Job Description

Employment Lawyer (Managing Associate)

Location: Manchester

Salary: £90,000 to £120,000 + bonus and benefits

Experience: 5+ years’ PQE

Our client is looking to recruit a senior employment lawyer at Managing Associate level into its Employment team in Manchester.

This is a great opportunity for someone with a mix of contentious and non-contentious employment experience who wants high-quality work, strong client exposure, and the chance to play a visible role in building client relationships and supporting team development.

You’ll advise a broad range of clients, including large UK and international businesses, on complex HR and employment issues, and you’ll work closely with colleagues across other practice areas and sector groups.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advising on the full range of employment law and HR support work, covering both contentious and non-contentious matters

• Supporting on complex tribunal litigation and sensitive employee relations issues

• Advising on whistleblowing, business protection and wider risk management issues

• Supporting major projects such as outsourcing and restructuring exercises

• Building strong client relationships and playing an active role in business development

• Collaborating with colleagues across other practice areas to deliver joined-up advice

• Supporting junior colleagues through coaching, feedback and knowledge sharing

• Contributing to continuous improvement, including considering how technology and AI tools can support efficient, high-quality delivery

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

• 5+ years’ PQE with strong employment law experience gained in private practice

• Experience across both contentious and non-contentious employment work

• Strong technical judgement and the ability to provide clear, practical advice

• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing deadlines

• Confidence building trusted client relationships and contributing to business development

• Collaborative approach and genuine interest in developing others

Desirable

• Experience advising clients in regulated or complex sectors

• Experience supporting large-scale projects and multi-stakeholder matters

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £90,000 to £120,000 + bonus and benefits

• High-calibre work with strong client exposure

• Supportive, collaborative culture with strong 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

• Hybrid working, with an expectation of being in the office at least 3 days per week

Working Arrangements

Manchester. Full-time, permanent role. Hybrid working available, with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office. Occasional travel to other UK offices may be required.

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.