At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow a high-value client portfolio while ensuring exceptional client experiences.
- Company: Global investment manager with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by building trusted relationships and driving sustainable growth.
- Qualifications: Regulatory-approved Level 4 and 7 qualifications like CFA or CISI required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
The Portfolio Director is responsible for leading and growing a high-value client portfolio, delivering strong commercial outcomes while setting the standard for client experience, risk discipline, and collaborative leadership. The role balances revenue growth with long-term client outcomes, team contribution, and firm-wide stewardship. The role holder should hold suitable regulatory-approved Level 4 and 7 qualifications, such as CFA or CISI.
Scope & Accountability
- Ownership of a defined client portfolio
- Accountability for client service, retention, and portfolio delivery
- Responsibility for operating within agreed risk and governance parameters
- Contribution to team culture, collaboration, and shared success
- Personal development towards more senior client leadership roles
Key Responsibilities
- Own and deliver sustainable net new business growth across the portfolio
- Drive annual revenue growth through deep client relationships and proactive opportunities
- Originate and convert high-quality opportunities, including complex or strategic mandates
- Act as a trusted referral partner across the firm, generating and receiving meaningful internal referrals
- Set the standard for exceptional client service and long-term retention
- Build trusted, multi-generational relationships with key clients and influencers
- Actively manage client risk profiles, ensuring suitability and long-term alignment
- Lead collaborative client solutions, drawing on specialist and investment expertise
- Represent the firm credibly with high-value and high-risk clients
- Demonstrate visible leadership through behaviour, professionalism, and accountability
- Act as a role model for client focus, collaboration, and ethical judgement
- Invest in personal development and seek regular feedback to continuously improve
- Contribute to a high-performance culture by supporting, coaching, or mentoring others
- Serve as the principal spokesperson in internal and external forums
Operational & Platform Excellence
- Grow the portfolio profitably, balancing revenue, costs, and capital efficiency
- Ensure effective use of the firm’s platform, including appropriate delegation of portfolios
- Champion scalable, innovative, and efficient ways of working that support long-term growth
- Leverage data, insights, and digital tools to improve client outcomes and decision-making
Risk, Governance & Professional Standards
- Maintain a strong risk culture with disciplined client and portfolio oversight
- Ensure KYC, client documentation, and ongoing reviews are completed to a high standard
- Actively reduce and manage high-risk exposures within the portfolio
- Comply fully with all firm, divisional, and regulatory policies
- Complete mandatory training on time and maintain high professional standards
Key Relationships
- Clients and family groups within assigned portfolio
- Portfolio Directors, Team Managers, and Team Heads
- Investment, Planning, and specialist partners
- Risk, Compliance, and operational colleagues
What Success Looks Like
- A growing, profitable, and well-balanced client portfolio
- High client satisfaction and strong long-term retention
- Trusted partnerships across the firm
- Strong risk outcomes with no avoidable issues
- Recognised as a senior role model for clients, colleagues, and culture
We recognise potential, whoever you are. Our purpose is to provide excellent investment performance to clients through active management. Diversity of thought, facilitated by an inclusive culture, will allow us to make better decisions and better achieve our purpose. This is why inclusion and diversity are a strategic priority for us and why we are an equal opportunities employer. You are welcome here, regardless of your age, disability, gender identity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, or any other protected characteristic.
About Us: We're a global investment manager. We help institutions, intermediaries and individuals around the world invest money to meet their goals, fulfil their ambitions, and prepare for the future. We have around 6,000 people on six continents. And we've been around for over 200 years, but keep adapting as society and technology changes. What doesn't change is our commitment to helping our clients, and society, prosper.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Portfolio Director in Birmingham
✨Get Involved in Finance Communities
Join investment and asset management forums or local finance meetups. Engaging with professionals in these circles can not only help you learn the ropes but also put you in touch with potential employers like Schroders, who often scout for talent at such events.
✨Utilise Networking Platforms
Connect with professionals already working in asset management on platforms like LinkedIn. A personal message showing your interest in their role or asking for advice can lead to significant connections that might tip the scales in your favour at companies like Schroders.
✨Show Off Your Financial Skills
Consider contributing to investment blogs or even creating your own content. Sharing your insights and analyses can demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the industry, making you stand out when applying for roles at organisations like Schroders.
✨Engage with Recruitment Events
Attend finance recruitment fairs and expos. These events are perfect for making a strong impression with recruiters and potentially securing interviews. Many companies, including Schroders, attend these events to scout for fresh talent, so make sure you stand out with your enthusiasm and knowledge!
We think you need these skills to ace Portfolio Director in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In asset management, it's all about the numbers! Make sure your CV showcases your analytical skills, particularly any experience with financial modelling or quantitative analysis. Employers like Schroders want to see how you can dissect data and turn it into actionable insights, so don't hold back on your achievements!
Show Off Your Relevant Qualifications:Having the right qualifications can be a game changer in investment roles. If you've got a degree in finance, economics, or a related field, flaunt it! Also, if you have any certifications like CFA or CAIA, mention those too. It’ll help demonstrate your commitment and expertise in the field to Schroders.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Reflect Passion for Investment:Your cover letter is your chance to express your enthusiasm for the investment world. Share why you're drawn to asset management and your understanding of market trends. The hiring team at Schroders will be keen to see that passion and how you keep up with industry news and developments.
Quantify Your Achievements:Don’t just tell them what you did - show them! When detailing your previous experience, include quantifiable achievements to illustrate your impact. Whether it’s percentage growth on a portfolio or cost savings in a project, these figures will help your application stand out to Schroders. Numbers speak louder than words!
How to prepare for a job interview at Schroders
✨Brush Up on Financial Modelling
For a role in investment asset management, being well-versed in financial modelling is crucial. Make sure you can articulate your experience with tools like Excel or any specialised software you've used. Maybe even prepare a couple of examples of financial models you've built or analysed.
✨Know Your Investment Strategies
Expect questions around different investment strategies and how you would apply them in various market scenarios. Get ready to discuss current market trends and how they impact portfolio management. This shows you're not just about the theory but also keeping an eye on real-world applications.
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Since this is a full-time role, companies like Schroders want to see your analytical thinking in action. Prepare to solve case studies or tackle some numerical puzzles during the interview. Practicing these types of questions will boost your confidence and show off your skills.
✨Discuss Your Long-Term Career Goals
As you’re applying for a full-time position, the interviewers will be interested in your commitment to the field. Be ready to discuss how this role fits into your long-term career plans in asset management. This shows you're not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely interested in growing withSchroders.
