Legal Counsel

4782624
  • Job type

    Permanent
  • Location

    Manchester
  • Working Pattern

    Flexible Working,Full-time
  • Specialism

    In-house Legal
  • Industry

    Legal
  • Pay

    £Excellent

Legal Counsel - Manchester - Construction

Your new company
You’ll be joining a large, fast-moving organisation operating across the UK & Ireland, where legal expertise is central to strategic decision-making. The business supports a diverse range of complex infrastructure, construction and facilities management projects, and you’ll be part of a collaborative legal team in a brand new role that ensures operations remain confident, compliant and commercially driven.

Your new role
As a Legal Counsel specialising in construction, you will provide clear, pragmatic legal and commercial advice to support a broad range of projects and functional teams. You will work closely with internal stakeholders to guide the business through complex contractual decisions while helping manage and mitigate legal risk.
Your responsibilities will include:
  • Providing effective legal and commercial guidance to relevant segments and functions.
  • Reviewing, drafting and negotiating construction and FM contracts, including PFI variations.
  • Advising on and negotiating standard forms such as NEC4, JCT, Model Forms, bespoke agreements and documentation for complex infrastructure projects.
  • Drafting and negotiating professional appointments, collateral warranties, bonds, guarantees and security documents.
  • Supporting the assessment and management of legal and commercial risk.
  • Delivering training on legal, commercial and regulatory matters.
  • Ensuring compliance with legal requirements and internal governance processes.
  • Managing external legal advisers and associated fees.
  • Offering preliminary advice on disputes and litigation.

What you'll need to succeed
You will be a qualified solicitor (England & Wales or equivalent common law jurisdiction), ideally with 4 years’ PQE, strong academics and experience gained from a top‑tier law firm and/or in‑house role within a relevant industry.
You will also bring:
  • Strong technical expertise in construction law.
  • Proven experience with NEC4, JCT, Model Forms and other UK standard forms of contract.
  • Confidence in drafting and negotiating professional appointments, collateral warranties, bonds, guarantees and associated project documentation.
  • Strong commercial awareness and the ability to balance legal risk with business objectives.
  • Excellent communication and relationship building skills.
  • A pragmatic, solutions-focused mindset with sound judgement.

What you'll get in return
You’ll receive a competitive salary based on experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, professional growth and work‑life balance.
Benefits include:
  • A wide range of over 20 employee benefits (20+), including a retirement plan.
  • Discounts for everyday shopping.
  • Gym discounts and wellbeing support.
  • Access to a confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme offering emotional, legal and financial advice.

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now on 0161 228 7770.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Apply for this job

Talk to Libby Smith, the specialist consultant managing this position

Located in Manchester, 4th Floor, City Tower, Piccadilly PlazaTelephone 01612287770
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