At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and present bespoke investment solutions for high-net-worth clients and charities.
- Company: Dynamic investment firm focused on innovation and client engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, generous leave, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Hybrid work environment with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Join a transformative team and make a real impact in the investment world.
- Qualifications: Experience in client-facing investment roles and strong portfolio management skills.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
Are you ready to chart your own career path? With our refreshed strategy, we’re building on our rich heritage and transforming our business to be more scalable and efficient, unlocking the capabilities needed for future success. This includes significantly investing in technology, streamlining the way we work and creating an environment where colleagues feel engaged, empowered and accountable; where they can show up, speak up and perform - because we believe in the difference our work makes.
At a glance:
- LOCATION: London - Lombard Street Office
- Workplace Type: Hybrid
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Seniority: Mid-Senior Level
About the role:
We have an exciting new role to join the Investment Directorate as a Portfolio Solutions Manager! As a senior member of the team, this front-office role is responsible for originating, designing, and presenting innovative and differentiated bespoke investment solutions for high-net-worth individuals, charities, and endowments. This role is central to the delivery of new business growth, playing a key role in driving assets under management (AUM), and deepening adviser and client relationships. You'll combine your deep technical expertise with strong commercial acumen to deliver high-conviction, tailored portfolio solutions and compelling client communications. As a visible and trusted partner to financial advisers, you will play a critical role in client pitches, solution design, and ongoing portfolio oversight, while contributing to the development of a scalable bespoke investment proposition aligned with SJP’s investment philosophy.
What you'll be doing:
- Design and develop custom investment proposals to support advisers in winning new mandates as well as retaining key HNW clients.
- Act as a trusted technical partner in client meetings and pitches.
- Translate complex investment concepts into clear, compelling, and client-friendly narratives.
- Construct and oversee multi-asset portfolios across various tax wrappers.
- Design innovative, tailored portfolios to diverse client objectives, including income generation, capital preservation, drawdown, and long-term growth.
- Identify opportunities to enhance and differentiate SJP’s proposition for charities, endowments, and other institutional-style portfolios.
- Contribute to the development of innovative and differentiated approaches to portfolio design, structuring, and client reporting.
About you:
We are looking for someone who combines deep technical expertise with strong commercial acumen. You should have experience of delivering high-conviction, tailored portfolio solutions and compelling client communications.
Essential Criteria:
- Previous experience in a client-facing or front-office investment role, including exposure to complex or bespoke client solutions.
- Consistent track record supporting or leading investment pitches and proposals.
- Experience working with HNW, UHNW, charities, or endowment clients.
- Deep understanding of financial markets, asset allocation, portfolio construction, and risk management.
- Extensive experience constructing or analysing multi-asset portfolios.
- Demonstrable experience of balancing technical expertise with commercial context to support client outcomes and business growth.
- Strong working knowledge of capital market assumptions and optimisation techniques, with the ability to apply these in the design of tailored and differentiated portfolio solutions.
- Acts as a key technical reference point for advisers and stakeholders on more complex portfolio construction matters.
- High level of confidence and credibility engaging with clients, advisers, and senior stakeholders, with the ability to deliver compelling client narratives.
- Experience with Bloomberg or equivalent systems and Advanced Excel capability.
Desirable Criteria:
- CFA / CAIA (completed or in progress).
Special Requirements:
Regular travel within the UK to support client meetings and adviser engagement. Please be aware that this is a certification role under the Senior Managers and Certification Regime.
What's in it for you?
We reward you for the work you do, whether that’s through our discretionary annual bonus scheme that reflects both personal and company performance, competitive annual leave allowance (28 days plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase an additional 5 days), or online rewards platform with a variety of discounts. We also have benefits to support whatever stage of life you are in, including:
- Competitive parental leave (26 weeks full pay).
- Private medical insurance (optional taxable benefit).
- Non-Contributory Pension – 10% (increasing with length of service up to 15%) with further pension matching.
We're an equal opportunities employer and want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible and inclusive for all. If you require reasonable adjustment(s) at any stage please let us know by emailing us at careers@sjp.co.uk. Research tells us that applicants (especially those from underrepresented groups) can be put off from applying for a role if they do not meet all the criteria or have been on an extended career break. If you think you would be a good match for this role and can demonstrate some transferable experience please apply, regardless of whether you tick every box.
Portfolio Manager employer: St John
St. John in Cirencester offers a supportive and dynamic work environment for the Entry Level Resource Administrator role, where you can develop your skills while contributing to meaningful projects. With a focus on employee growth and a hybrid working model, you will enjoy a balanced work-life experience in a collaborative team that values communication and organisation. Join us to be part of a company that prioritises your professional development and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Portfolio Manager
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like St John. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from St John.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like St John. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Portfolio Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in St John and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show St John how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at St John
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with St John.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with St John's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
