Job title: Non-Contentious Construction - Associate-Director
Job type: Permanent
Industry: Legal
Sub-Functional Expertise: Director/Partner Solicitor
Salary type: Annual
Salary: negotiable
Location: Manchester, UK
Job published: 2026-08-19
Job ID: 67099
Contact name: Lee Hawthorne-Finch
Contact email: lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Job Description

Non-Contentious Construction Associate to Director

Location: Manchester

Salary: £70,000 to £130,000 plus bonus and benefits

Experience: Broadly 2 to 10 years’ PQE (applications considered outside this range)

 

If you’re a non-contentious Construction lawyer who enjoys being close to live projects, advising commercially, and drafting the documents that keep deals moving, this is a strong opportunity to join a growing national team with a genuine pipeline of work.

Our client is a national UK law firm with an excellent reputation and client base. They are modern and forward-thinking in their approach to work, with a collaborative culture and flexible working.

You will join a national Construction & Engineering team advising across the built environment and process plant, including infrastructure, commercial and residential development, offices, retail, logistics and production facilities. The team supports clients across both public and private sectors, and is in expansion mode.

This role is focused on non-contentious construction work, with scope to support on advisory matters where needed.

 

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Drafting and negotiating building and engineering contracts, including JCT, NEC, institutional forms and MF/1
  • Advising on and preparing consultant appointments (standard and bespoke)
  • Drafting and negotiating warranties, bonds, guarantees and other security documentation
  • Supporting on development and funding agreements, agreements for lease, novation agreements and ancillary project documents
  • Delivering a consistently high standard of client service and care
  • Managing matters commercially, including accurate time recording, billing, WIP and delivery against targets
  • Keeping technical knowledge up to date and taking ownership of your development
  • Contributing to business development, client retention and growth activity

 

What We’re Looking For

  • Directly relevant experience in non-contentious construction work (or a mix of contentious and advisory with a strong non-contentious element)
  • Training and qualification with a recognised construction team is preferred
  • Strong commercial awareness and understanding of the construction industry
  • Sound matter management skills, with the ability to meet client expectations and manage deadlines
  • Confident IT skills, including case management systems, electronic time recording and Microsoft packages
  • A self-starting, approachable and collaborative style
  • Commitment to working in line with professional standards and values

 

What’s On Offer

  • High-quality work with a national client base across public and private sectors
  • A team in growth mode with clear opportunity to progress
  • Modern, forward-thinking culture with flexible working
  • Salary £70,000 to £130,000 plus bonus and benefits (dependent on level and experience)

 

Working Arrangements

  • Manchester-based role
  • Flexible working approach, with details to be confirmed at interview

 

Next Steps (How to Apply)

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 treated in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.