In-House Commercial Contracts Lawyer | NQ+ PQE | Manchester
A different kind of legal role. Not pure private practice. Not siloed in‑house. Something in between, and deliberately designed that way.
A leading, full‑service law firm with a strong Manchester presence is expanding its centralised Procurement Legal Team. They are looking for an NQ+ commercial contracts lawyer who wants the best of both worlds.
This is not a traditional fee‑earning role. You will not have billable targets. Instead, you sit at the centre of the firm’s own operations, drafting, negotiating and advising on the contracts that keep a sophisticated law firm running.
The Role
Your day-to-day will include:
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide range of commercial contracts, supplier agreements, technology contracts, procurement frameworks, data processing agreements and more
- Advising on risk, data protection and compliance, including data processing agreements and cross‑border transfers
- Supporting strategic projects and helping drive continuous improvement in contracting processes
- Collaborating with procurement teams and stakeholders to ensure favourable terms and compliance with firm policies
Crucially, you will be more than a legal technician. The role expects you to make informed decisions, recommend solutions, and guide stakeholders, not just flag issues.
The Team
- A centralised Procurement function supporting all the firm’s procurement needs
- A dedicated legal team working closely with the Office of General Counsel, Information Security, and commercial procurement colleagues
- A supportive, high‑trust environment with real autonomy
What You Will Bring
- UK‑qualified solicitor (NQ+), with strong commercial contracts experience gained in private practice, in‑house, or through a high‑quality training seat
- Expertise in drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts, including technology and procurement agreements
- Strong understanding of commercial law, contract law, data protection, and risk management principles
- Ability to manage a substantial workload, prioritise effectively, and work autonomously under pressure
- A pragmatic, business‑focused approach – you recommend solutions, not just problems
Why This Firm
- Well‑established, international full‑service practice with a strong Manchester base
- Genuine commitment to innovation, collaboration and quality work
- Supportive, collegiate culture; high‑calibre work with high‑character colleagues
Why This Makes Sense
- Traditional private practice: quality work, but billable hours and partnership pressure
- Pure in‑house: commercial exposure, but can feel disconnected from legal rigour or career progression
This role sits in the middle. You get the platform, brand and development support of a top‑tier firm, but you work on the firm’s own business. You get real autonomy, strategic influence and stakeholder relationships, but with a collaborative legal team around you.
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