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- Tasks: Lead high-value commercial projects and negotiate complex contracts.
- Company: Join a nationally connected commercial projects practice with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Salary up to £135k, generous bonuses, and 25 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Take ownership of major projects and influence commercial strategy from day one.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 8+ years’ PQE and strong contract negotiation skills.
- Other info: Excellent opportunities for leadership and professional growth in a dynamic team.
The predicted salary is between 108000 - 162000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Commercial Projects Managing Associate (8+ PQE) to join a nationally connected commercial projects practice, advising on high-profile and strategically important projects. This role offers exposure to complex commercial contracts and large-scale projects across multiple sectors, including government departments, public sector contracting authorities and private sector clients.
You will have early responsibility for running projects and managing your own matters, with the chance to develop expertise in procurement, commercial structuring, and innovative contract arrangements. The role is ideal for a confident self-starter looking to take a leadership role within a busy, collaborative team, while maintaining direct client contact and involvement in strategically significant projects.
You can expect:
- Ownership of high-value projects and contracts from day one
- Exposure to cross-sector, nationally important commercial projects
- Opportunities to develop procurement and project management expertise
- Mentoring and supervision of junior colleagues
- Clear pathways for professional growth and leadership within the team
You will join a national Commercial Projects team collaborating across regional offices. The team advises on:
- High-value commercial contracts and strategic projects
- Public-private partnership arrangements and PFI-related contracts
- Complex procurement exercises and contract structuring
- Technology, IT and service agreements for high-profile clients
- Innovative commercial frameworks and multi-party arrangements
The team is collaborative, forward-thinking, and committed to delivering practical, commercially-focused advice. You will work closely with senior colleagues while also taking ownership of your own matters, making this an excellent opportunity for leadership and development.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading high-value commercial projects and advising on complex contractual arrangements
- Drafting, and negotiating commercial contracts, including financial and technical schedules
- Structuring innovative contract solutions and supporting procurement matters
- Mentoring and supervising junior team members and supporting client training initiatives
- Participating in business development activities, including client pitches, tenders and events
- Coordinating project management to ensure seamless client service
The Candidate
You’ll be a qualified solicitor in England & Wales with 8+ years’ PQE, ideally gained within a recognised commercial or projects-focused practice. You should possess:
- Technical excellence in drafting and negotiating complex contracts
- Experience or interest in public sector or procurement-related work
- Confidence providing clear, pragmatic advice and collaborating with clients
- Leadership skills and the ability to mentor and develop junior colleagues
- Ambition to contribute to business development and team growth
This role is ideal for a senior lawyer ready to lead major projects, influence commercial strategy, and take a visible leadership role within a growing national team.
The Benefits
- Salary up to £135k
- Generous bonus structure
- 25 days annual leave package plus bank holidays
- Company Pension
- Private Travel & Medical Insurance
Apply in the strictest of confidence E-mail: dominika.holda@williamjamesrecruitment.com
WILLIAM JAMES RECRUITMENT is the number one recruitment partner to law firms in the UK & internationally. We work with a variety of top-tier clients, including a range of legal 500 firms.
Managing Associate in Birmingham employer: William James Recruitment
Contact Detail:
William James Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Associate in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and recent developments. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do. Plus, it’ll give you some great talking points!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Highlight your experience with complex contracts and project management, and don’t forget to mention your leadership skills. Confidence is key, so rehearse until you feel comfortable.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and really keen on joining our team. Let’s get you started on this exciting journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Associate in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Managing Associate role. Highlight your 8+ PQE experience and any relevant projects you've led, as we want to see how you can contribute to our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your leadership and commercial expertise, as we value those qualities highly.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves mentoring junior colleagues and leading projects, make sure to highlight any previous leadership roles or experiences. We love confident self-starters who can take charge and inspire others!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at William James Recruitment
✨Know Your Projects
Before the interview, dive deep into the types of commercial projects the firm handles. Familiarise yourself with recent high-profile cases or contracts they've worked on. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Managing Associate, you'll be expected to lead and mentor. Prepare examples from your past where you've successfully led projects or teams. Highlight your ability to provide clear, pragmatic advice and how you've contributed to business development in previous roles.
✨Understand the Sector
Brush up on current trends in public-private partnerships and procurement. Being able to discuss these topics intelligently will demonstrate your expertise and readiness to tackle complex contractual arrangements right from day one.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, project management processes, and opportunities for professional growth. This shows that you're not just interested in the role, but also in how you can contribute to and grow within the team.
