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- Tasks: Lead complex employment law cases and mentor junior lawyers in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join one of the UK's largest and most innovative law firms with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, clear progression to Legal Director, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with a focus on employee wellbeing and professional development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of employment law while working with diverse clients on high-stakes matters.
- Qualifications: 8 years PQE in employment law with proven leadership and client management skills.
The predicted salary is between 64000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
Are you a senior employment lawyer ready to take on a leadership role with one of the UK’s largest and most dynamic full‑service law firms? Our client, a nationally recognised firm with over 1,000 colleagues across 13 offices, is seeking an Employment Managing Associate to join their expanding Manchester employment team. This is an exceptional opportunity to work on high‑quality complex employment law matters for a diverse client base ranging from PLCs to SMEs whilst taking on a leadership role within a top‑ranked employment practice led by nationally recognised leaders in the field. You’ll be joining a friendly, dynamic team that takes a holistic approach to their work, offering a corporate‑level service with a personal touch.
Responsibilities
- Manage a portfolio of complex and high‑value employment law matters, including strategic workforce restructures, complex discrimination cases, whistleblowing claims, TUPE transfers and high‑value Employment Tribunal litigation.
- Act as trusted adviser to senior management teams, boards and C‑suite executives on strategic employment law matters.
- Lead the employment aspects of significant corporate transactions, acquisitions and disposals, working closely with the corporate team.
- Advise senior executives and professionals on all aspects of the employment relationship, including executive exits, restrictive covenants and complex settlement negotiations.
- Draft and negotiate service agreements and settlement agreements for corporate clients and senior individuals.
- Handle complex and high‑value Employment Tribunal claims and represent clients at multi‑day hearings and appeals.
- Conduct sensitive and complex workplace investigations.
- Build, develop and manage key client relationships and act as lead adviser.
- Lead and mentor associates, junior lawyers and trainees.
- Contribute to the strategic development and growth of the Manchester employment practice.
- Lead business development activities, client seminars and thought‑leadership initiatives.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across the national employment team and other practice areas.
- Stay current with employment law developments and share expertise with the team.
- Deliver exceptional client service with timely responses and commercially focused solutions.
Qualifications & Experience
- 8 years PQE in employment law.
- Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales.
- Proven track record of managing complex and high‑value employment law matters independently.
- Extensive technical knowledge of employment law across contentious and non‑contentious matters.
- Significant experience advising corporate clients and senior executives on employment law issues.
- Extensive experience handling complex and high‑value Employment Tribunal claims and appeals.
- Strong experience advising on the employment aspects of corporate transactions and M&A.
- Excellent drafting and negotiation skills for service agreements, settlement agreements and complex legal documents.
- Strong client relationship management skills with proven ability to act as trusted and lead adviser.
- Exceptional communication skills, written and verbal, with ability to present to clients and at seminars.
- Enthusiasm, energy and passion for employment law.
- Proven leadership skills with experience supervising and mentoring junior team members.
- Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple complex matters and priorities simultaneously.
- Commercially focused with a strategic and pragmatic approach to problem‑solving.
- Commitment to delivering timely and cost‑effective solutions.
- Business development skills with ability to generate and develop client relationships.
Highly Desirable
- Experience advising on complex TUPE transfers, corporate restructures and workforce transformations.
- Extensive experience working closely with corporate teams on M&A transactions.
- Experience advising C‑suite executives on employment matters.
- Experience conducting complex and sensitive workplace investigations.
- Established client relationships and track record of business development.
- Experience contributing to thought‑leadership client seminars and training.
- Experience with international employment law matters.
Key Attributes
- Ambitious and driven with clear career progression goals towards Legal Director / Partner.
- Strong leadership skills with ability to inspire and develop others.
- Proactive and self‑motivated with entrepreneurial mindset.
- Client‑focused with commitment to exceptional service delivery.
- Strategic thinker with commercial acumen.
- Team player who thrives in a collaborative environment.
- Adaptable and able to work in a fast‑paced environment.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Confident, articulate and credible with strong presence.
- Resilient and able to handle complex and challenging matters.
Benefits
- Competitive salary £80,000–£100,000 (dependent on experience).
- Bonus scheme.
- Clear progression pathway to Legal Director and Partner with leadership support.
- Award‑winning firm with national reputation and continued growth.
- Part of a 45‑strong national employment team led by top‑ranked lawyers.
- Work with a diverse client base from PLCs to SMEs on complex, high‑quality and strategic matters.
- Leadership role with opportunity to shape and develop the Manchester employment practice.
- Excellent training and professional development opportunities.
- Employee awards programme recognising excellent work.
- Strong focus on employee wellbeing.
- Inclusive and diverse culture (Gold Investors in People Award, Firm of the Year at UK Diversity Legal Awards).
- Collaborative team environment where everyone’s voice is heard.
- Opportunity to work closely with corporate team on significant transactions.
- Modern Manchester office with excellent facilities.
- Flexible working arrangements available.
About the Client
Our client is one of the largest full‑service law firms in the UK with over 1,000 colleagues across 13 offices nationwide. Built on solid foundations of integrity, entrepreneurialism and expertise, the firm has established an award‑winning reputation and continues to grow. The national Employment Team comprises over 45 specialists and is led by a leader ranked in Band 1 in Chambers & Partners, recognised as a Leader in the Field. The Manchester Employment team is led by a Recommended Lawyer in The Legal 500 (2025, edition) and Leading Individual in Chambers & Partners (2026, edition). The firm is widely recognised for its inclusive attitude and diversity, winning Firm of the Year at the UK Diversity Legal Awards and achieving Gold in the Investors in People Award.
Location
This role is based in the firm’s expanding Manchester office located in the city centre, with excellent transport links and access to local amenities. The office offers a modern professional working environment with a friendly and dynamic team culture.
How to Apply
If you are a senior employment lawyer with strong leadership skills and ready to take on a Managing Associate role with clear progression to Legal Director / Partner, we would love to hear from you. Click "apply now" or contact the recruiter for details.
Employment Law Managing Associate in Manchester employer: Trades Workforce Solutions
Contact Detail:
Trades Workforce Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Law Managing Associate in Manchester
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend legal seminars, workshops, or networking events. You never know who might be looking for someone just like you or who can put in a good word.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities to come to you. Share your knowledge on platforms like LinkedIn or even write articles about employment law topics. This will position you as a thought leader and attract potential employers.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm and its culture. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in managing complex employment law matters. Confidence is key, so practice your responses!
✨Apply Through Our Website
When you find a role that excites you, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Law Managing Associate in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your 8 years PQE in employment law and any leadership roles you've held, as this will show us you're a perfect fit for the Managing Associate position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about employment law and how your experience aligns with our firm's values. Don't forget to mention your enthusiasm for mentoring and leading teams, as that's key for this role.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage complex employment law matters. We want to see examples of how you've successfully advised clients or led significant projects, so make those stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you're proactive and keen to join our dynamic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Trades Workforce Solutions
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest employment law developments and key cases relevant to the role. Being able to discuss recent changes or landmark cases will show your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or mentored junior lawyers in the past. This role requires strong leadership, so be ready to discuss your approach to managing complex matters and developing others.
✨Client Relationship Focus
Think about your experience with client management and how you've built relationships in previous roles. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've acted as a trusted adviser to senior executives or boards.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
Since you'll likely need to present to clients and at seminars, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider doing mock presentations to friends or colleagues to refine your delivery and ensure you come across as credible and engaging.