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If you’ve ever Googled “Portfolio Manager job description,” you’ve probably noticed the same thing: they all sound exactly alike.
Bullet points. Buzzwords. A list of duties with no real insight into what makes a great Portfolio Manager stand out.
But here’s the problem: generic job descriptions don’t attract top performers. They attract copy-paste applicants who are just looking for any job, not your job.
And if you’re serious about building a high-performing investment team, that’s a costly mistake.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to write a Portfolio Manager job post that actually works—one that attracts experienced, driven candidates who are aligned with your firm’s mission, values, and long-term goals.
✅ We’ll cover:
- What a Portfolio Manager actually does (in plain English)
- Two job description templates you can use or adapt
- A breakdown of what makes a job post effective
- A bad example to avoid
- And bonus tips to make your post stand out from every other finance job on the internet
💡Before we dive in, we recommend checking out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ if you haven’t already. It breaks down why most templates fail and shows you how to create job posts that convert real talent.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
What Does a Portfolio Manager Actually Do?
Here’s a plain-English definition of what a Portfolio Manager does, written in a conversational and insightful tone:
A Portfolio Manager is responsible for making investment decisions on behalf of clients or firms. They build and manage portfolios by selecting the right mix of assets—stocks, bonds, real estate, or alternatives—based on a client’s financial goals, risk tolerance, and market outlook.
But it’s not just about choosing investments. Great Portfolio Managers are also skilled communicators. They keep clients informed, explain their strategies clearly, and adjust plans as markets shift or goals evolve.
They blend analytical thinking with human insight. That means understanding macro trends, evaluating risk, and making data-backed decisions—while also building trust, managing expectations, and navigating client emotions during market volatility.
In short: a Portfolio Manager protects and grows people’s money. And in today’s market, that requires more than just financial knowledge—it demands responsibility, discipline, and long-term thinking.
Two Great Portfolio Manager Job Description Templates
✅ Job Description Template #1: Experienced Portfolio Manager
📌 Job Title: Senior Portfolio Manager – Stonebridge Capital Partners (New York, NY)
💼 Full-Time | Hybrid (3 days/week in-office)
💰 $130,000–$160,000 base salary + performance bonus + benefits
🕒 Schedule: Monday–Friday, Standard Business Hours
🎥 Meet the Team Before You Apply
We believe great candidates deserve context before they apply.
Watch this short video from our Managing Director explaining the role and what it’s like to work here:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube link here]
🏢 Who We Are
Stonebridge Capital Partners is a privately held investment advisory firm based in New York City. Since 2009, we’ve managed portfolios for high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and endowments—totaling over $2.4B in AUM.
We’re known for our disciplined, fundamentals-first approach to investing and our commitment to client relationships that span decades. Our team is collaborative, thoughtful, and laser-focused on long-term value creation—not short-term hype.
🌟 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
We’re not looking for someone to just run models. We’re looking for a portfolio leader—someone who understands the market but never forgets the human side of investing.
You’ll have direct influence over strategy, regular interaction with clients, and the autonomy to shape your portfolios. If you love working in a culture of high standards, open communication, and strategic freedom—this is your seat at the table.
✅ Perks and Benefits
- Competitive base salary ($130K–$160K) + bonus tied to portfolio performance
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- 4 weeks PTO + 10 company holidays
- Hybrid schedule (3 days in-office, 2 remote)
- Annual learning & development budget
- Full coverage for CFA exam prep or continuing education
- Weekly in-office lunch + quarterly team offsites
🔍 What You’ll Be Doing
- Build, monitor, and optimize client portfolios across equities, fixed income, and alternatives
- Lead quarterly performance reviews and present strategy updates to clients
- Collaborate with the research team on macroeconomic analysis and investment theses
- Rebalance portfolios and assess risk exposure as market conditions change
- Ensure compliance and regulatory documentation is kept up-to-date
- Mentor junior analysts and contribute to firmwide investment discussions
🧠 What We’re Looking For
- 5+ years of experience in portfolio management or investment advisory
- Strong understanding of asset allocation and investment analysis
- CFA charterholder preferred
- Exceptional communication skills (client presentations, internal strategy)
- Proactive mindset, strong attention to detail
- Based in NYC or willing to relocate; hybrid flexibility offered
📥 How to Apply
We respect your time. That’s why we use WorkScreen—so you’re evaluated based on strengths, not buzzwords.
