Job Title: Associate / Managing Associate – Commercial (Technology, Outsourcing & IT)
PQE Level: 4+ PQE
Location: Manchester
Work Type: Full Time
Department: Corporate & Commercial
Contract Type: Permanent
Purpose of the Role
A leading national law firm with a Tier 1-ranked Commercial (Technology and Outsourcing) practice is seeking a talented Commercial Lawyer (4+ PQE) to join its Manchester-based team. The successful candidate will advise on complex, high-value commercial and technology projects, helping clients achieve digital innovation, efficiency, and operational transformation.
You’ll work with an impressive portfolio of FTSE 100 companies, leading retailers, energy providers, and manufacturers, supporting large-scale technology, outsourcing, and transformation mandates while mentoring junior team members and contributing to business development.
The Team
The Commercial team operates nationally, collaborating across all UK offices to deliver seamless service on cross-border and domestic transactions. Recognised in Tier 1 for IT, the team advises on some of the largest and most sophisticated digital transformation, cloud, SaaS, and outsourcing projects in the market.
You can expect exposure to a diverse mix of private and public sector work, including:
* IT and business process outsourcing
* Technology transformation projects
* Software licensing and SaaS/cloud arrangements
* Commercial supply chain and logistics agreements
* Facilities management and IT infrastructure deals
The team offers excellent prospects for progression, learning, and secondment opportunities, both in-house and with major clients.
What to Expect in This Role
* Lead and support on a broad range of technology, outsourcing, and commercial transactions.
* Negotiate IT and BPO outsourcing contracts, cloud/SaaS arrangements, and software licensing agreements.
* Advise on large-scale and mid-market commercial deals, acting as lead adviser or part of a wider project team.
* Build and manage strong, long-term client relationships.
* Mentor and supervise junior lawyers, contributing to internal training and knowledge sharing.
* Participate in business development and thought leadership to enhance the firm’s technology and commercial offering.
Skills and Experience
Essential:
* England & Wales qualified lawyer with 4+ years’ post-qualification experience in commercial and technology law.
* Proven experience advising on IT outsourcing, SaaS/cloud, software licensing, or infrastructure agreements.
* Confident managing complex transactions and client relationships.
* Strong commercial and strategic mindset with excellent drafting and negotiation skills.
* Ability to handle multiple workstreams and meet deadlines.
Desirable:
* Experience in retail, energy, manufacturing, or digital health sectors.
* Knowledge of regulatory and operational resilience frameworks affecting technology contracts.
* Previous in-house or client secondment experience demonstrating commercial awareness.
About the Firm
The firm fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing culture that values people and encourages professional growth. Known for its technical excellence, commercial insight, and client relationships, the firm is a trusted adviser to FTSE 100 clients and major organisations across sectors.
Diversity and inclusion are central to the firm’s culture, supported by active employee networks celebrating individuality, equality, and belonging.