At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead client relationships and drive commercial success while ensuring exceptional service.
- Company: Join Schroders, a global investment manager with a rich history since 1804.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working arrangements and a commitment to personal development.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in investment management and build lasting client relationships.
- Qualifications: Regulatory qualifications and experience in client relationship management required.
The predicted salary is between 99000 - 121000 £ per year.
Schroders is a global investment manager which provides active asset management, wealth management and investment solutions. We aim to provide excellent investment performance to clients through active management. We serve a diverse client base that includes pension schemes, insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds, endowments, foundations, high net worth individuals, family offices, as well as end clients through partnerships with distributors, financial advisers, and online platforms. Established in 1804, we have around 5,500 people across 36 global locations. Schroders' success can be attributed to its diversified business model, spanning different asset classes, client types and geographies.
The Portfolio Director is responsible for leading a portfolio of client relationships, delivering strong commercial outcomes while setting the standard for client experience, risk discipline, and collaborative leadership. The role balances business development, long-term client outcomes, team contribution, and firm-wide stewardship. The role holder should hold appropriate regulatory qualifications and maintain the professional standards required for the role, recognising that equivalent historic qualifications may also be relevant depending on experience and date of qualification.
Scope & Accountability
- Responsibility for a defined portfolio of client relationships
- Accountability for client service, retention, and commercial performance against agreed targets
- Responsibility for operating within agreed risk, governance, and regulatory parameters
- Contribution to team culture, collaboration, and shared success
- Commitment to personal development and supporting the development of others
Key Responsibilities
Growth & Commercial Leadership
- Deliver agreed targets across net new assets, revenue growth, and client profitability metrics
- Drive revenue growth through deep client relationships, proactive opportunity identification, and a clear business development plan
- 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 and external referrals
Client Leadership & Experience
- Set the standard for exceptional client service and long-term retention
- Build trusted, multi-generational relationships with key clients, families, and influencers
- Demonstrate a clear understanding and application of the firm’s strategies and offerings to ensure suitability and alignment with clients’ long-term financial objectives
- Lead collaborative client solutions, drawing on specialist and investment expertise as appropriate
- Support next-generation planning and longer-term relationship continuity where relevant to client needs
People, Leadership & Role Modelling
- Demonstrate visible leadership through behaviour, professionalism, sound judgement, and accountability
- Act as a role model for client focus, collaboration, and ethical decision-making
- Support, coach, and help develop others, including Portfolio Managers, Assistant/Associate Portfolio Managers, and Client Services Executives
- Invest in personal development, seek regular feedback, and contribute to a high-performance culture
- Contribute thought leadership internally and represent the firm credibly in appropriate external forums
Operational & Platform Excellence
- Ensure portfolios are managed in a commercially sustainable and profitable manner, within the parameters and controls available to the role
- Ensure effective use of the firm’s platform, including appropriate delegation and oversight of portfolios where relevant
- Champion scalable, innovative, and efficient ways of working that support long-term client and business outcomes
- Use data, insight, and digital tools to support effective decision-making and improved client outcomes
Risk, Governance & Professional Standards
- Maintain a strong risk culture with disciplined client and portfolio oversight
- Ensure KYC, client documentation, suitability assessments, and ongoing reviews are completed to a high standard
- Manage high-risk exposures appropriately within the portfolio of client relationships and underlying client portfolios
- Comply fully with all firm, divisional, regulatory, and, where applicable, SMCR responsibilities relevant to the role
- Complete mandatory training on time and maintain high professional and conduct standards
Key Relationships
- Clients and family groups within the assigned portfolio of client relationships
- Portfolio Managers, Assistant/Associate Portfolio Managers, Client Services Executives, Team Managers, and Team Heads
- Investment, Planning, and specialist partners
- Risk, Compliance, and operational colleagues
What Success Looks Like
- A well-managed and commercially sustainable portfolio of client relationships, delivered within agreed targets and risk parameters
- High client satisfaction and strong long-term retention
- Trusted partnerships across the firm and a strong contribution to referrals and collaboration
- Strong risk and governance outcomes with no avoidable issues
- Recognition as a senior role model who develops others and contributes positively to team culture
We recognise potential, whoever you are. Our purpose is to deliver excellent investment performance to clients through active management. We believe diverse perspectives and an inclusive culture help us make better decisions and achieve better outcomes for our clients. That's why inclusion is a strategic priority for us, and 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. We will consider flexible working arrangements for all roles and provide reasonable accommodations to support applicants and employees, including those with neurodiversity, disability, or physical and mental health needs.
Portfolio Director in Bristol employer: Schroders
Schroders Wealth Management is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation and collaboration thrive. Employees benefit from a strong commitment to professional development, a culture that prioritises risk management excellence, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on client outcomes while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. With a focus on fostering a supportive atmosphere, Schroders empowers its team members to grow and excel in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Portfolio Director in Bristol
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Schroders. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Portfolio Director in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Schroders.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Schroders's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Schroders
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Schroders.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Schroders will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Schroders employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