Click the link below to complete your short, structured evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
We’ll review every application, and we’ll keep you updated at every step.
✅ Job Description Template #2 : Entry-Level / Willing to Train Candidates
📌 Job Title: Junior Portfolio Manager – Stonebridge Capital Partners (New York, NY)
💼 Full-Time | In-Person or Hybrid
💰 $75,000–$90,000 base salary + training stipend + benefits
🕒 Schedule: Monday–Friday | 8:30 AM–5:30 PM
🎥 Get to Know the Team
Before applying, watch this 2-minute video from our Director of Investments explaining the opportunity and how we support early-career hires:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube link here]
🏢 Who We Are
At Stonebridge Capital Partners, we manage more than $2.4 billion in assets for individuals, family offices, and institutional clients. We’re based in New York City, and since 2009, we’ve built a reputation for smart investing, steady performance, and trusted relationships.
We’re a tight-knit team of analysts, advisors, and researchers who love solving complex problems, staying grounded in data, and helping clients grow their wealth with confidence. And right now, we’re investing in our next generation of talent.
🌟 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
If you’re curious about investing, passionate about markets, and eager to learn from experienced mentors—this is a rare opportunity.
You’ll be paired with a senior manager who will guide your development, teach you our research process, and help you build the skills needed to manage real portfolios. We don’t expect perfection—we’re looking for potential.
Whether you’ve just earned your finance degree or are transitioning from another analytical role, if you’re ready to grow, we’re ready to invest in you.
✅ Perks and Benefits
- Starting salary of $75K–$90K with quarterly performance reviews
- Full medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Paid CFA exam prep and licensing support
- Monthly mentorship sessions with senior portfolio managers
- Annual learning stipend ($2,000/year)
- 401(k) with 5% company match
- Unlimited coffee, great office snacks, and team lunches every Friday
- Generous paid time off (20 days) + holiday schedule
- Hybrid flexibility after 6 months of onboarding
🔍 What You’ll Be Doing
- Assist in monitoring and adjusting client portfolios under supervision
- Conduct research on equities, ETFs, and macroeconomic trends
- Prepare client materials, reports, and investment memos
- Attend weekly investment committee meetings and present findings
- Shadow senior PMs during client meetings and quarterly reviews
- Ensure accurate documentation and compliance in CRM and portfolio systems
🧠 What We’re Looking For
- Recent graduates (Finance, Economics, Accounting, or similar)
- OR 1–2 years of experience in a financial analysis or investment support role
- Strong Excel and presentation skills
- Clear communicator with a willingness to learn
- Detail-oriented and hungry to grow
- Passionate about financial markets (we’ll ask what you’re currently reading!)
- CFA Level 1 is a plus, but not required
📥 How to Apply
We don’t just skim resumes—we evaluate real potential. That’s why we use WorkScreen to give every candidate a fair shot.
Click the link below to complete your short, skill-based evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
You’ll hear back from us within 1–2 weeks, and we’ll keep you updated every step of the way.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Why These Portfolio Manager Job Posts Actually Work
1. ✅ The Job Titles Are Clear and Specific
Both job posts include the exact role, seniority level, company name, and location. This makes them more searchable and instantly tells candidates whether the opportunity fits their experience and goals.
Example:
- Instead of “Portfolio Manager,” we say “Senior Portfolio Manager – Stonebridge Capital Partners (New York, NY)”
2. 🎥 A Video from the Hiring Team Builds Trust
Including a Loom or YouTube video creates a human connection before the candidate even applies. It’s a rare touch in finance hiring—and it helps you stand out to relationship-driven applicants.
3. 🏢 The “Who We Are” Section Shows the Company’s Personality
Rather than listing generic values or mission statements, we wrote a specific company profile that highlights what makes Stonebridge Capital different. This gives candidates context and lets them self-select based on values and approach.
4. 🌟 “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” Speaks Directly to the Right Candidates
This section makes it clear who the role is perfect for. It doesn’t just describe what the company wants—it explains why the role is meaningful, exciting, and worth pursuing.
It’s a soft filter that attracts aligned candidates and repels those who aren’t.
