Senior Employment Lawyer · Manchester Senior Associate to Legal Director · International Law Firm The Opportunity This is a rare chance to step into a high-impact role within the Manchester employment team of a major international law firm — and genuinely shape its future. The team is small, highly regarded and well established, but the platform it sits on is something quite different: an office with an extensive client roster, significant untapped opportunity and the full weight of a global firm behind it. The team is now looking for the next generation of partner to come through. Whether that means a direct partnership appointment for the right candidate, or a clearly defined route to get there, the firm is committed to making it happen. Unlike many larger firms, progression here is not constrained by internal politics or headcount. If you have found yourself blocked at your current firm despite the quality of your work, this is worth a conversation. The Role The work sits predominantly in the complex transactional space — restructurings, M&A employment matters, senior executive arrangements — but the breadth of demand from clients means a genuine ability to handle contentious employment matters is equally important. Flexibility across both disciplines is essential. Beyond the legal work itself, this role is as much about client relationships and business development as it is technical expertise. The Manchester office has an enviable book of clients who are currently underserved from an employment perspective. A business case is not a requirement for this hire — but the desire and instinct to grow will be. What We're Looking For A qualified employment lawyer at senior associate, principal associate or legal director level with solid post-qualification experience in a recognised firm Strong technical grounding in complex transactional employment work, with broader contentious experience to support a busy caseload Experience of working within a larger law firm environment — an understanding of that landscape, its clients and how they operate is genuinely valuable here A credible, enthusiastic approach to business development — someone with clear ideas about how to grow a client base and the appetite to act on them A genuine interest in mentoring and developing junior lawyers within the team Strong cultural fit — collegiate, commercially minded, someone who takes the work seriously without taking themselves too seriously What's on Offer Immediate access to a large, established client base with real room to develop it further — no cold start A partnership appointment or a clearly structured route to partnership, calibrated to the individual The resources and reputation of an international firm without the progression blockers that often come with it A close-knit, high-quality team with a genuinely supportive and ambitious culture Based in Manchester city centre Confidential enquiries welcome. All conversations handled with discretion.