Commercial Senior Associate

Top International Firm | Commercial Managing Associate | 5+ Years PQE

Take a lead role in one of the largest and most successful national commercial teams, advising FTSE 100 and 250 clients on complex, high-value contracts across advanced manufacturing, energy transition, and other strategic sectors, with a clear pathway to Legal Director and Partnership.

The Firm
This is an international law firm with a strong UK presence, over 1,300 lawyers, and offices across it's offices globally. It advises a broad range of clients from global corporates to public sector bodies, and is known for its sector depth, commercial pragmatism, and collaborative, down-to-earth culture. The firm consistently earns top employer recognition and is deeply committed to inclusion, innovation, and career development.

The Team
The national Commercial team is one of the largest of its kind, bringing together specialists in general commercial, digital, IP, energy, projects, and procurement. It acts for an impressive client list, including FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 companies, public sector organisations, and industry bodies, on business-critical projects and regulatory matters. Sector expertise spans advanced manufacturing, life sciences, aerospace and defence, energy and renewables, transport, and international trade.

The team works seamlessly across all UK offices and has strong international links, collaborating with US colleagues and global network firms to deliver cross-border support. It combines City-quality expertise with deep local knowledge, making it a destination practice for complex commercial work.

The Role
As a Managing Associate based in Leeds, you will lead on complex commercial contracts, including procurement, outsourcing, supply chain, and product development. You will advise on contract strategy, draft and negotiate agreements, and deliver pragmatic, business-focused advice to clients. You will also manage client relationships, supervise and mentor junior lawyers, and ensure high-quality delivery across multiple projects.

Business development is a core part of the role. You will build and grow client relationships, identify new opportunities, support international growth, and contribute to multi-jurisdictional work. Opportunities for international secondments are also available. This role is a key step towards Legal Director or Partnership, and you will have the backing of a collaborative, supportive national team.

The Ideal Candidate

• UK-qualified solicitor with 5+ years' PQE in commercial contracts, gained at a reputable firm

• Significant experience advising on complex, high-value transactions across procurement, supply chain, outsourcing, and strategic projects

• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to deliver clear, practical advice to non-lawyer stakeholders

• Proven leadership capability: able to supervise and develop junior team members and lead matters with autonomy

• Strong commercial awareness, with a track record of contributing to business development and growing client relationships

• Experience in international contracting, or exposure to tech, IP, or data protection, is beneficial

• Proactive, collaborative, and client-focused, with the ambition to progress towards Legal Director or Partnership

What's on Offer

• A senior role in a nationally top-ranked commercial team with a diverse, high-profile client base

• The opportunity to work on strategic, business-critical projects with genuine sector depth

• A clear pathway to Legal Director and Partnership, supported by structured development

• A collaborative, inclusive culture that values flexibility, wellbeing, and entrepreneurial thinking

• Competitive salary and benefits, hybrid working, and the ability to work across UK offices

Apply now for a confidential conversation.