5. 🎁 Perks and Benefits Are Listed Separately and Transparently
Top candidates—especially in high-stakes finance roles—care about compensation clarity. Listing salary, bonuses, growth perks, and work flexibility builds trust and saves time for both sides.
It also reflects the firm’s professionalism and respect for applicants.
6. 🔍 The Responsibilities Are Written in Human Language
Rather than dry bullet points, each task is contextualized with purpose.
For example:
- Instead of “Rebalance portfolios,” we say:
“Rebalance portfolios and assess risk exposure as market conditions change.”
This gives the candidate a fuller picture of how their work will matter.
7. ✅ The Requirements Are Balanced and Realistic
We highlight what truly matters—skills, mindset, and baseline experience—without bloating the section with impossible checklists. For junior roles, we clearly mark “nice to haves” vs. “must haves,” encouraging applicants who may not check every box.
8. 🤝 The Hiring Process Is Respectful and Transparent
By using WorkScreen and clearly stating what candidates can expect, the post respects applicants’ time and effort. It signals a thoughtful process—and that instantly boosts your employer brand.
9. 📍Tone: Human, Not Corporate
Every section reads like it was written by a real person, for a real person. It avoids jargon, speaks with warmth and clarity, and feels like a conversation—not a legal notice. That tone attracts top performers who care about the people they work with—not just the paycheck.
Bad Portfolio Manager Job Post Example (And Why It Fails)
Job Title: Portfolio Manager
Company: Global Wealth Partners
Location: New York, NY
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Summary
Global Wealth Partners is seeking a Portfolio Manager to oversee client portfolios, manage asset allocation, and ensure consistent performance. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of market trends and risk management.
Responsibilities
- Develop and manage investment portfolios
- Monitor financial markets and adjust asset allocations
- Prepare client reports and performance updates
- Conduct portfolio rebalancing as needed
- Collaborate with internal teams
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance or related field
- 3–5 years of portfolio management experience
- Strong analytical and communication skills
How to Apply
Email your resume and cover letter to hr@globalwealthpartners.com by August 30, 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
⚠️ Why This Job Post Falls Short
1. The Title Is Too Generic
“Portfolio Manager” gives no information about seniority, firm style, or client type. It could be for any firm, anywhere. Top candidates want to know exactly what they’re applying for—and this doesn’t tell them.
2. There’s No Personality or Purpose in the Intro
The summary is bland, vague, and forgettable. It says what the role does, but not why it matters—or what the company stands for.
3. Responsibilities Are Too Broad and Dry
These tasks could apply to any investment job. They don’t give any sense of the firm’s strategy, portfolio size, or how success is measured.
4. Requirements Are Boilerplate
Nothing here filters for mindset, passion, or communication style. A junior analyst could copy-paste this list onto 100 resumes and blend right in.
5. No Mention of Salary or Perks
Leaving out compensation details creates friction. It also sends the message that the firm isn’t transparent or competitive—which can turn off high-caliber talent.
6. The Hiring Process Feels Cold and Uncaring
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is one of the most demoralizing lines you can put in a job post. It tells applicants their time isn’t valued.
7. The Call to Action Is Weak and Outdated
Asking for emailed resumes with no further info is clunky. There’s no sense of flow, no personality, and no signal that this firm is serious about hiring the right person.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Portfolio Manager Job Post Stand Out
✅ Tip 1: Add an IMPORTANT NOTICE About Applicant Safety
Online job scams are rising, and candidates are cautious. Adding a brief security statement shows that your company is reputable and protects applicants.
Example:
🔒 We take your privacy and security seriously. We’ll never ask for payment, financial information, or passwords at any stage of the hiring process.
✅ Tip 2: Mention Leave Days or Flex Time
High-performing candidates—especially experienced professionals—care deeply about work-life balance. Stating your PTO, holidays, or flex time policies shows that you value sustainability and mental well-being.
Example:
🛫 Enjoy 20 days of PTO, 10 company holidays, and flexible scheduling options after your first 90 days.
✅ Tip 3: Highlight Growth and Learning Opportunities
Top talent isn’t just looking for a paycheck—they want progression. Make your job post more attractive by showing how you’ll invest in them.
Example:
📚 We cover the full cost of CFA exam prep, finance certifications, and annual conference attendance. Plus, you’ll get monthly mentorship with senior investment leaders.
