In-house Legal Counsel (International M&A)

Legal Counsel (2-4 PQE)

Manchester (Hybrid Working)

Private Equity-Backed International Growth First In-House Move

An ambitious, private equity-backed international group is seeking a talented 2-4 PQE corporate solicitor to join its growing legal function in Manchester.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a corporate lawyer in private practice looking to make a first move in house into a broad, high impact role with real autonomy, exposure to senior stakeholders and a clear pathway for progression as the business continues its international expansion.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the General Counsel and working closely with senior leadership, you will play a key role in supporting international M&A activity and the continued professionalisation of governance and risk frameworks across the Group.

You will gain:

• Meaningful involvement in cross border M&A transactions
• Exposure to strategic growth initiatives in a PE-backed environment
• The opportunity to broaden into a genuinely generalist in house role
• Direct access to senior decision makers
• The chance to shape legal processes, templates and governance frameworks as the function evolves
• This is a hands on role suited to someone who enjoys taking ownership while having the support of an experienced GC

Key Responsibilities

• M&A & Growth
  • Supporting domestic and international acquisitions
  • Drafting and negotiating NDAs and engagement letters
  • Managing external advisers
  • Reviewing due diligence and advising on structuring and entity set up
  • Assisting with post acquisition integration
• Corporate Governance & CoSec
  • Supporting board and shareholder processes
  • Assisting with governance documentation and compliance obligations
  • Supporting corporate restructurings and financing requirements
• Commercial & Operational
  • Drafting and negotiating a wide range of commercial contracts
  • Advising on risk allocation, liability, indemnities and IP ownership
  • Supporting technology and software procurement projects
  • Advising on data protection and emerging AI considerations
• Risk & Compliance
  • Maintaining and coordinating risk registers across jurisdictions
  • Supporting policy development and group wide compliance initiatives

About You

• Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales), 2-4 years' PQE
• Strong corporate, banking or restructuring experience from a reputable firm
• Experience in M&A (cross border exposure advantageous)
• Commercially minded and pragmatic in your approach to risk
• Confident dealing directly with stakeholders
• Keen to step into a broader, business-facing role

This role would particularly suit a corporate associate in Manchester looking for:

• A first move in house without losing exposure to high-quality M&A work
• Greater ownership and visibility
• A more balanced and sustainable working environment
• Clear progression within an expanding international group

The Package

• Competitive salary and bonus
• Hybrid working (Manchester city centre base)
• Exposure to international growth strategy
• Genuine scope to develop into a senior in house position as the function scales

If you are a 2-4 PQE corporate lawyer ready to take the next step in your career and join a high-growth, PE-backed business where you can make a tangible impact, we would welcome a confidential discussion.