Portfolio Director
Schroders · Edinburgh
Overview
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.
About Cazenove Capital
At Cazenove Capital we look after private individuals, families and charities. We are the wealth management business of the FTSE-listed global investment manager Schroders. We help our clients around the world invest money to meet their goals, fulfil their ambitions, and prepare for the future.
About Schroders, our parent company
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 Base
We are based at Charlotte Square in the centre of Edinburgh.
The Team
We are one of the largest UK-based wealth management firm, based in Edinburgh headquartered in London but with offices around the country. We help private clients, families, charities and some institutions meet their long term goals by offering our expertise in investment, wealth planning, lending and family office services. We draw on the resources of the Schroders group, as well as having our own in house investment team.
We're open to flexible working, so we can all balance our personal and professional commitments.
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. For more information, please visit our FAQs.