✅ Tip 4: Include a Loom or Video From the Hiring Manager
A short video explaining the role or introducing the team helps build trust. It humanizes your brand and instantly differentiates you from every other finance firm on the job board.
Pro Tip:
📹 Use a simple Loom video. No need for high production—just make it real, authentic, and welcoming.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
✅ Tip 5: State Your Commitment to Response and Transparency
Most candidates never hear back from employers. Show that your company does things differently.
Example:
📬 We reply to every application. Whether or not you move forward, you’ll always hear from us.
These tips don’t take much time to implement—but they make a big impact. In finance especially, where many job posts feel cold and transactional, even small human touches set your company apart.
Should You Use AI to Write Your Portfolio Manager Job Post?
Lately, it feels like every hiring platform offers “one-click” AI-generated job descriptions. It sounds convenient—but when you use AI without giving it any context, you end up with something that looks like this:
“We are looking for a dynamic Portfolio Manager to join our growing team. You will be responsible for managing assets, evaluating performance, and collaborating with stakeholders to optimize results.”
It’s vague. Boring. Completely interchangeable with thousands of other job posts.
Here’s why that’s a problem:
❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
- You’ll attract low-effort candidates.
Generic posts bring in people applying to everything—without reading anything. - Your brand will blend in.
A job post is often a candidate’s first impression of your company. Why waste that moment on filler content? - You’ll miss the best candidates.
Top performers aren’t just skimming for any job—they’re scanning for the right one. If your post doesn’t reflect who you are, they’ll scroll past it.
✅ How to Use AI the Smart Way
AI can be useful for structure, phrasing, and tone—but only after you feed it the raw ingredients that make your company and role unique.
Here’s a better way to prompt it:
“Help me write a Portfolio Manager job description for my company, Stonebridge Capital Partners. We manage $2.4B AUM, focus on long-term investing, and value trust, precision, and transparency. The person we’re hiring will manage multi-asset portfolios, interact directly with clients, and help lead our investment committee. Our culture is collaborative and rigorous. We offer $130K–$160K salary, bonus, hybrid work, and full benefits. Here’s a rough outline I’ve drafted:”
[Paste any bullets or ideas you already have.]
Then, let the AI help you shape the post—but don’t let it define it.
Think of AI like a writing assistant, not a decision-maker. It can’t replace your voice, your values, or your understanding of what makes a great hire.
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Portfolio Manager Job Description?
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)
📌 Job Title: [Senior Portfolio Manager – Company Name, Location]
💼 [Job Type]
💰 [Salary Range + Bonus]
🕒 [Schedule Info]
🎥 Meet the Team
Watch this short video from our team explaining the role and what it’s like to work here:
👉 [Insert video link]
🏢 Who We Are
[Company Name] is an [investment/wealth management firm] managing over [$X Billion] in assets. We serve [high-net-worth individuals, family offices, or institutional clients] and are known for our [investment philosophy, long-term focus, and commitment to trust and transparency].
We’re looking for a Portfolio Manager to help us deliver exceptional results, communicate strategies clearly, and strengthen relationships with our clients and investment partners.
🌟 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You’ll have the autonomy to manage client portfolios, collaborate closely with analysts, and shape long-term investment strategies. If you’re passionate about research, strategy, and client communication—this is a role where your work will have visible impact.
🎁 Perks and Benefits
- [Salary + Bonus Structure]
- [Health, Dental, Vision Coverage]
- [Retirement Plan or 401(k) Match]
- [PTO and Flex Days]
- [Professional Development Budget]
- [CFA Support or Exam Reimbursement]
- [Hybrid Schedule or Work-From-Home Flexibility]
🔍 What You’ll Be Doing
- Manage and adjust multi-asset client portfolios
- Lead client performance reviews and explain allocation decisions
- Collaborate with analysts to stay on top of macroeconomic trends
- Produce investment memos and internal research summaries
- Monitor portfolio risk and ensure regulatory compliance
🧠 What We’re Looking For
- [X+] years of portfolio or investment management experience
- [Bachelor’s/Master’s] degree in Finance, Economics, or related field
- CFA charterholder or on track preferred
- Strong Excel, Bloomberg, or portfolio analytics skills
- Clear communicator who can translate strategy into action
- Detail-oriented, accountable, and collaborative
📥 How to Apply
We respect your time. That’s why we use WorkScreen—so you’re evaluated based on strengths, not buzzwords.
