Employment Law Managing Associate

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; Manchester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading full-service law firm in Manchester is seeking an experienced Employment Law Managing Associate to lead complex matters and advise senior clients. The ideal candidate has at least 8 years of PQE and a proven track record in managing high-value employment law issues. This role offers a competitive salary of £80,000–£100,000 plus bonuses, with excellent professional development opportunities in a dynamic team environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Bonus scheme

Clear progression pathway to Legal Director

Modern office with excellent facilities

Flexible working arrangements

Strong focus on employee wellbeing

Collaborative team environment

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of complex employment law matters, including strategic workforce restructures.
• Act as trusted adviser to senior management teams on strategic employment law matters.
• Lead employment aspects of corporate transactions and acquisitions.
• Advise senior executives on all aspects of the employment relationship.
• Draft and negotiate service and settlement agreements.
• Handle Employment Tribunal claims and represent clients at hearings.
• Conduct complex workplace investigations.
• Build and manage key client relationships.
• Lead and mentor junior lawyers and trainees.
• Contribute to the growth of the Manchester employment practice.
• Stay current on employment law developments and share expertise.

Skills

Managing complex employment law matters

Drafting and negotiation of legal documents

Client relationship management

Strong communication skills

Leadership and mentoring

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Education

Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales

8 years PQE in employment law

Job description

Employment Law Managing Associate

Manchester

Managing Associate (8 PQE) – Salary £80,000–£100,000 + Bonus

Role Summary

Are you a senior employment lawyer ready to take on a leadership role with one of the UK’s largest and most dynamic full‑service law firms? Our client, a nationally recognised firm with over 1,000 colleagues across 13 offices, is seeking an Employment Managing Associate to join their expanding Manchester employment team.

This is an exceptional opportunity to work on high‑quality complex employment law matters for a diverse client base ranging from PLCs to SMEs whilst taking on a leadership role within a top‑ranked employment practice led by nationally recognised leaders in the field. You’ll be joining a friendly, dynamic team that takes a holistic approach to their work, offering a corporate‑level service with a personal touch.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of complex and high‑value employment law matters, including strategic workforce restructures, complex discrimination cases, whistleblowing claims, TUPE transfers and high‑value Employment Tribunal litigation.
• Act as trusted adviser to senior management teams, boards and C‑suite executives on strategic employment law matters.
• Lead the employment aspects of significant corporate transactions, acquisitions and disposals, working closely with the corporate team.
• Advise senior executives and professionals on all aspects of the employment relationship, including executive exits, restrictive covenants and complex settlement negotiations.
• Draft and negotiate service agreements and settlement agreements for corporate clients and senior individuals.
• Handle complex and high‑value Employment Tribunal claims and represent clients at multi‑day hearings and appeals.
• Conduct sensitive and complex workplace investigations.
• Build, develop and manage key client relationships and act as lead adviser.
• Lead and mentor associates, junior lawyers and trainees.
• Contribute to the strategic development and growth of the Manchester employment practice.
• Lead business development activities, client seminars and thought‑leadership initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the national employment team and other practice areas.
• Stay current with employment law developments and share expertise with the team.
• Deliver exceptional client service with timely responses and commercially focused solutions.

Qualifications & Experience

• 8 years PQE in employment law
• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales
• Proven track record of managing complex and high‑value employment law matters independently
• Extensive technical knowledge of employment law across contentious and non‑contentious matters
• Significant experience advising corporate clients and senior executives on employment law issues
• Extensive experience handling complex and high‑value Employment Tribunal claims and appeals
• Strong experience advising on the employment aspects of corporate transactions and M&A
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills for service agreements, settlement agreements and complex legal documents
• Strong client relationship management skills with proven ability to act as trusted and lead adviser
• Exceptional communication skills, written and verbal, with ability to present to clients and at seminars
• Enthusiasm, energy and passion for employment law
• Proven leadership skills with experience supervising and mentoring junior team members
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple complex matters and priorities simultaneously
• Commercially focused with a strategic and pragmatic approach to problem‑solving
• Commitment to delivering timely and cost‑effective solutions
• Business development skills with ability to generate and develop client relationships

Highly Desirable

• Experience advising on complex TUPE transfers, corporate restructures and workforce transformations
• Extensive experience working closely with corporate teams on M&A transactions
• Experience advising C‑suite executives on employment matters
• Experience conducting complex and sensitive workplace investigations
• Established client relationships and track record of business development
• Experience contributing to thought‑leadership client seminars and training
• Experience with international employment law matters

Key Attributes

• Ambitious and driven with clear career progression goals towards Legal Director / Partner
• Strong leadership skills with ability to inspire and develop others
• Proactive and self‑motivated with entrepreneurial mindset
• Client‑focused with commitment to exceptional service delivery
• Strategic thinker with commercial acumen
• Team player who thrives in a collaborative environment
• Adaptable and able to work in a fast‑paced environment
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Confident, articulate and credible with strong presence
• Resilient and able to handle complex and challenging matters

Benefits

• Competitive salary £80,000–£100,000 (dependent on experience)
• Bonus scheme
• Clear progression pathway to Legal Director and Partner with leadership support
• Award‑winning firm with national reputation and continued growth
• Part of a 45‑strong national employment team led by top‑ranked lawyers
• Work with a diverse client base from PLCs to SMEs on complex, high‑quality and strategic matters
• Leadership role with opportunity to shape and develop the Manchester employment practice
• Excellent training and professional development opportunities
• Employee awards programme recognising excellent work
• Strong focus on employee wellbeing
• Inclusive and diverse culture (Gold Investors in People Award, Firm of the Year at UK Diversity Legal Awards)
• Collaborative team environment where everyone’s voice is heard
• Opportunity to work closely with corporate team on significant transactions
• Modern Manchester office with excellent facilities
• Flexible working arrangements available

About the Client

Our client is one of the largest full‑service law firms in the UK with over 1,000 colleagues across 13 offices nationwide. Built on solid foundations of integrity, entrepreneurialism and expertise, the firm has established an award‑winning reputation and continues to grow.

The national Employment Team comprises over 45 specialists and is led by a leader ranked in Band 1 in Chambers & Partners, recognised as a Leader in the Field.

The Manchester Employment team is led by a Recommended Lawyer in The Legal 500 (2025, edition) and Leading Individual in Chambers & Partners (2026, edition).

The firm is widely recognised for its inclusive attitude and diversity, winning Firm of the Year at the UK Diversity Legal Awards and achieving Gold in the Investors in People Award.

Location

This role is based in the firm’s expanding Manchester office located in the city centre, with excellent transport links and access to local amenities. The office offers a modern professional working environment with a friendly and dynamic team culture.

How to Apply

If you are a senior employment lawyer with strong leadership skills and ready to take on a Managing Associate role with clear progression to Legal Director / Partner, we would love to hear from you. Click "apply now" or contact the recruiter for details.

Employment Type: Full‑Time

Vacancy: 1