Job Description
Commercial Managing Associate 8+PQE - Birmingham - Salary up to £135k
The Opportunity
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Commercial Projects Managing Associate (8+ PQE) to join a nationally connected commercial projects practice, advising on high-profile and strategically important projects.
This role offers exposure to complex commercial contracts and large-scale projects across multiple sectors, including government departments, public sector contracting authorities and private sector clients. You will have early responsibility for running projects and managing your own matters, with the chance to develop expertise in procurement, commercial structuring, and innovative contract arrangements.
The role is ideal for a confident self-starter looking to take a leadership role within a busy, collaborative team, while maintaining direct client contact and involvement in strategically significant projects.
You can expect:
* Ownership of high-value projects and contracts from day one
* Exposure to cross-sector, nationally important commercial projects
* Opportunities to develop procurement and project management expertise
* Mentoring and supervision of junior colleagues
* Clear pathways for professional growth and leadership within the team
The Team
You will join a national Commercial Projects team collaborating across regional offices.
The team advises on:
* High-value commercial contracts and strategic projects
* Public-private partnership arrangements and PFI-related contracts
* Complex procurement exercises and contract structuring
* Technology, IT and service agreements for high-profile clients
* Innovative commercial frameworks and multi-party arrangements
The team is collaborative, forward-thinking, and committed to delivering practical, commercially-focused advice. You will work closely with senior colleagues while also taking ownership of your own matters, making this an excellent opportunity for leadership and development.
Key Responsibilities
* Leading high-value commercial projects and advising on complex contractual arrangements
* Drafting, and negotiating commercial contracts, including financial and technical schedules
* Structuring innovative contract solutions and supporting procurement matters
* Mentoring and supervising junior team members and supporting client training initiatives
* Participating in business development activities, including client pitches, tenders and events
* Coordinating project management to ensure seamless client service
The Candidate
You’ll be a qualified solicitor in England & Wales with 8+ years’ PQE, ideally gained within a recognised commercial or projects-focused practice.
* Extensive experience managing large-scale commercial projects
* Technical excellence in drafting and negotiating complex contracts
* Experience or interest in public sector or procurement-related work
* Confidence providing clear, pragmatic advice and collaborating with clients
* Leadership skills and the ability to mentor and develop junior colleagues
* Ambition to contribute to business development and team growth
This role is ideal for a senior lawyer ready to lead major projects, influence commercial strategy, and take a visible leadership role within a growing national team.
The Benefits
* Salary up to £135k
* Comprehensive benefits package
* Generous bonus structure
* 25 days annual leave package plus bank holidays
* Company Pension
* Private Travel & Medical Insurance
Apply in the strictest of confidence
Dominika Holda, Recruitment Consultant (Commercial)
Direct Dial: 0161 826 3140 Mobile: 07376 640 525
E-mail: dominika.holda@williamjamesrecruitment.com
WILLIAM JAMES RECRUITMENT
William James Recruitment is the number one recruitment partner to law firms in the UK & internationally. We work with a variety of top-tier clients, including a range of legal 500 firms.