Non Contentious Construction Lawyer - Manchester

Think Legal Recruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Think Legal Recruitment is seeking a Non-Contentious Construction Associate (4–6 years' PQE) for a market-leading Manchester law firm. You will work across UK and international projects in energy, renewables, utilities and infrastructure, with emphasis on city-scale development and energy transition initiatives.

The role offers early responsibility, direct client exposure, and a clear path for progression within a supportive, high-performance team environment.

Qualifications

• 4–6 years' PQE in non-contentious construction at a recognised law firm.
• Experience advising on complex energy, renewables, utilities, and infrastructure projects.
• Strong drafting, negotiation and client-relations capabilities.
• Excellent organisational and matter-management skills with the ability to prioritise workflows.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support workstreams on major UK and international construction projects.
• Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of contracts and related documents.
• Provide strategic commercial, procurement and risk-advisory guidance to clients.
• Manage client relationships, contribute to business development and mentor junior lawyers.
• Collaborate with partners to deliver high-quality project delivery and outcomes.

Skills

Non-contentious construction

Client relation building

Drafting & negotiation

Strategic thinking

Education

Solicitor qualified

Tools

JCT

NEC

FIDIC

Job description

Non-Contentious Construction Associate – 4–6 Years' PQE
Manchester

Our client, a market-leading UK and international law firm, is looking to recruit a non-contentious Construction Associate (4–6 years' PQE) to join their highly regarded Construction & Engineering team in Manchester.

The Opportunity

Due to sustained growth across energy, renewables, utilities, data centres and major infrastructure, this is a rare opportunity to join a team with an outstanding reputation for advising on some of the most significant and complex development, energy and infrastructure projects in the UK and internationally.

You'll work on a broad range of UK and international engineering and construction projects, with a particular focus on the energy transition (offshore wind, solar, green hydrogen, biofuels, pumped storage and hydro), power and utilities (water, gas and grid projects), process plant, data centres, airports and complex civil engineering — alongside more traditional real estate development work spanning retail, town centre regeneration, office, leisure, residential, hotel and mixed-use schemes.

This is a genuinely central role: helping shape client relationships, delivering strategically important projects for a client base that includes FTSE 100 utilities, airport operators and energy companies, and contributing to the continued expansion of a market-leading construction and projects offering from the North.

The Team

Our client's practice advises on the full lifecycle of construction and engineering projects across energy, renewables, utilities, transport and national infrastructure, industrial and process plant, data centres, and real estate development. Clients include FTSE 100 utilities, energy companies, airport groups, developers, sponsors, funds, IPPs, contractors, operators, technology providers, universities and public sector bodies.

The team offers early responsibility, direct client exposure, and the chance to work closely with highly regarded partners in a supportive, high-performing environment with excellent long-term career prospects.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading and supporting workstreams on major UK and international construction and infrastructure projects across energy, utilities, renewables, transport, data centre and development sectors, from procurement through to delivery
• Working on high-profile mandates including major power and renewables developments, utility and water sector frameworks, airport and transport infrastructure programmes, and nationally significant infrastructure projects
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a broad range of project documentation, including JCT, NEC, FIDIC and bespoke construction contracts, appointments, warranties, guarantees, security documents, framework agreements and long-term service contracts
• Providing strategic commercial, procurement and risk allocation advice to a diverse client base including developers, funders, utilities, public sector bodies, operators, contractors and supply-chain participants
• Taking ownership of matters, managing client relationships, supporting business development, and mentoring junior colleagues

What We're Looking For

• 4–6 years' PQE in non-contentious construction law, with experience advising on complex projects across energy, renewables, utilities, infrastructure, data centre and development sectors
• Strong knowledge of standard form and bespoke construction contracts, including JCT and NEC; exposure to FIDIC, EPC or EPCM documentation is advantageous
• Confident relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with clients, consultants, contractors, funders and internal stakeholders
• Excellent drafting, analytical and matter management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and contribute to business development