At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage client relationships and oversee a substantial portfolio while driving business growth.
- Company: Join a leading firm with a strong focus on teamwork and client success.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, professional training, and gym membership.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by building trusted client relationships and leading a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership skills and experience in client management and commercial strategy.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
The role focuses on client relationship management, commercial oversight, team development, operational integration, and growth. There will be responsibility for a substantial client portfolio while contributing to the long-term business strategy. The role holder will coordinate and manage client relationships commercially, ensuring work is delegated effectively across specialist teams within the wider practice to deliver the best outcomes for clients and the business.
Key responsibilities
- Take responsibility for an established client portfolio currently generating approximately £600k in recurring fees.
- Build trusted and long-term client relationships while managing expectations, commercial discussions, and fee negotiations.
- Contribute to the transition of client ownership to ensure continuity and retention.
- Identify opportunities to improve recovery, pricing structures, and overall portfolio profitability.
Operational and strategic leadership
- Contribute to integrate the office into the wider Cottons Group operating model and culture.
- Act as the central coordination point between clients and internal specialist teams.
- Ensure work is delegated efficiently across the wider practice according to technical expertise and capacity.
- Reduce reliance on senior non-chargeable technical input by improving workflow, delegation, and accountability.
Growth and business development
- Identify opportunities within the existing client base for additional service-line work including Tax advisory, Audit, Corporate finance, Wealth management, and other specialist advisory services.
- Support the integration and development of future acquisitions.
- Become an external ambassador for the business within the local market to generate new business opportunities and strengthen the Cottons brand presence in geographical area.
- Assist in building a scalable, chargeable, high-performing team aligned with the wider group structure and strategy.
- Coach, mentor, and develop team members while fostering accountability and collaboration.
- Promote a culture aligned with the organisation’s values and operational standards.
Resilient, confident, and commercially astute leader with the ability to make sound decisions in a fast‑paced and evolving environment. Highly organised with strong leadership capability, able to inspire teams, drive accountability, and maintain high standards of performance across both people and client delivery. Proactive, forward‑thinking, and solutions‑oriented, with the ability to identify opportunities, anticipate challenges, and implement practical, commercially effective outcomes. Comfortable through change, driving integration initiatives, and embedding new ways of working that align with wider business strategy and operational goals. An exceptional relationship builder, capable of developing trust and credibility with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders at all levels both internally and externally. Able to operate strategically while remaining hands‑on when required, balancing long‑term growth objectives with day‑to‑day operational leadership and delivery. Confident managing substantial client portfolios and senior stakeholder relationships, with strong commercial awareness around client service, fee management, retention, and growth opportunities. Demonstrates high levels of personal accountability, professionalism, and resilience, with the ability to remain composed and effective under pressure. Possesses strong influencing and communication skills, capable of bringing people together, managing expectations effectively, and leading with clarity and purpose.
Other requirements
- Willingness to travel between sites when occasionally required.
Values and culture
- Consistently uphold the Company’s values, ethical standards, and professional responsibilities.
- Demonstrate a positive and proactive approach to teamwork and client service.
- Lead by example in day‑to‑day work, showing integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
What we offer
- We offer a range of benefits alongside a competitive salary and holiday package which will be discussed with you at your interview.
Job type: Full‑time, permanent
Benefits
- Annual discretionary bonus
- 22 +8 days annual leave (Inc. bank hols & increasing with service)
- Option to buy additional holiday days
- Birthday off
- Contributory pension
- Group Life cover (death in service)
- Subsidised gym membership
- Fully funded professional training
- Free parking at all sites
This job summary is intended as a guide to the duties of the post and is not exhaustive. All roles are subject to review and change to meet evolving business needs.
Senior Client Portfolio Manager employer: Cottons Group
At Cottons Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and growth-oriented work culture. As a Senior Client Portfolio Manager, you will enjoy a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a range of benefits including a contributory pension and fully funded professional training, all while working in a supportive environment that values integrity and accountability. Our commitment to employee development and the opportunity to build trusted client relationships in a dynamic setting makes Cottons Group an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Client Portfolio Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with someone from a company you’re keen on, make sure to highlight your experience with client relationship management and team leadership. Share specific examples of how you've driven growth and improved profitability in past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a job opening that fits your skills, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email expressing your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s culture and values. Be ready to discuss how your leadership style aligns with their goals. Remember, they want to see if you’ll fit in as much as they want to know about your skills!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Client Portfolio Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in client relationship management and team leadership. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen:Since the role involves managing a substantial client portfolio, it’s crucial to demonstrate your commercial awareness. Share examples of how you've successfully navigated fee negotiations or improved profitability in previous roles – we love seeing those numbers!
Be Authentic:We value integrity and professionalism, so let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for client service and teamwork, and don’t be afraid to show us what makes you unique – we’re looking for genuine connections!
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cottons Group
✨Know Your Client Portfolio
Before the interview, take time to understand the client portfolio you'll be managing. Familiarise yourself with the key clients, their needs, and how you can enhance their experience. This will show your potential employer that you're proactive and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you've inspired accountability and collaboration among team members, as this role requires strong leadership capabilities.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Highlight your experience with fee negotiations and commercial discussions. Be ready to discuss strategies you've implemented to improve profitability and recovery within a client portfolio. This will demonstrate your understanding of the financial aspects of client management.
✨Emphasise Relationship Building
Prepare to talk about how you've built trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders. Share examples of how you've managed expectations and resolved conflicts, as strong relationship-building skills are crucial for this role.
