Construction Senior Associate

Job Description

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

Apply online or send your CV to  lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com  or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

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