Description

Employment Law Managing Associate

Location: Manchester

Career Level: Managing Associate 8+ PQE

Salary: £80,000 - £100,000 + Bonus

Lead and Develop an Award-Winning Employment Practice

Are you a senior employment lawyer ready to take on a leadership role 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 Managing Associate at 8+ 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 taking on a leadership role within 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 Managing Associate, you will manage your own portfolio of complex contentious and non-contentious employment law matters, acting as trusted adviser to 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 leading and developing junior team members and contributing to the strategic growth of the practice.

The role offers excellent opportunities for career progression to Legal Director and Partner within a firm that matches individual ambition with firm ambition, providing clear progression pathways and leadership support to help you achieve your career goals.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Managing a portfolio of complex and high-value employment law matters including strategic workforce restructures, complex discrimination cases, whistleblowing claims, TUPE transfers, and high-value Employment Tribunal litigation

• Acting as trusted adviser to senior management teams, boards, and C-suite executives on strategic employment law matters

• Leading on the employment aspects of significant corporate transactions, acquisitions, and disposals, working closely with the corporate team

• Advising senior executives and professionals on all aspects of the employment relationship including executive exits, restrictive covenants, and complex settlement negotiations

• Drafting and negotiating service agreements and settlement agreements for corporate clients and senior individuals

• Handling complex and high-value Employment Tribunal claims and representing clients at multi-day hearings and appeals

• Conducting sensitive and complex workplace investigations

• Building, developing, and managing key client relationships and acting as lead adviser

• Leading and mentoring associates, junior lawyers, and trainees

• Contributing to the strategic development and growth of the Manchester employment practice

• Leading business development activities, client seminars, and thought leadership initiatives

• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the national employment team and other practice areas

• Staying current with employment law developments and sharing expertise with the team

• Delivering exceptional client service with timely responses and commercially focused solutions

About You

Essential Requirements:

• 8+ years' PQE in employment law

• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales

• Proven track record of managing complex and high-value employment law matters independently

• Extensive technical knowledge of employment law across contentious and non-contentious matters

• Significant experience advising corporate clients and senior executives on employment law issues

• Extensive experience handling complex and high-value Employment Tribunal claims and appeals

• Strong experience advising on the employment aspects of corporate transactions and M&A

• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills for service agreements, settlement agreements, and complex legal documents

• Strong client relationship management skills with proven ability to act as trusted adviser and lead adviser

• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with ability to present to clients and at seminars

• Enthusiasm, energy, and passion for employment law

• Proven leadership skills with experience supervising and mentoring junior team members

• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple complex matters and priorities simultaneously

• Commercially focused with strategic and pragmatic approach to problem-solving

• Commitment to delivering timely and cost-effective solutions

• Business development skills with ability to generate and develop client relationships

Highly Desirable:

• Experience advising on complex TUPE transfers, corporate restructures, and workforce transformations

• Extensive experience working closely with corporate teams on M&A transactions

• Experience advising C-suite executives on employment matters

• Experience conducting complex and sensitive workplace investigations

• Established client relationships and track record of business development

• Experience contributing to thought leadership, client seminars, and training

• Experience with international employment law matters

Key Attributes:

• Ambitious and driven with clear career progression goals towards Legal Director/Partner

• Strong leadership skills with ability to inspire and develop others

• Proactive and self-motivated with entrepreneurial mindset

• Client-focused with commitment to exceptional service delivery

• Strategic thinker with commercial acumen

• Team player who thrives in a collaborative environment

• Adaptable and able to work in a fast-paced environment

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy

• Confident, articulate, and credible with strong presence

• Resilient and able to handle complex and challenging matters

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: £80,000 - £100,000 (dependent on experience)

• Bonus scheme

• Clear progression pathway to Legal Director and Partner with leadership support

• Award-winning firm with national reputation and continued growth

• 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, and strategic matters

• Leadership role with opportunity to shape and develop the Manchester employment practice

• 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 significant 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 a senior employment lawyer with strong leadership skills and ready to take on a Managing Associate role with clear progression to Legal Director/Partner, we'd love to hear from you. Click apply now or contact lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or 0333 996 2882