At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex commercial contracts and advise on strategic projects across various sectors.
- Company: Join a leading national Commercial team with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working, health and wellbeing initiatives, and opportunities for international secondments.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we value every unique background.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile projects while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: UK-qualified solicitor with 7+ years of commercial contracts experience.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Our national Commercial team brings together our general commercial, digital, IP, energy and renewables and projects and procurement teams. Representing 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 together sector specialists across industries including 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. We also provide a blend of City expertise and local knowledge to inward investors entering the UK.
To support our strong pipeline, we are seeking an experienced commercial contracts lawyer to join our 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.
You Will:
- 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)
- Take responsibility for leading matters and client relationships, supervising and developing junior lawyers, and ensuring high-quality delivery across multiple projects
- Play an active role in business development—building client relationships, identifying and pursuing new opportunities, supporting international growth (including USA and Saudi Arabia markets), and contributing to multi-jurisdictional work
- Join a collaborative and supportive team, working closely with clients' in-house teams in an embedded, in-house style while benefiting from the breadth of private practice and multidisciplinary expertise
What does the ideal candidate look like?
We are looking for a commercially focused senior lawyer who combines technical expertise with leadership and client development capability. To be successful you will have the 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
You will be proactive, collaborative and client-focused, with the ability to build your profile, generate work and contribute to the growth of the practice. This role is a key step towards Legal Director or Partnership.
What makes it great to work here?
We continually work hard to create an open culture that sets us apart from other firms. Our culture gives us much more of a human feel, emphasising that we're more than just suits! As signatories to the Mindful Business Charter, it's important to us that our people are able to maintain healthy and happy lives, both in and out of work. We have a number of resources and initiatives designed to support health and wellbeing and we're very happy to talk flexible working.
Through our DEI initiatives we create an environment in which difference is valued. We have a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Group, led by our Board Sponsor, which works with our colleague networks (we currently have firm supported networks for race, ethnicity, and cultural heritage, LGBTQ+, disabilities, neurodiversity, families, and women's career development and we're in constant dialogue with our people about how we expand our networks to better support everybody). We encourage applicants from all social backgrounds, ethnicities, disabilities, gender identities and sexual orientations. We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all.
We are an in-house recruitment team and will always aim to fill our roles directly in the first instance.
Managing Associate in Southampton employer: Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Bristol. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture that values inclusivity and collaboration, you will have the opportunity to lead a talented team while working with prestigious FTSE 250 clients. Our focus on professional growth and a supportive atmosphere makes us an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in employment law.
Contact Details:
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Associate in Southampton
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We think you need these skills to ace Managing Associate in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
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Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
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