Commercial Senior Associate
3 days ago
Manchester
Commercial Associate 4+PQE - Manchester - Salary up to £105k The Opportunity An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Commercial Lawyer (4+ PQE) to join a highly regarded commercial practice advising leading UK and international businesses. This is a standout opportunity to work on complex, high-value commercial and technology projects that sit at the heart of clients’ digital transformation and operational change. You’ll support a diverse client base including FTSE 100 companies, household-name retailers, energy and utilities providers, and industrial and manufacturing businesses. The role offers a broad mix of commercial, IT and outsourcing work, from SaaS and cloud arrangements to large-scale outsourcing and strategic sourcing projects, alongside general commercial contracting. You’ll take early ownership of matters, lead client relationships where appropriate, and collaborate with senior lawyers on major, multi-party transactions. You can expect: • Structured support, mentoring and clear progression based on performance and potential, • Early responsibility with meaningful client exposure, • Opportunities to deepen expertise across commercial, technology and IP-adjacent matters, • High-quality work on complex, medium to large-scale transactions, • A cohesive national team with strong prospects for long-term career growth The Team You’ll join an international commercial practice working closely across offices on complex and cross-border matters. The team advises on a wide range of commercial arrangements, including: • Commercial contracting and supply arrangements, • Technology and digital agreements, • Outsourcing and managed services, • Cloud, SaaS and licensing models, • Intellectual property use and protection The culture is supportive, inclusive and quality-driven — combining high standards with approachability and genuine teamwork. Key Responsibilities • Draft, negotiate and advise on a wide range of commercial, technology and outsourcing contracts., • Lead and support on strategic digital transformation projects, • Advise clients on IT outsourcing, SaaS/cloud services, software licensing and supply chain arrangements, • Manage your own matters while supporting on larger or multi-party transactions, • Provide commercially focused advice that balances legal risk with business objectives, • Engage directly with clients, building trusted and long-term working relationships, • Collaborate closely with colleagues across offices and disciplines, • Mentor junior team members and contribute to knowledge sharing and business development The Candidate You’ll be a qualified solicitor in England & Wales with 4–7 years’ PQE, gained within a recognised commercial practice. You will have: • Strong experience advising on general commercial contracts, • Demonstrable exposure to various technology matters such as IT outsourcing, SaaS/cloud, software licensing and digital projects, • Excellent drafting and negotiation skills, • Confidence managing your own workload and leading transactions, • A consultative, commercially minded approach to client advice, • A genuine interest in understanding clients’ businesses and building long-term relationships The Benefits • Salary up to £105k, • Comprehensive benefits package, • Generous bonus structure, • 25 days annual leave package plus bank holidays and Christmas, • Company Pension, • Travel & Medical Insurance Apply in the strictest of confidence Dominika Holda, Recruitment Consultant (Commercial) Direct Dial: 0161 826 3140 Mobile: 07376 640 525 E-mail: WILLIAM JAMES RECRUITMENT William James Recruitment is the number one recruitment partner to law firms in the UK & internationally. We work with a variety of top-tier clients, including a range of legal 500 firms.