Development Senior Associate/Principal Associate

Real Estate Senior Associate / Principal Associate - Manchester (4+ PQE) A leading UK law firm is looking to appoint a Senior Associate or Principal Associate (4+ PQE) to join its Real Estate team in Manchester. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role within a highly respected national real estate practice. The Role You will focus on development work in the hospitality and leisure sectors, including hotel developments, advising household-name clients on major projects. The role offers the chance to: Draft and negotiate development agreements, pre-let agreements, and forward funding arrangements. Advise on conditional acquisitions, sub-sales, and site assembly. Work with large corporate clients on portfolio management for retail, leisure, and licensed premises. Support investors and developers with acquisitions, disposals, and structuring deals. You will work closely with partners and colleagues in Manchester while also collaborating with the wider national team, gaining exposure to a wide variety of high-profile transactions. The Team The firm's Real Estate division is a central pillar of its national strategy and one of the largest and most highly regarded in the UK. With over 460 professionals (including 50+ Partners) across multiple specialist teams-Construction, Core Real Estate, Planning, Property Litigation, and others-the group provides end-to-end expertise across the real estate lifecycle. The practice advises many of the UK's leading real estate businesses, from developers and investors to major corporates, funders, retail and leisure occupiers, social housing providers, and public sector bodies. Known for its sector knowledge and technical excellence, the team continues to enjoy significant growth. The Candidate We are keen to hear from ambitious Real Estate lawyers with 4+ years' PQE who can demonstrate: Strong experience in development work (including conditional acquisitions and site assembly). Expertise in drafting and negotiating development-related agreements. Experience advising on portfolio management, leases, acquisitions, and disposals. A commercial mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage client relationships at the highest level. The Opportunity Work with a high-profile client base, including household names in hospitality and leisure. Join one of the largest and most respected real estate teams in the UK. Benefit from excellent career development opportunities within a supportive, collaborative, and innovative environment. Competitive salary and a comprehensive, flexible benefits package.