Associate/Managing Associate-Commercial

CRA Legal; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading International law firm in Manchester seeks an Associate or Managing Associate to join its Tier 1-ranked Commercial practice. This role involves advising major clients on technology, outsourcing, and IT contracts, offering a competitive salary and flexible hybrid working arrangements. Candidates should be commercially astute solicitors with at least 4 years’ PQE in commercial law.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Flexible hybrid working arrangements

Clear career progression

Qualifications

• 4+ years of PQE in commercial/technology law.
• Proven experience advising on IT outsourcing or SaaS/cloud agreements.
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams to tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead on commercial technology matters including SaaS/cloud agreements.
• Provide clear legal advice on high-value complex contracts.
• Build long-term partnerships with clients.

Skills

IT Outsourcing

Commercial Law

Relationship Building

Strategic Thinking

Education

Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales)

Job description

About the Role

A leading International law firm is seeking an Associate or Managing Associate (4+ PQE) to join its Tier 1-ranked Commercial practice, specialising in Technology, Outsourcing and IT. This is a rare opportunity to be at the forefront of large-scale, high-value commercial and digital transformation projects for a prestigious client base. Working closely with FTSE 100 companies, household-name retailers, energy providers, utilities, industrials and manufacturers, you will deliver cutting-edge legal solutions where technology, outsourcing and regulatory change converge. You will play a key role in advising on strategic sourcing and digitalisation mandates, whilst also mentoring junior team members and contributing to the continued growth of the practice. This is a dynamic and forward-looking team offering both challenge and opportunity, as the group continues to grow to meet increasing client demand for complex technology, data, outsourcing and transformation advice.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support on a wide range of commercial technology matters, including IT and BPO outsourcing, SaaS/cloud agreements, licensing and large-scale transformation projects.
• Act as a trusted adviser to clients, providing clear, commercially focused legal advice on high-value, complex contracts.
• Manage client relationships directly, building long-term partnerships and identifying opportunities for further collaboration.
• Handle a diverse caseload of both major and mid-market commercial transactions.
• Supervise, mentor and develop junior team members, sharing expertise and contributing to knowledge growth within the team.
• Support business development and thought leadership initiatives, enhancing the team's market profile.

About You

You will be a commercially astute lawyer with a strong background in IT, technology and outsourcing work.

Essential requirements:

• Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) with 4+ years' PQE in commercial/technology law
• Proven experience advising on IT outsourcing, SaaS/cloud, licensing, or technology infrastructure agreements
• Ability to lead on complex transactions and manage multiple workstreams to tight deadlines
• Strong relationship-building skills with a consultative, client-focused approach
• Strategic thinker able to translate legal advice into commercial outcomes

Desirable experience:

• Sector knowledge in retail & consumer, energy/utilities, industrial/manufacturing, or digital health
• Familiarity with regulatory issues impacting technology contracting (e.g. outsourcing rules, operational resilience, data protection)
• In-house or secondment experience demonstrating sound commercial judgment

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• High-quality, complex and high-profile work with major national and international clients
• Opportunity to contribute to market-leading technology and outsourcing projects
• Clear career progression within a growing and ambitious practice
• A collaborative, supportive team culture with excellent mentoring and development opportunities
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements

How to Apply

Click the apply button to submit your application.

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, contact Ross Roberts at CRA Consulting on 0114 241 8030

For more legal career opportunities, visit: www.craconsultants.com/jobs