Job Description

Contentious Construction Managing Associate

Location: Manchester

Salary: £95,000 to £125,000 + bonus and benefits

Experience: 5+ years’ PQE

Our client is looking to recruit a Contentious Construction Managing Associate into its Construction and Engineering Disputes team in Manchester.

This is a senior opportunity for a construction disputes lawyer who wants to lead on high-value, complex matters, play a visible role in client relationships and business development, and help shape the continued growth of a busy, high-performing team.

The work spans formal disputes and project advisory stages, acting for a broad range of stakeholders including developers, lenders, contractors, consultants and public sector bodies.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading on complex contentious construction and engineering disputes, including high-value contractual claims and professional negligence matters (acting for both claimants and defendants)

• Advising on disputes arising from major infrastructure projects, including PFI and PPP schemes

• Advising strategically on construction documentation and project issues, including consultant appointments, warranties, and construction and development contracts

• Taking a lead role in ADR, including without prejudice meetings and mediations (including multi-party mediations), and supporting settlement strategy

• Managing key client relationships and identifying opportunities to deepen and broaden client support

• Taking an active role in pitching for work and driving business development activity

• Supervising matters, delegating effectively, and supporting delivery against deadlines and client expectations

• Coaching, mentoring and developing junior colleagues, sharing knowledge and supporting best practice

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

• 5+ years’ PQE with strong contentious construction experience

• Solid experience across dispute resolution processes, including adjudication, litigation and or arbitration

• Strong drafting skills and confidence preparing pleadings and evidence (including witness and expert statements)

• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with confidence advising clients and collaborating with counsel and experts

• Strong procedural and document management skills, with a proactive approach to diary and deadline management

• Commercial judgement and the ability to deliver clear, practical advice under pressure

Desirable

• Strong experience of TCC litigation

• Experience supporting on complex, multi-party disputes

• Experience leading mediations and settlement discussions

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £95,000 to £125,000 + bonus and benefits

• High-calibre work with strong client exposure across a broad range of sectors

• A supportive, collaborative team with genuine investment in development and progression

• Structured training, mentoring, coaching and leadership development opportunities

• A genuinely inclusive environment with active networks and a focus on belonging

Working Arrangements

Manchester. Full-time, permanent role.

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 handled in strict confidence.