Job Description Employment Senior Associate Location : Manchester Career Level : Senior Associate 5-7 PQE Salary : £60,000 - £80,000 Bonus Join an Award-Winning National Employment Team Are you an experienced employment lawyer looking to take the next step in your career with one of the UK's largest and most dynamic full-service law firms? Our client, a nationally recognised law firm with over 1,000 colleagues across 13 offices, is seeking an Employment Senior Associate at 5-7 PQE level to join their expanding Manchester Employment team. This is an exceptional opportunity to work on high-quality, complex employment law matters for a diverse client base, ranging from PLCs to SMEs, whilst being part of a top-ranked employment practice led by nationally recognised leaders in the field. You'll be joining a friendly, dynamic team that takes a holistic approach to their work, offering a corporate level of service with a personal touch. The Role As an Employment Senior Associate, you will manage your own caseload of complex contentious and non-contentious employment law matters, advising corporate clients and senior executives on all aspects of the employment relationship. You'll be working in a fast-paced environment where client interests are paramount, providing timely responses and pragmatic, cost-effective solutions whilst also supervising and mentoring junior team members. The role offers excellent opportunities for career progression to Managing Associate and beyond within a firm that matches individual ambition with firm ambition, providing clear progression pathways and leadership support to help you develop your career. Your key responsibilities will include: Managing a caseload of complex employment law matters including high-value Employment Tribunal claims, discrimination cases, whistleblowing, TUPE, and strategic workforce restructures Providing strategic employment law advice to senior management teams, boards, and C-suite executives Advising senior executives and professionals on all aspects of the employment relationship including executive exits and settlement negotiations Leading on the employment aspects of corporate transactions, acquisitions, and disposals Drafting and negotiating service agreements and settlement agreements for corporate clients and senior individuals Handling complex Employment Tribunal claims and representing clients at multi-day hearings Conducting sensitive workplace investigations and advising on complex employee relations matters Building and developing strong client relationships and acting as trusted adviser Supervising and mentoring junior associates and trainees Working collaboratively with colleagues across the national employment team and other practice areas, particularly the corporate team Contributing to business development activities, client seminars, and thought leadership Staying current with employment law developments and sharing knowledge with the team Delivering exceptional client service with timely responses and practical solutions About You Essential Requirements: 5-7 years' PQE in employment law Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales Proven experience managing complex employment law matters independently Strong technical knowledge of employment law across contentious and non-contentious matters Extensive experience advising corporate clients on employment law issues Experience handling complex and high-value Employment Tribunal claims Experience advising on the employment aspects of corporate transactions Excellent drafting and negotiation skills for service agreements, settlement agreements, and legal documents Strong client relationship management skills with ability to act as trusted adviser Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal Enthusiasm, energy, and passion for employment law Proven ability to supervise and mentor junior team members Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple complex matters simultaneously Commercially focused with a pragmatic approach to problem-solving Commitment to delivering timely and cost-effective solutions Highly Desirable: Experience advising on complex TUPE transfers and corporate restructures Experience working closely with corporate teams on M&A transactions Experience advising senior executives and C-suite on employment matters Experience conducting complex workplace investigations Business development experience and existing client relationships Experience contributing to thought leadership and client seminars Key Attributes: Ambitious and driven with clear career progression goals Proactive and self-motivated with strong work ethic Client-focused with commitment to exceptional service delivery Strong leadership skills with ability to mentor and develop others Team player who thrives in a collaborative environment Adaptable and able to work in a fast-paced environment Strong attention to detail and accuracy Commercially astute with excellent problem-solving abilities Confident and articulate with strong presence What's On Offer Our client is committed to recognising and rewarding great work, with rewards and benefits that are among the best in the business. Benefits include: Competitive salary: £60,000 - £80,000 (dependent on experience) Bonus scheme Clear progression pathway to Managing Associate and beyond with leadership support Award-winning firm with national reputation Part of a 45 strong national employment team led by top-ranked lawyers Work with a diverse client base from PLCs to SMEs on complex, high-quality matters Excellent training and professional development opportunities Employee awards programme recognising excellent work Strong focus on employee wellbeing Inclusive and diverse culture (Gold Investors in People Award, Firm of the Year at UK Diversity Legal Awards) Collaborative team environment where everyone's voice is heard Opportunity to work closely with corporate team on transactions Modern Manchester office with excellent facilities Flexible working arrangements available About Our Client Our client is one of the largest full-service law firms in the UK, with over 1,000 colleagues across 13 offices nationwide. Built on solid foundations of integrity, entrepreneurialism, and expertise, the firm has established an award-winning reputation and continues to grow. The national Employment Team comprises over 45 employment specialists and is led by a leader, who is ranked in Band 1 in Chambers & Partners and recognised as a Leader in the Field. The team provides specialist employment law and HR advisory services to a range of companies from PLCs to SMEs, with a reputation for providing timely responses and pragmatic, cost-effective solutions. The Manchester Employment team is led by a Recommended Lawyer in The Legal 500 (2025 edition) and Leading Individual in Chambers & Partners (2026 edition). She has specialist experience advising on acquisitions and disposals and works closely with the firm's corporate team on the employment aspects of transactions, including drafting and negotiating service agreements and settlement agreements for both corporate clients and senior individuals. A number of the firm's highly regarded employment teams are ranked in the top tier by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, with many employment lawyers ranked as recommended lawyers and leading individuals. The firm is widely recognised for its inclusive attitude and diversity, winning 'Firm of the Year' at the UK Diversity Legal Awards and achieving Gold in the Investors in People Award. Location This role is based in the firm's expanding Manchester office, located in the city centre with excellent transport links and access to local amenities. The office offers a modern, professional working environment with a friendly and dynamic team culture. How to Apply If you're an experienced employment lawyer with a passion for delivering exceptional client service and ready to take the next step in your career, we'd love to hear from you. Click apply now or contact lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or 0333 996 2882