At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead post-investment strategies and develop management teams for impactful equity investments.
- Company: Join British International Investment, the UK's top development finance institution.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative culture with a focus on wellbeing and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in emerging markets while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership assessment and strong relationship-building skills required.
- Other info: Diverse team with opportunities for travel and networking in Africa and Asia.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
British International Investment (BII) is the UK’s leading development finance institution, wholly owned by the UK Government. Our primary mission is to address global development challenges through strategic investments that promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth. BII focuses on catalysing economic development, creating jobs, and building resilient economies in some of the world's most complex and underserved markets. We invest in businesses and projects that prioritise inclusive development, environmental sustainability, and innovation.
Our approach is characterised by rigorous investment standards, high governance principles, and a commitment to delivering measurable development impact. Our team consists of highly skilled and passionate professionals dedicated to making a tangible difference globally. We foster a collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment that values curiosity, innovation, and professional growth. Our culture balances high performance with a strong emphasis on wellbeing, ensuring our employees can achieve their full potential while contributing to our mission.
BII at a glance:
- Over 75 years supporting sustainable business growth in developing and emerging markets
- More than £9.9 billion in net assets
- 1,600+ businesses invested in
- 950,000+ workers in the businesses we support
- 650+ people in our diverse global team
The Portfolio Management team is a dedicated function within the Office of the Chief Investment Officer (OCIO). The team’s purpose is to accelerate value creation and exit readiness of investments, predominantly (but not exclusively) within BII’s direct equity investment portfolio. This is achieved by developing the maturity of BII’s investee boards and management, and the digital capability and finance functions, through hands-on and advisory support. Additionally, the team enables deal teams and investees to access specialist external expertise through senior advisors and board members via the Expert Network and Nominee Director programmes.
The Executive will work closely with the director of Portfolio Management, within the OCIO Team, to support portfolio management activities across the sector investment teams; Financial Services Group, Infrastructure and Climate Group and ITS (Industries, Technology and Services), ensuring these are proactively and appropriately managed in accordance with BII’s policies, objectives and values.
Purpose
The Executive’s role is to lead the implementation of appropriate post-investment portfolio management strategies for (primarily) direct equity investments, thereby contributing to the overall development of BII’s investment business. This role will focus on board and management development.
Responsibilities
- Lead the implementation of appropriate post-investment portfolio management strategies for primarily equity investments, with a focus on board and management development, designing and delivering relevant consulting projects
- Lead the assessment and development of board and management team capacity to deliver on agreed-upon investment objectives and/or prepare for exit
- Track progress of board and management development interventions, against agreed milestones and measures, act as a sounding board to deal teams and investees
- Support the creation and implementation of board and management assessment tools for deal teams to use independently of the Portfolio Management team, building capacity across BII
- Work closely with sector teams to determine Nominee Director & Expert needs based upon sector investment strategies, building relevant candidate pools directly, and through the use of networks and search firms
- Support the BII’s Nominee Director Programme, developing training, fit for purpose process and building a database of board-ready candidates
- Support the development of BII’s Expert Network, building of the appropriate technology infrastructure, data monitoring and developing a database of appropriate candidates
- Contribute to the ongoing analysis of the team’s impact within BII’s portfolio, and value addition to internal stakeholders
- Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with the deal teams, Responsible Investing teams, Legal and Finance
- Develop and maintain a broad understanding of the ecosystem in Africa and Asia with a view to building relationships with peers, identifying trends, opportunities and issues
- Maintain and grow BII’s network of Board & Leadership Development related third-party vendors (e.g. recruiters, leadership coaches, compensation advisers etc.)
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge and expertise on conditions in the emerging markets and specifically the economic, political and social conditions in markets where BII operates, or potentially wishes to operate
The candidate
- Experience in assessing the leadership teams and boards of PE-backed companies
- Experience influencing companies at senior management and board level through extensive relationship building, displaying high levels of cultural sensitivity
- Experience in building networks and talent pipelines is desirable
- Experience in creating and overseeing development/change programmes is desirable
- Ability to work in a team to build consensus both internally and externally, with the ability to deal with sometimes challenging dynamics
- Experience of working with investors and a passion for development impact
- Proven track record of working successfully in emerging markets, ideally South Asia & Africa
- Leadership and team-building skills, exhibited in a multicultural and highly diverse workplace
- Exceptional communication and relationship management skills
- Candidate should be willing and able to travel to BII’s markets as needed
- Candidates should be strongly motivated by BII’s development mission
Our cultural values
We look for team members who aspire, as we do, to work at our best and to be: Impact-led, commercially rigorous, tenacious in the face of challenges, collaborative and caring.
British International Investment is committed to diversity and inclusion and welcomes all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or educational background.
Please provide a cover letter with your application.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Finance and Human Resources
Industries: Venture Capital and Private Equity Principals
Portfolio Management Executive employer: British International Investment
Contact Detail:
British International Investment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Portfolio Management Executive
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to BII. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching BII’s mission and values. Understand their focus on sustainable development and how your skills can contribute to that. Tailor your responses to show you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for their culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Get comfortable discussing your experience in portfolio management and how you’ve influenced leadership teams. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on our careers page for new opportunities that align with your skills and passion for development impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Portfolio Management Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure your cover letter speaks directly to the role of Portfolio Management Executive. Highlight your experience in assessing leadership teams and how it aligns with BII's mission. We want to see your passion for development impact shine through!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, focus on your experience in emerging markets, especially in South Asia and Africa. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to influence at senior management and board levels, so don’t hold back!
Be Authentic: Let your personality come through in your application. We value collaboration and caring, so share examples of how you've worked in diverse teams and built relationships. Authenticity goes a long way in making a strong impression!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at British International Investment
✨Know Your Portfolio Management Strategies
Before the interview, brush up on various post-investment portfolio management strategies, especially those related to equity investments. Be ready to discuss how you would implement these strategies and support board and management development.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
This role requires extensive relationship building with senior management and boards. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully influenced leadership teams and built strong networks, particularly in diverse cultural settings.
✨Understand BII’s Mission and Values
Familiarise yourself with British International Investment's mission to promote sustainable economic growth. Be prepared to articulate how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding impact-led and collaborative work.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Emerging Markets
Research the economic, political, and social conditions in the markets where BII operates, particularly in Africa and Asia. Show your understanding of the challenges and opportunities in these regions during the interview to highlight your readiness for the role.