Job title: Corporate & Commercial Associate - Legal Director
Job type: Permanent
Industry: Legal
Sub-Functional Expertise: Director/Partner
Salary type: Annual
Salary: GBP £100,000.00
Location: Manchester, UK
Job published: 2026-04-22
Job ID: 59614
Contact name: Lee Hawthorne-Finch
Contact email: lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Job Description

Corporate & Commercial Associate to Legal Director

Location: Manchester City Centre

Salary: £60,000 to £100,000

Experience: 4–8 years’ PQE (Associate level), with scope to step up

 

If you’re an ambitious corporate lawyer looking for high-quality work and a clear platform for progression, this is an excellent opportunity to join a top-tier corporate and commercial team in Manchester City Centre.

You’ll work on sophisticated transactions, build strong client relationships, and benefit from the support and resources of a major, full-service practice.

 

The Opportunity

This role offers a broad mix of corporate and commercial work, with the chance to take ownership of matters, support on complex transactions, and contribute to the continued growth of the Manchester team.

  • Advise on mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructurings and commercial contracts

  • Manage your own caseload while supporting on high-value transactions

  • Draft and negotiate complex commercial agreements

  • Provide strategic, commercially focused advice to clients across a range of sectors

  • Build and maintain client relationships, with a focus on business development

  • Mentor and supervise junior team members

  • Contribute to profile-raising and team growth in Manchester

 

About You

Essential

  • Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

  • 4–8 years’ PQE in corporate and commercial law

  • Strong experience advising on UK corporate transactions, including M&A and commercial contracts

  • Excellent drafting and negotiation skills

  • Confident client relationship management skills

  • Commercial awareness and an interest in business development

  • Able to work independently, while contributing effectively within a team

  • Strong written and verbal communication

Desirable

  • Experience in a Top 100 and/or international law firm environment

  • Sector experience (for example, technology, healthcare, energy or financial services)

  • Track record of business development and/or client origination

 

What’s On Offer

  • Salary of £60,000 to £100,000

  • Performance-based bonus scheme

  • Hybrid working arrangements

  • Private medical insurance

  • Pension contribution scheme

  • Income protection and life assurance

  • 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service)

  • Enhanced parental leave policies

  • Wellbeing initiatives and employee assistance programme

  • Season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme

  • Professional subscriptions and Law Society fees paid

  • Modern office in Manchester City Centre with excellent transport links

  • Training and development support, with a clear progression pathway

  • Secondment opportunities (UK and international)

  • Mentoring from experienced senior lawyers

 

About Our Client

Our client is a Top 100, full-service law firm with a strong UK presence and an international reach. The firm is known for its investment in people, collaborative culture and high-quality work across a broad client base.

 

Location & Working Arrangements

Manchester City Centre. Hybrid working 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.