Managing Associate
Commercial Managing Associate 6+PQE - Manchester - Salary up to £90k
The Opportunity
An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Managing Associate to join a growing Technology, IP & Data practice, advising on complex and high-value technology projects for leading organisations.
This role sits at the heart of a nationally integrated team, supporting major technology procurements, digital transformation projects and strategic outsourcing arrangements. You’ll work closely with partners while managing your own matters, offering a high degree of autonomy alongside structured support.
The position offers exposure to clients operating across financial services, public sector, digital, energy and consumer-facing industries, making this an excellent opportunity for a senior solicitor looking to broaden their profile while playing a key role in shaping the future of the practice.
You’ll be trusted to take ownership, lead matters and contribute meaningfully to the team’s ongoing growth.
You can expect:
- Ownership of complex technology and commercial matters
- Partner-level exposure with autonomy on delivery
- Involvement in large-scale, strategic client projects
- Bespoke technical, commercial and leadership development
- Clear progression opportunities aligned to performance and contribution
The Team
You’ll join a top national Technology, IP & Data team working collaboratively across multiple UK offices.
The team advises clients on a broad range of matters, including:
- Technology procurement and implementation
- Digital transformation and cloud migration
- Outsourcing and managed services
- Software licensing and platform agreements
- Intellectual property strategy and exploitation
- Data and digital advisory work
The culture is progressive, collaborative and supportive, with a strong emphasis on knowledge-sharing, flexibility and long-term career development.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading and advising on complex technology projects and strategic procurements.
- Advising on high-value technology, outsourcing and digital contracts.
- Managing your own matters with appropriate partner oversight.
- Supervising, mentoring and supporting junior members of the team.
- Playing an active role in business development, including pitches, tenders and client training.
- Building and strengthening long-term client relationships.
- Supporting the growth of the team’s offering locally and nationally.
The Candidate
You’ll be a qualified solicitor in England & Wales with 6+ years’ PQE, gained within a recognised commercial practice or relevant in-house environment.
You will have:
- Strong experience advising on technology transactions and complex procurements.
- Exposure to technology, IT and media related matters (desirable but not essential).
- Proven ability to lead matters and manage competing priorities.
- Excellent drafting and negotiation skills across sophisticated contracts.
- A commercial, client-focused approach to legal advice.
- Experience supervising or mentoring junior lawyers.
- An interest in business development and practice growth.
- Ambition to play a senior, visible role within a growing national team.
This role would suit a lawyer ready to operate at a senior level, with the drive to shape client relationships and contribute strategically to team development.
The Benefits
- Salary up to £90k
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Generous bonus structure
- Up to 30 days annual leave package plus bank holidays
- Company Pension
- Private 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.