At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex commercial contracts and advise on strategy, negotiation, and risk management.
- Company: Join a top-tier national Commercial team supporting high-profile clients across various sectors.
- Benefits: Opportunities for international secondments and career progression towards Legal Director or Partnership.
- Other info: Inclusive recruitment process welcoming diverse applicants and providing necessary adjustments.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on strategic projects while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: UK-qualified solicitor with 7+ years of commercial contracts experience and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Our national Commercial team brings together our general commercial, digital, IP, energy and renewables, projects and procurement teams to support an impressive range of FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 clients, public sector organisations, educational institutions and industry bodies on high-profile, business‑critical projects and regulatory matters. The team plays a vital role in helping clients achieve growth and success. One of the largest and most successful teams of its type, we bring sector specialists across advanced manufacturing, life sciences, aerospace and defence, energy and renewables, transport and logistics and international trade. With lawyers across our UK offices and nationally recognised leaders in their fields, we work closely with US colleagues and Lex Mundi firms worldwide to deliver seamless support on international projects.
To support our strong pipeline, we are seeking an experienced commercial contracts lawyer to join our Newcastle, Leeds, Bristol or Southampton office at Managing Associate level.
What does the team do?
We advise on the full range of contractual arrangements supporting strategic projects and day‑to‑day business across multiple sectors, with a particular focus on advanced manufacturing and energy transition initiatives.
Your role
- Lead on complex commercial contracts, including procurement, outsourcing, supply chain and product development.
- Advise on contract strategy, drafting, negotiation and risk management.
- Deliver pragmatic, business‑focused advice (including data protection with specialist support).
As a Managing Associate, you will take responsibility for leading matters and client relationships, supervising and developing junior lawyers, and ensuring high‑quality delivery across multiple projects. You will also play an active role in business development—building client relationships, identifying and pursuing new opportunities, supporting international growth, and contributing to multi‑jurisdictional work. Opportunities for international secondments are available.
Qualifications
Minimum requirements:
- UK‑qualified solicitor (England, Wales or Scotland) with 7+ years strong commercial contracts experience.
- Significant experience advising on complex, high‑value transactions.
- Excellent drafting, negotiation and communication skills.
- Proven ability to lead matters and deliver clear, practical advice to non‑lawyers.
Key strengths at Managing Associate level:
- Deep expertise across commercial contracts, including supply chain, procurement and strategic projects.
- Ability to supervise, mentor and develop junior team members.
- Strong commercial awareness and ability to identify risks and solutions for clients.
- Active contribution to business development and growing client relationships.
- Confidence managing multiple complex matters and working with autonomy.
Experience of international contracting (including import/export) and exposure to tech, IP or data protection would be beneficial. This role is a key step towards Legal Director or Partnership.
Equal Opportunity & Accessibility
We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you have a disability or long‑term condition and need adjustments to ensure the best possible recruitment experience, please let us know. We also offer an interview scheme for eligible candidates and provide this job advert and application form in alternative formats upon request. We encourage applicants from all social backgrounds, ethnicities, disabilities, gender identities and sexual orientations.
Managing Associate - Commercial in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
As a leading national firm, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. With a strong focus on professional development, our Managing Associates benefit from mentorship opportunities, international secondments, and the chance to work on high-profile projects across diverse sectors. Located in vibrant cities like Newcastle, Leeds, Bristol, and Southampton, we offer a dynamic environment where innovation meets tradition, making us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
Contact Details:
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Associate - Commercial in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet someone from the company, make sure to highlight your experience with complex commercial contracts and your ability to lead projects. We want to see how you can bring value to our team, so don’t hold back!
✨Be Ready for the Interview
Prepare for those tricky interview questions by practising your responses. Focus on your negotiation skills and how you've managed risks in past projects. We love candidates who can provide clear, practical advice, so show us you can do just that!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our impressive team!
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Associate - Commercial in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Managing Associate role. Highlight your commercial contracts experience and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how you can bring value 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. Share specific examples of your achievements in commercial contracts and how they align with what we do at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Managing Associate, you'll be leading matters and mentoring junior lawyers. Make sure to highlight your leadership experience in your application. We love to see candidates who can inspire and develop others!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of commercial contracts, especially in areas like procurement and supply chain. Familiarise yourself with recent developments in the sectors mentioned in the job description, such as advanced manufacturing and energy transition initiatives.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Managing Associate, you'll be expected to lead matters and mentor junior lawyers. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or project, highlighting your ability to deliver clear, practical advice to clients.
✨Be Business-Focused
The role requires delivering pragmatic, business-focused advice. Think about how you can demonstrate your commercial awareness during the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've identified risks and provided solutions in previous roles.
✨Engage in Business Development
Since contributing to business development is key, come prepared with ideas on how you could help grow client relationships. Think about your experience in building connections and pursuing new opportunities, and be ready to share specific strategies you've used in the past.
