Employment Law Managing Associate

Employment Law Managing Associate

Manchester

Managing Associate (8 PQE) – Salary £80,000–£100,000 + Bonus

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 firm with over 1,000 colleagues across 13 offices, is seeking an Employment Managing Associate 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 service with a personal touch.

• Manage 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.
• Act as trusted adviser to senior management teams, boards and C‑suite executives on strategic employment law matters.
• Lead the employment aspects of significant corporate transactions, acquisitions and disposals, working closely with the corporate team.
• Advise senior executives and professionals on all aspects of the employment relationship, including executive exits, restrictive covenants and complex settlement negotiations.
• Draft and negotiate service agreements and settlement agreements for corporate clients and senior individuals.
• Handle complex and high‑value Employment Tribunal claims and represent clients at multi‑day hearings and appeals.
• Conduct sensitive and complex workplace investigations.
• Build, develop and manage key client relationships and act as lead adviser.
• Lead and mentor associates, junior lawyers and trainees.
• Contribute to the strategic development and growth of the Manchester employment practice.
• Lead business development activities, client seminars and thought‑leadership initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the national employment team and other practice areas.
• Stay current with employment law developments and share expertise with the team.
• Deliver exceptional client service with timely responses and commercially focused solutions.

• 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 and lead adviser
• Exceptional communication skills, 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 a 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

• 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…