Senior Associate

Employment Senior Associate

Location
:
Manchester

Career Level
:
Senior Associate 5-7 PQE

Salary
: £60,000 - £80,000 + Bonus

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.

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

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…