Job Description

Legal Director - Finance

Location: Manchester

Salary: £90,000–£120,000 + Bonus

Lead on Landmark Infrastructure & Banking Deals

An Exceptional Opportunity to Shape Major Transactions

Are you ready to lead on some of the UK's most significant finance and infrastructure projects? Our client, a major international law firm with 250 years of heritage and a client base spanning over 5,000 organisations in more than 100 countries, is seeking an experienced Legal Director to join their Finance & Projects team in Manchester.

This is your opportunity to work on landmark deals, advise leading financial institutions and corporates, and play a pivotal role in transactions that shape the UK's infrastructure and economic landscape—all while enjoying genuine career progression, market-leading benefits, and a culture that values innovation and collaboration.

About the Firm

Our client is a London-headquartered, full-service international law firm recognised for its innovation, technical excellence, and commitment to delivering outstanding client service. With a global presence and involvement in some of the most high-profile transactions and projects in recent years, the firm has established itself as a trusted advisor to FTSE 100 companies, major financial institutions, and international corporations.

The firm's strategic use of AI and technology, combined with a collaborative and inclusive culture, ensures clients receive cutting-edge legal solutions while lawyers benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises professional development and work-life balance.

The Finance & Projects Practice

The Finance & Projects team is one of the firm's flagship practices, advising on complex, high-value transactions across banking and finance, project finance, infrastructure, energy, and real estate finance. The team has a national and international reputation for handling landmark deals, including major infrastructure projects, multi-billion-pound financings, and innovative financing structures.

Recent highlights include advising on major renewable energy projects, large-scale infrastructure developments, and significant banking and lending transactions for household-name clients. The Manchester office plays a crucial role in the firm's northern powerhouse strategy, working closely with colleagues across the UK and internationally to deliver seamless service on complex, multi-jurisdictional matters.

The Role

As Legal Director – Finance & Projects, you will take a leading role in advising clients on sophisticated finance transactions, managing complex deals from inception to completion, and building strong, lasting client relationships. This is a high-profile role offering genuine autonomy, exposure to market-leading work, and clear progression to partner level.

Your Key Responsibilities

Leading Complex Finance Transactions

• Advising on high-value banking and finance transactions, including syndicated lending, acquisition finance, real estate finance, and asset-based lending

• Managing project finance matters for major infrastructure, energy, and transport projects

• Structuring innovative financing solutions for clients across diverse sectors

Client Relationship Management

• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with key clients, including banks, financial institutions, corporates, and public sector bodies

• Understanding clients' business objectives and delivering commercially focused, pragmatic legal advice

• Acting as trusted advisor on strategic financing matters

Project Finance & Infrastructure

• Leading on complex infrastructure and energy projects, including PPP/PFI, renewable energy, and transport infrastructure

• Advising on procurement, development, financing, and operational phases of major projects

• Working with multidisciplinary teams across construction, planning, and regulatory matters

Banking & Lending

• Advising lenders and borrowers on a full range of banking and finance matters

• Drafting and negotiating facility agreements, security documents, and intercreditor arrangements

• Managing relationships with financial institutions and corporate clients

Team Leadership & Development

• Supervising and mentoring associate-level lawyers, providing technical guidance and career development support

• Contributing to the team's technical excellence and knowledge-sharing initiatives

• Supporting junior colleagues in developing their skills and confidence

Business Development & Thought Leadership

• Identifying and pursuing new business opportunities with existing and prospective clients

• Contributing to client seminars, publications, and thought leadership initiatives

• Building your personal profile and reputation in the finance and projects market

Innovation & Technology

• Leveraging the firm's AI and technology tools to enhance efficiency and client service

• Contributing to the development of innovative legal solutions and service delivery models

Essential Requirements

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales with 8–12+ years' PQE in banking and finance or project finance

• Strong technical expertise in banking and finance law, with proven experience advising on complex, high-value transactions

• Demonstrable track record of managing significant finance transactions from inception to completion

• Excellent client relationship skills with experience managing relationships with financial institutions, corporates, or public sector clients

• Outstanding drafting and negotiation skills, with the ability to produce high-quality documentation under pressure

• Strong commercial awareness and ability to deliver pragmatic, business-focused advice

• Leadership capabilities, with experience supervising and mentoring junior lawyers

• Business development skills and a proactive approach to building client relationships and generating new opportunities

• Commitment to teamwork and collaboration, with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams and offices

Highly Desirable

• Experience in project finance or infrastructure finance, particularly in energy, transport, or PPP/PFI sectors

• Track record of working with FTSE 100 companies, major financial institutions, or public sector bodies

• Experience in real estate finance, acquisition finance, or asset-based lending

• Demonstrable business development achievements, including winning new clients or expanding existing relationships

• Background in large, international law firms with exposure to complex, multi-jurisdictional transactions

• Experience with innovative financing structures or emerging sectors such as renewable energy or sustainable finance

• Involvement in thought leadership activities, including publications, client seminars, or industry events

What Our Client Offers

Financial & Reward

• Competitive salary of £90,000–£120,000 (dependent on experience)

• Performance-related bonus scheme

• Comprehensive pension scheme with employer contributions

• Life assurance and income protection

• Season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme

Working Environment & Flexibility

• Hybrid working model (minimum 3 days per week in the Manchester office)

• Modern, collaborative office space in the heart of Manchester

• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance

• Supportive, inclusive culture that values diversity and wellbeing

Career Development & Progression

• Clear pathway to partnership with transparent progression criteria

• Comprehensive training programmes and continuous professional development opportunities

• Access to cutting-edge legal technology and AI tools to enhance your practice

• Opportunities to work on landmark, high-profile transactions for leading clients

• Secondment opportunities to clients or other offices (UK and international)

• Mentoring and coaching support from senior partners and leadership team

Work Quality & Client Exposure

• High-value, complex transactions across banking, finance, and infrastructure sectors

• Diverse client base including FTSE 100 companies, major banks, and public sector bodies

• Collaborative, multidisciplinary approach working with specialists across the firm

• National and international reach, with opportunities to work on cross-border matters

Culture & Support

• Strong emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement

• Active diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives with employee networks and support groups

• Employee assistance programme with access to wellbeing resources and mental health support

• Social and networking events to build relationships across the firm

• Pro bono opportunities to contribute to the community and develop your skills

Location & Working Arrangements

This role is based in the firm's Manchester office, located in the city centre with excellent transport links. The firm operates a hybrid working model, requiring a minimum of three days per week in the office to support collaboration, client engagement, and team development. Flexible working arrangements are available to support work-life balance, and the firm is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

How to Apply

If you are an ambitious finance lawyer ready to take the next step in your career and lead on landmark transactions with a leading international law firm, we would love to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion about this exceptional opportunity, please contact:

Lee Hawthorne-Finch

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions

Email: lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Please include your CV outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role.

Confidentiality Statement:All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Our client is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. Applications are welcomed from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.