At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex commercial contracts and advise on strategic projects across various sectors.
- Company: Join a top-tier legal team supporting high-profile clients and impactful projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for international secondments, and career progression to Legal Director or Partnership.
- Other info: Inclusive recruitment process with support for candidates from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in diverse industries 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 75000 - 100000 £ 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 Southampton 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 Southampton
✨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!
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Set up informal chats with professionals in your desired field. This isn’t a job interview, but a chance to learn and make a good impression. We can use these conversations to showcase our passion and knowledge about commercial contracts and the sectors we’re interested in.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Create a portfolio or a personal website where you can highlight your experience and achievements. We can include case studies of complex contracts we've handled or any business development successes. This is a great way to stand out and show what we bring to the table!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Associate - Commercial in Southampton
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 and how your background aligns with our team's focus on advanced manufacturing and energy transition initiatives. Keep it engaging and professional!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Managing Associate, you'll be leading matters and mentoring junior lawyers. Make sure to include examples of your leadership experience in your application. We love to see how you've developed others and driven successful outcomes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of complex commercial contracts, especially in areas like procurement and supply chain. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience where you've successfully navigated these types of agreements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Managing Associate, you'll be expected to lead and mentor junior lawyers. Prepare to share instances where you've taken charge of a project or guided a team, highlighting your ability to deliver high-quality results while developing others.
✨Demonstrate Business Acumen
This role requires strong commercial awareness. Think about how you've identified risks and provided practical solutions for clients in the past. Be prepared to discuss how your advice has positively impacted business outcomes.
✨Engage in Business Development Conversations
Since this position involves building client relationships and pursuing new opportunities, come equipped with ideas on how you can contribute to business development. Share your thoughts on potential strategies or markets that could benefit the firm.
