Senior Associate - Employment

Join a busy and successful Employment team in Manchester, offering a supportive, hybrid-working environment and the opportunity to develop your career on a global stage. The team acts for a wide range of employers—from the public sector and education to transport, construction, manufacturing, food and drink, aviation, and the arts—as well as senior executives.

You will manage a varied caseload of contentious and non-contentious employment matters, including discrimination, whistleblowing, unfair dismissal, redundancy, disciplinary and grievance issues, large-scale restructuring, and TUPE. The role involves Employment Tribunal and civil court litigation, as well as business development and supervision of junior team members.

Benefits include a competitive salary, contributory pension, private medical insurance, health screening, wellness allowance, lifestyle benefits, and a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community involvement.

• Qualified solicitor with a minimum of 5 years' PQE, gained predominantly in employment law
• Strong technical expertise and commercial awareness
• Experience handling Employment Tribunal litigation and advocacy
• Excellent drafting skills, including pleadings, contracts, and advisory documents
• Ability to build and maintain strong client relationships and act as a key point of contact
• Experience supervising and leading junior team members, with a commitment to mentoring
• Proven business development skills
• Strong organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Essential skills and experience:

• Qualified solicitor with a minimum of 5 years' PQE, gained predominantly in employment law
• Strong technical expertise in employment law
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with the wider team
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong client relationships
• Experience in business development activities
• Ability to supervise and lead junior team members on projects
• Commitment to mentoring and supporting colleagues
• Experience handling Employment Tribunal litigation and advocacy
• Strong drafting skills, including pleadings, contracts, and advisory documentation
• Commercial awareness with the ability to deliver pragmatic, client-focused advice
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Confidence in managing client relationships and acting as a key point of contact
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal
• Experience advising employers on complex HR and workplace issues