Job title: Construction Associate
Job type: Permanent
Industry: Legal
Sub-Functional Expertise: Senior Associate / Solicitor
Salary type: Annual
Salary: GBP £70,000.00
Location: Manchester, UK
Job published: 2026-02-05
Job ID: 54585
Contact name: Lee Hawthorne-Finch
Contact email: lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Job Description

Construction Associate

Location: Manchester

Salary: £50,000 to £70,000 plus bonus

Experience: 3–6 years’ PQE

 

If you’re a non-contentious construction lawyer looking for high-quality projects work and the chance to develop within a supportive team, this is a great opportunity to join a growing construction practice in Manchester.

You’ll work on a varied spread of matters across multiple sectors, with strong training, early responsibility and clear scope to build your long-term career.

 

The Opportunity

This role offers exposure to a broad range of non-contentious construction work, with the chance to take ownership of key workstreams, build client relationships and collaborate with colleagues across wider practice areas.

  • Advise on non-contentious construction matters across a range of sectors

  • Draft and negotiate construction contracts and related documentation (including JCT, NEC, FIDIC and bespoke forms)

  • Advise on procurement strategies, including facilities management

  • Support clients with dispute avoidance and risk management mechanisms

  • Work closely with senior lawyers on complex projects and transactions

  • Build client relationships and engage with internal and external stakeholders

  • Contribute to a collaborative team environment and support wider team growth

 

About You

Essential

  • Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

  • 3–6 years’ PQE in non-contentious construction

  • Strong technical knowledge of construction law and construction contracts

  • Experience drafting and negotiating construction documentation

  • Experience advising on procurement strategies and project delivery

  • Strong drafting skills, attention to detail and commercial judgement

  • Confident communication skills and a client-focused approach

  • Strong organisation and ability to manage competing priorities

Desirable

  • Experience across a range of sectors (for example, energy, infrastructure, transport or utilities)

  • Experience working across both private and public sector projects

  • Experience supporting wider real estate, banking and projects teams

  • Experience working with a range of contract forms (including JCT, NEC and FIDIC)

 

What’s On Offer

  • Salary of £50,000 to £70,000 plus bonus

  • Bonus scheme

  • High-quality non-contentious construction work with early responsibility

  • Supportive environment with strong training and development

  • Mentoring, coaching and structured learning opportunities

  • Clear progression pathway

  • Collaborative culture and access to wider full-service support

 

About Our Client

Our client is a large, full-service law firm with a strong construction capability and a collaborative culture. The team advises on a broad range of projects and procurement work and is known for combining technical excellence with a practical, commercial approach.

 

Location & Working Arrangements

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 handled in strict confidence. Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to ethical recruitment and the highest standards of confidentiality for all applicants.