At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage investments and drive performance in a dynamic portfolio.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on growth and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of strategic investment management and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Degree or relevant experience in asset management and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Exciting role with excellent networking opportunities and industry engagement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Job Description
Macdonald & Company is proud to partner with a leading UK real estate developer, investor and asset manager to appoint a Portfolio Manager to oversee and optimise a diverse income-producing portfolio spanning purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), build-to-rent (BTR), and residential assets across the UK.
Our client is one of the UK’s most established mixed-tenure residential platforms, with a proven track record of delivering and managing institutional-grade assets on behalf of blue-chip investors, capital partners and its own balance sheet. With a development and operational portfolio nationwide, the business continues to expand its investment management capabilities to drive long-term value creation and portfolio growth.
This newly created Portfolio Manager role offers the opportunity to take ownership of a substantial stabilised portfolio, working closely with senior leadership and external partners to optimise performance, enhance returns, and support the Group’s evolving investment and exit strategies.
Role Overview
Based in the UK, the Portfolio Manager will take responsibility for the strategic and operational management of a multi-asset residential portfolio held through a mix of joint ventures, sale-and-leaseback arrangements, and direct ownership structures. The role will play a critical part in maximising long-term value, overseeing day-to-day portfolio performance, and identifying new opportunities for optimisation, exit, or reinvestment.
Working alongside the investment leadership team, this position will also contribute to the growth of the platform by supporting new acquisition, development, and asset management initiatives, while ensuring best-in-class reporting, governance, and stakeholder engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Portfolio Oversight & Performance
- Manage the firm’s portfolio of income-producing PBSA and BTR assets across the UK, including direct holdings and joint venture interests.
- Drive value creation across the portfolio by identifying operational, financial, and strategic opportunities to enhance performance.
- Oversee the mobilisation and delivery of new assets entering operation, working closely with development, operations, and project delivery teams.
- Support the implementation of the Group’s “for sale” residential strategy,
Financial & Strategic Management
- Monitor portfolio performance against business plans, budgets, and covenants, ensuring robust risk management and financial discipline.
- Lead quarterly and annual reporting across JV and Group holdings, partnering closely with finance and investment functions.
- Develop performance dashboards, analytics, and investment summaries for leadership and capital partners.
- Contribute to strategic decisions around hold/sell analysis, refinancing, and future capital deployment.
Stakeholder & Partner Engagement
- Act as the day-to-day contact for JV partners, lenders, and internal stakeholders, ensuring alignment across operational and investment priorities.
- Present portfolio performance, recommendations, and strategic initiatives to senior leadership and external partners.
- Represent the business at industry events and networking forums to support the platform’s market visibility and partnerships.
Governance & Operational Excellence
- Ensure portfolio activities align with the company’s standards for financial control, health & safety, and sustainability.
- Maintain robust governance processes, reporting protocols, and compliance across all investment structures.
- Champion continuous improvement across asset management systems, data accuracy, and decision-support tools.
Candidate Profile
Experience & Strategy
- Degree-qualified, with significant experience in portfolio or asset management within the residential for rent or PBSA sectors.
- Proven track record managing institutional-scale portfolios, ideally including joint ventures, sale-and-leaseback, or co-investment structures.
- Commercially minded with the ability to balance strategic decision-making and operational execution.
Technical & Analytical Skills
- Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, financial models, and performance reporting.
- Deep understanding of residential capital markets, asset lifecycle dynamics, and value creation levers.
- Comfortable engaging with finance, development, and operational stakeholders across the full investment lifecycle.
Leadership & Communication
- Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across internal and external teams.
- Decisive, organised, and analytical, capable of managing multiple projects and deadlines in a dynamic environment.
- Confident communicator with strong negotiation, reporting, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
Location & Travel
- Based within a commutable distance to Central London with regular travel to project sites and partner meetings nationwide.
Portfolio Manager employer: Macdonald & Company
Contact Detail:
Macdonald & Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Portfolio Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals at events or online. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Portfolio Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your past projects and successes in asset management. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your strategic and operational expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to companies directly through our website and express your interest in potential opportunities. You never know what might come up!
✨Tip Number 4
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for interviews by rehearsing answers to common questions related to portfolio management. This will boost your confidence and help you communicate your value effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Portfolio Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Portfolio Manager role. Highlight your experience in asset management and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, emphasise your ability to think strategically about investments and portfolio management. Share examples of how you've maximised value or managed risks in previous roles. This is key for us!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the heart of your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Macdonald & Company
✨Know Your Portfolio Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Group's on-balance sheet investments and the specifics of the sale and leaseback arrangements. Familiarise yourself with the current performance metrics and any recent developments in the PBSA sector. This will help you demonstrate your strategic management skills and show that you're ready to enhance value across the assets.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Think about specific projects where you engaged with internal teams or external partners, and highlight your ability to drive performance through teamwork.
✨Prepare for Growth Strategy Discussions
The interviewers will likely want to hear your thoughts on growth opportunities. Research current trends in the residential capital markets and come up with a few ideas on potential new asset management strategies. This shows that you're not just reactive but also proactive in seeking out ways to contribute to the Group's success.
✨Master the Art of Reporting
As reporting is a key part of this role, brush up on how to present complex information clearly and concisely. Prepare to discuss your experience with compiling reports and managing data, and consider bringing examples of reports you've created in previous roles. This will demonstrate your organisational skills and attention to detail.