Infrastructure and Projects - Commercial Contracts Associate Solicitor

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

Job summary

Think Legal Recruitment is assisting a leading UK law firm in Manchester to appoint an Associate Solicitor for Infrastructure, Projects & Energy. The role offers exposure to high-profile public and private sector projects, with opportunities across healthcare, housing, energy, transport and local government.

The successful candidate will have a qualified background in Infrastructure, Projects & Energy or Commercial Contracts, with strong drafting and client-relations skills, and a collaborative,

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer with NQ–3 years PQE in infrastructure, projects & energy or commercial contracts.
• Strong drafting, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Commercial awareness and client-focused approach.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Collaborative and cross-sector teamwork mentality.

Responsibilities

• Advising public and private sector clients on infrastructure, regeneration and commercial projects.
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a broad range of project documentation and contracts.
• Managing workstreams with increasing responsibility and client contact.
• Building strong client relationships and delivering commercially focused advice.
• Collaborating with colleagues across practice areas to deliver integrated solutions.

Skills

Infrastructure & Energy

Projects & Energy

Commercial Contracts

Drafting

Client relationships

Job description

Associate Solicitor – Infrastructure, Projects & Energy Manchester | NQ – 3 Years PQE

The Opportunity We are working with a leading UK law firm to recruit an Associate Solicitor for their Infrastructure, Projects & Energy (IPE) practice in Manchester, as the team continues to grow.

This is a genuine opportunity to work on a diverse mix of infrastructure, public sector, regeneration and commercial projects for some of the UK's most significant public and private sector organisations — with excellent exposure to high-profile matters, strategic client relationships, and long-term career progression within a leading national infrastructure practice.

The Team Our client's IPE team is one of the most established multi-disciplinary teams of any UK law firm, and advises funds, developers, asset managers, operators, financial institutions, energy and utility companies, central and local government and NHS Trusts on innovative, complex projects that are frequently in the headlines.

The team brings a commercial, business‑orientated approach to work across markets including water, large‑scale outsourcing, renewable energy, transport and healthcare — both in the UK and internationally, often on novel and "first in class" projects.

Recent and current highlights include advisory work on:

• A major government health centre procurement programme
• An overseas government hospital PPP
• A new hospital development in Indonesia
• An £80m social housing regeneration project for a UK local authority
• A university's complex student accommodation redevelopment
• A major water infrastructure resilience project supplying Manchester and the Pennines
• A new build nuclear power station
• A cross‑border gas pipeline project
• The team's transport practice is recognised as one of the most experienced in the sector, with a particular focus on rail, urban transit, ports, freight and logistics, and transport hubs, and holds panel positions with several major national transport bodies.Alongside this headline work, the team also handles a wide range of smaller matters, giving mid‑level associates a supportive environment in which to build experience and the chance to specialise — or gain exposure across several sectors.What You’ll Be Doing
• Advising public and private sector clients on a wide range of infrastructure, regeneration and commercial projects
• Supporting project development, procurement exercises, strategic partnerships, commercial contracts and operational arrangements
• Working across sectors including healthcare, housing, regeneration, education, energy, utilities, transport and local government
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a broad range of commercial and project documentation
• Managing workstreams on complex matters, with increasing responsibility for client contact and transaction management
• Building strong client relationships and developing into a trusted adviser through responsive, commercially focused advice
• Collaborating with colleagues across multiple practice areas to deliver integrated solutions
• Benefiting from structured training, mentoring and development within a supportive, ambitious team
• What We’re Looking For
• A qualified lawyer (NQ – 3 years PQE) with experience in Infrastructure, Projects & Energy, or a Commercial Contracts background
• An interest in infrastructure projects and the delivery of essential services, whether through public sector, regulated or private sector markets
• Strong drafting, analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Enthusiasm, resilience and ambition to find solutions to clients’ legal challenges
• Commercial awareness and curiosity about how clients deliver and operate projects
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities across a varied workload
• A collaborative approach and willingness to work across sectors and disciplines
• A genuine interest in continuous learning and developing your legal skill set
• An inquisitive mindset — wanting to understand clients, their drivers and what matters to them, so advice has quality, imagination and impact
• About Our Client Our client's story of international growth is built on a performance mindset, innovation and true collaboration. They believe results follow relationships, and work closely across teams to develop deep client connections and deliver excellence.Their award‑winning culture balances high standards and hard work with genuine care — looking out for each other, supporting professional development, in a down‑to‑earth and inclusive environment.