Construction Senior Associate in Manchester

Construction Solicitor (Associate/Senior Associate)

Location: Manchester

Salary: £70,000 to £95,000

Experience: 5+ years’ PQE (construction)

Our client is looking to recruit a Construction Solicitor at Associate/Senior Associate level to join its specialist Construction team in Manchester.

This is a strong opportunity for an experienced construction lawyer who wants high-quality work, genuine flexibility, and the chance to play a key role in the continued growth of the team.

The team advises across the construction industry, supporting a broad client base including contractors, developers and consultants.

The role is expected to cover a mix of non-contentious and contentious construction matters, depending on your experience and preference.

What You’ll Be Doing

Non-contentious work includes:

• Drafting and negotiating construction documentation, including building contracts, sub-contract terms, professional appointments, collateral warranties, parent company guarantees, performance bonds, pre-construction services agreements and letters of reliance
• Advising on standard form contracts including JCT and NEC (and others)
• Supporting wider teams on construction elements of commercial property and corporate matters, including risk reviews, procurement routes and supplier terms

Contentious work includes:

• Advising on disputes including breach of contract, loss and expense, delay and disruption claims, professional negligence, and adjudication enforcement
• Supporting matters progressing through formal processes, including court proceedings and ADR (for example adjudication, arbitration and mediation)
• Risk avoidance, risk management and debt recovery support

Typical responsibilities are likely to include:

• Managing a busy and varied caseload with minimal supervision
• Delivering excellent client service and building long-term relationships
• Supporting and supervising junior team members and support staff
• Collaborating effectively with colleagues across other practice areas
• Contributing to team objectives, knowledge development and precedent building
• Producing high-quality legal advice and documentation
• Supporting business development activity, including writing short updates and thought leadership
• Optional involvement in client training sessions and seminars

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified solicitor (England & Wales)
• 5+ years’ PQE within a construction department (or equivalent experience)
• Strong technical construction law experience and confidence managing your own caseload
• Excellent organisation, attention to detail and ability to prioritise under time pressure
• Strong client-facing skills and commercial awareness
• Evidence of business development activity, with a track record of building networks

Desirable:

• Experience in both contentious and non-contentious construction matters
• Knowledge of JCT and NEC contracts

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £70,000 to £95,000 (dependent on experience)
• Hybrid working policy and remote working options
• Commitment to a maximum of 1,200 chargeable hours per annum
• Employee bonus scheme and annual pay review
• Medicash health benefits cash plan and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Holiday entitlement increases with length of service
• Paid time off for voluntary work (2 days per year)
• Free conveyancing for the purchase/sale of your primary residence
• Free individual or mirror wills
• Biannual promotion and salary uplift application process
• Regular social events

Working Arrangements

• Full-time, permanent
• Manchester

Next Steps

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.