COMMERCIAL CONTRACTS LAWYER | 2-6 PQE | LEEDS, BIRMINGHAM, MANCHESTER

QC Legal; Manchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible & hybrid working

Global client exposure

Structured training & progression

Job summary

QC Legal in Manchester is seeking an ambitious Associate with 2-6 years' PQE to advise on commercial contracts, outsourcing and supply chain matters for national and international clients.

You will join the Strategic Contracts team within the Commercial group, collaborating across offices on cross-border matters, handling complex drafting and BD activity.

Hybrid working, market-competitive pay and a supportive culture offer clear progression and exposure to high-profile engagements.

Qualifications

• 2–6 years’ PQE with a focus on commercial contracts.
• Experience advising on outsourcing and supply chain agreements.
• Strong drafting and a commercially minded approach.
• Knowledge of data protection, TUPE and competition law.
• Excellent analytical skills and client communication.

Responsibilities

• Advise on high-value commercial contracts and outsourcing arrangements.
• Support cross-border and multi‑jurisdictional transactions within the team.
• Draft, negotiate and refine contract terms with clients and suppliers.
• Collaborate with corporate, real estate and technology teams as needed.
• Develop client relationships and contribute to business development.

Skills

Commercial contracts

Outsourcing

Drafting

Data protection

TUPE

Competition law

Client relationship

Business development

Job description

About the Firm

This is an opportunity to join a truly global legal business that continues to redefine what a modern law firm looks like. With a presence spanning more than 30 countries and a reputation for combining deep sector expertise with a collaborative, forward-thinking culture, our client is trusted by some of the world's most recognisable organizations. Known for its strength in delivering complex, cross-border work, the firm offers an environment where lawyers are encouraged to think commercially, work internationally, and play a meaningful role in shaping client outcomes.

The Opportunity

• Advising on a broad spectrum of commercial contract matters, ranging from high-value, long-term strategic outsourcing arrangements to day-to-day business-as-usual agreements.
• Working within the Strategic Contracts team, part of a wider Commercial group spanning technology, IP, data privacy and retail finance.
• Supporting major national and international clients including blue-chip organisations across sectors such as transport, utilities and industrial engineering.
• Involvement in complex outsourcing projects including global facilities and property management arrangements.
• Collaborating closely with colleagues across offices and jurisdictions on multi-disciplinary and cross-border matters.
• Providing commercial support on transactions led by corporate and real estate teams.
• Building strong internal and external relationships, with exposure to a wide network of partners and clients.
• Contributing to business development initiatives including client briefings and thought leadership.

The Ideal Candidate

• 2-6 years' PQE with a strong foundation in commercial contracts.
• Experience advising on a range of contractual arrangements including outsourcing and supply chain agreements.
• Strong technical drafting skills and a commercially minded approach to problem-solving.
• An understanding of key legal and operational considerations impacting commercial contracts including areas such as data protection, TUPE and competition law.
• Excellent analytical skills with a high level of attention to detail.Confident communicator, able to engage effectively with clients across a variety of sectors and jurisdictions.
• A collaborative team player who enjoys building relationships across different practice areas.
• Demonstrates enthusiasm for business development and contributing to wider team growth.
• For those at Senior Associate level, experience supervising or mentoring junior lawyers is advantageous.

What's on Offer

• A highly attractive salary package aligned with market-leading firms.
• A comprehensive benefits offering focused on well-being, financial security and long-term career development.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements designed to support work-life balance.
• Access to high-quality, international work with leading global clients.
• Structured training, mentoring and clear progression pathways.
• Opportunities for cross-office and cross-border collaboration.
• A genuinely inclusive and supportive culture that values individuality and diversity.
• The chance to be part of a firm that invests in your growth and encourages you to shape your own career.