness and project management capability
- Experience supervising junior lawyers and contributing to team growth
- A collaborative, positive approach with a commitment to excellent client service
- An interest in tech-enabled legal delivery and process improvement
Why This Firm?
The firm is known for its:
- Supportive, collegiate and high-performing culture
- National and international reach with significant FTSE-level clients
- Emphasis on innovation, continuous improvement and professional development
- Structured pathways for progression to senior roles
- Strong networks, employee communities and commitment to inclusion
- High-calibre work and exposure to industry-defining projects
You will work with colleagues who combine technical excellence with strong interpersonal values — in an environment built for growth, challenge and success.
🌟 Why Apply?
- Senior pathway role (Managing Associate / Legal Director)
- High-value, high-impact projects
- Significant client exposure and autonomy
- National and international collaboration
- Strong development framework and progression opportunities