Job title: Construction Senior Associate
Job type: Permanent
Industry: Legal
Sub-Functional Expertise: Senior Associate / Solicitor
Salary type: Annual
Salary: GBP £90,000.00
Location: Manchester, UK
Job published: 2026-02-09
Job ID: 54874
Contact name: Lee Hawthorne-Finch
Contact email: lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Job Description

Construction Senior Associate

Location: Manchester

Salary: £70,000 to £90,000 + bonus (dependent on experience)

Experience: 5+ years’ PQE

 

This is a great opportunity for an experienced construction disputes lawyer to join a growing national Construction team in Manchester, with a particular focus on fire and building safety issues and related disputes.

You’ll advise major developers and other stakeholders on fast-moving, technically complex matters arising from the evolving building safety landscape, including remediation strategies and high-value claims.

 

The Opportunity

  • Advise clients on fire and building safety issues and related construction disputes

  • Support clients on remediation procurement strategies and risk management

  • Act on the defence and pursuit of formal claims, including high-value court proceedings and arbitrations

  • Work on construction litigation matters, including (ideally) professional negligence aspects

  • Collaborate with multi-disciplinary experts (including fire engineering, structural, architecture, project management and QS)

  • Contribute to improving processes, innovation and the use of legal technology

  • Build client relationships and support business development activity

  • Support and mentor junior colleagues as the team grows

 

What We’re Looking For

Essential

  • Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

  • 5+ years’ PQE with construction litigation / disputes experience

  • Strong technical grounding in construction law and dispute resolution

  • Commercial mindset with the ability to advise strategically and pragmatically

  • Excellent communication skills and confidence engaging with clients and colleagues

  • Strong team ethic and ability to work effectively under pressure

  • Discretion and professionalism, with exceptional attention to detail

Desirable

  • Experience advising on building safety and remediation matters

  • Professional negligence experience

  • Interest in the wider political and regulatory issues affecting the construction and development sector

 

What’s On Offer

  • Salary of £70,000 to £90,000 + bonus (dependent on experience)

  • Manchester location

  • High-quality, technically challenging work in a growth area of construction law

  • Support, coaching and structured development opportunities

  • Comprehensive benefits package with flexible options (including annual leave options, pension, wellbeing support and additional benefits)

 

About Our Client

Our client is a national law firm with a well-established construction practice and a strong pipeline of work. The team advises a wide range of clients across the construction and development sector and is known for a collaborative, solutions-led approach.

 

Location & Working Arrangements

Manchester. Flexible working patterns are available.

 

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.