Click the link below to complete your short, structured evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
You’ll hear from us soon—and we’ll keep you updated at every step.
🗂️ Option 2: Structured Format (Traditional Style)
📌 Job Title: [Portfolio Manager – Company Name, Location]
💼 [Job Type]
💰 [Salary Range + Bonus]
🕒 [Work Schedule Info]
🎥 Meet the Team
Get to know the people you’ll be working with—watch this short video about the role:
👉 [Insert video link]
🏢 Who We Are
[Company Name] is an [investment management firm] managing over [$X Billion] in client assets. We’re focused on [describe investment approach or client type] and committed to helping our clients meet long-term financial goals through responsible and strategic investing.
Job Brief
We are looking for a Portfolio Manager to build and oversee client portfolios, monitor performance, and adjust strategy as needed. You’ll play a key role in supporting client relationships and helping drive long-term value.
Responsibilities
- Manage investment portfolios based on client objectives and risk tolerance
- Monitor and adjust asset allocations based on market conditions
- Conduct ongoing performance analysis and reporting
- Prepare materials for client reviews and meetings
- Collaborate with internal teams on market research and compliance
Requirements
- [X+] years of experience in a portfolio or investment role
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, or a related field
- Strong understanding of asset allocation, diversification, and risk analysis
- CFA charterholder preferred (or in progress)
- Proficiency in Excel and investment tools
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
🎁 Perks and Benefits
- [Salary + Bonus Structure]
- [Health, Dental, Vision Coverage]
- [Retirement Plan or 401(k) Match]
- [PTO and Flex Days]
- [Professional Development Budget]
- [CFA Support or Exam Reimbursement]
- [Hybrid Schedule or Work-From-Home Flexibility]
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to evaluate applicants fairly and efficiently. It helps us go beyond resumes and focus on real ability.
Click the link below to begin your application:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
Let WorkScreen Handle the Hard Part of Hiring
Now that you’ve crafted a job post that actually reflects your company—what’s next?
You’ll need a way to spot top performers quickly, filter out low-effort applicants, and assess candidates based on what they can actually do.
That’s where WorkScreen comes in.
WorkScreen helps you:
🎯 Quickly Identify Top Talent
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
🧪 Test for Real-World Skills in One Click
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
🛡️ Eliminate Low-Effort and AI-Generated Applicants
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
🕒 Save Time and Avoid Bad Hires
With structured evaluations and clear data, you’ll reduce bias, speed up hiring, and avoid the pain of making costly hiring mistakes.
Want to see how it works?
FAQ
When hiring a Portfolio Manager, you want a combination of technical expertise, analytical thinking, and client-facing communication skills. Key traits include:
- Asset allocation knowledge – Understanding how to diversify across equities, fixed income, and alternatives.
- Risk management – Ability to assess exposure, hedge downside, and maintain balance through volatility.
- Market awareness – A clear grasp of macroeconomic forces, industry trends, and investment cycles.
- Data fluency – Comfortable working with performance metrics, Excel models, and analytics tools.
- Clear communication – Especially with non-technical clients, explaining strategy in simple terms is key.
- Emotional intelligence – Managing client relationships during market swings requires calm, clarity, and trust.
In the United States, the average salary for a Portfolio Manager ranges from $100,000 to $140,000 per year, according to recent data from Glassdoor, Payscale, and industry surveys.
- Entry-level roles typically start at $75,000–$90,000
- Mid-level PMs average $110,000–$140,000
- Senior PMs or those at larger firms can earn $160,000+ base, with bonuses that may double total comp
- Compensation also varies by AUM size, location, and bonus structure
While not always required, the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation is widely regarded as the gold standard in portfolio management. Other helpful certifications include:
- CAIA (for those managing alternatives or hedge funds)
- CFP (if the role includes financial planning responsibilities)
- MBA (especially for leadership-track positions at large firms)
A Portfolio Manager is typically more involved in direct investment decisions and asset allocation across multiple portfolios, often managing funds or client accounts with discretion.
A Financial Advisor focuses more on comprehensive planning, client relationship management, and guiding investment decisions—but may not directly manage trades or rebalancing in the same hands-on way.
