Managing Associate - Commercial

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP; Newcastle upon Tyne, Leeds, Bristol, Southampton; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP is looking for an experienced commercial contracts lawyer to join their Newcastle, Leeds, Bristol, or Southampton office at a Managing Associate level. You will lead complex contracts and advise on strategy, negotiation, and risk.

Ideal candidates will have over 7 years of strong experience and be UK-qualified solicitors. This role includes opportunities for international secondments and is a key step toward Legal Director or Partnership.

Qualifications

• 7+ years strong commercial contracts experience.
• Significant experience in complex, high‑value transactions.
• Proven ability to lead matters and deliver clear advice.

Responsibilities

• Lead on complex commercial contracts.
• Advise on contract strategy and risk management.
• Develop junior lawyers and ensure quality delivery.

Skills

Excellent drafting

Negotiation skills

Commercial awareness

Communication skills

Education

UK-qualified solicitor

Job description

Our national Commercial team brings together our general commercial, digital, IP, energy and renewables, projects and procurement teams to support an impressive range of FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 clients, public sector organisations, educational institutions and industry bodies on high-profile, business‑critical projects and regulatory matters. The team plays a vital role in helping clients achieve growth and success.

One of the largest and most successful teams of its type, we bring sector specialists across advanced manufacturing, life sciences, aerospace and defence, energy and renewables, transport and logistics and international trade. With lawyers across our UK offices and nationally recognised leaders in their fields, we work closely with US colleagues and Lex Mundi firms worldwide to deliver seamless support on international projects.

To support our strong pipeline, we are seeking an experienced commercial contracts lawyer to join our Newcastle, Leeds, Bristol or Southampton office at Managing Associate level.

What does the team do?

We advise on the full range of contractual arrangements supporting strategic projects and day‑to‑day business across multiple sectors, with a particular focus on advanced manufacturing and energy transition initiatives.

Your role

• Lead on complex commercial contracts, including procurement, outsourcing, supply chain and product development.
• Advise on contract strategy, drafting, negotiation and risk management.
• Deliver pragmatic, business‑focused advice (including data protection with specialist support).

As a Managing Associate, you will take responsibility for leading matters and client relationships, supervising and developing junior lawyers, and ensuring high‑quality delivery across multiple projects. You will also play an active role in business development—building client relationships, identifying and pursuing new opportunities, supporting international growth, and contributing to multi‑jurisdictional work. Opportunities for international secondments are available.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements:

• UK‑qualified solicitor (England, Wales or Scotland) with 7+ years strong commercial contracts experience.
• Significant experience advising on complex, high‑value transactions.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead matters and deliver clear, practical advice to non‑lawyers.

Key strengths at Managing Associate level:

• Deep expertise across commercial contracts, including supply chain, procurement and strategic projects.
• Ability to supervise, mentor and develop junior team members.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to identify risks and solutions for clients.
• Active contribution to business development and growing client relationships.
• Confidence managing multiple complex matters and working with autonomy.

Experience of international contracting (including import/export) and exposure to tech, IP or data protection would be beneficial. This role is a key step towards Legal Director or Partnership.

Equal Opportunity & Accessibility

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you have a disability or long‑term condition and need adjustments to ensure the best possible recruitment experience, please let us know. We also offer an interview scheme for eligible candidates and provide this job advert and application form in alternative formats upon request. We encourage applicants from all social backgrounds, ethnicities, disabilities, gender identities and sexual orientations.