Commercial Associate 4+PQE - Manchester - Salary up to £105k
The Opportunity
An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Commercial Lawyer (4+ PQE) to join a highly regarded commercial practice advising leading UK and international businesses.
This is a standout opportunity to work on complex, high-value commercial and technology projects that sit at the heart of clients' digital transformation and operational change. You'll support a diverse client base including FTSE 100 companies, household-name retailers, energy and utilities providers, and industrial and manufacturing businesses.
The role offers a broad mix of commercial, IT and outsourcing work, from SaaS and cloud arrangements to large-scale outsourcing and strategic sourcing projects, alongside general commercial contracting. You'll take early ownership of matters, lead client relationships where appropriate, and collaborate with senior lawyers on major, multi-party transactions.
You can expect:
* Structured support, mentoring and clear progression based on performance and potential
* Early responsibility with meaningful client exposure
* Opportunities to deepen expertise across commercial, technology and IP-adjacent matters
* High-quality work on complex, medium to large-scale transactions
* A cohesive national team with strong prospects for long-term career growth
The Team
You'll join an international commercial practice working closely across offices on complex and cross-border matters.
The team advises on a wide range of commercial arrangements, including:
* Commercial contracting and supply arrangements
* Technology and digital agreements
* Outsourcing and managed services
* Cloud, SaaS and licensing models
* Intellectual property use and protection
The culture is supportive, inclusive and quality-driven — combining high standards with approachability and genuine teamwork.
Key Responsibilities
* Draft, negotiate and advise on a wide range of commercial, technology and outsourcing contracts.
* Lead and support on strategic digital transformation projects
* Advise clients on IT outsourcing, SaaS/cloud services, software licensing and supply chain arrangements
* Manage your own matters while supporting on larger or multi-party transactions
* Provide commercially focused advice that balances legal risk with business objectives
* Engage directly with clients, building trusted and long-term working relationships
* Collaborate closely with colleagues across offices and disciplines
* Mentor junior team members and contribute to knowledge sharing and business development
The Candidate
You'll be a qualified solicitor in England & Wales with 4–7 years' PQE, gained within a recognised commercial practice.
You will have:
* Strong experience advising on general commercial contracts
* Demonstrable exposure to various technology matters such as IT outsourcing, SaaS/cloud, software licensing and digital projects
* Excellent drafting and negotiation skills
* Confidence managing your own workload and leading transactions
* A consultative, commercially minded approach to client advice
* A genuine interest in understanding clients' businesses and building long-term relationships
The Benefits
* Salary up to £105k
* Comprehensive benefits package
* Generous bonus structure
* 25 days annual leave package plus bank holidays and Christmas
* Company Pension
* 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:
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.