About the Role
In-House Commercial Contracts Lawyer | NQ+ PQE | ManchesterA 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 moreAdvising on risk, data protection and compliance, including data processing agreements and cross-border transfersSupporting strategic projects and helping drive continuous improvement in contracting processesCollaborating with procurement teams and stakeholders to ensure favourable terms and compliance with firm policiesCrucially, 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 TeamA centralised Procurement function supporting all the firm's procurement needsA dedicated legal team working closely with the Office of General Counsel, Information Security, and commercial procurement colleaguesA supportive, high-trust environment with real autonomyWhat You Will BringUK-qualified solicitor (NQ+), with strong commercial contracts experience gained in private practice, in-house, or through a high-quality training seatExpertise in drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts, including technology and procurement agreementsStrong understanding of commercial law, contract law, data protection, and risk management principlesAbility to manage a substantial workload, prioritise effectively, and work autonomously under pressureA pragmatic, business-focused approach, you recommend solutions, not just problemsWhy This FirmWell-established, international full-service practice with a strong Manchester baseGenuine commitment to innovation, collaboration and quality workSupportive, collegiate culture, high-calibre work with high-character colleaguesWhy This Makes Sense At NQ+ level, you face a choice:Traditional private practice: quality work, but billable hours and partnership pressurePure in-house: commercial exposure, but can feel disconnected from legal rigour or career progressionThis 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.Apply now or contact Harrison for a confidential discussion.