Portfolio Manager (FAIS)

Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together…one story at a time.

With over 100 years of rich history and strongly positioned as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with our family offers the opportunity to be part of this exciting growth journey, to reset our future and shape our destiny as a proudly African group.

Belonging at Absa

Absa is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from suitably qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds. In support of our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) commitments and Employment Equity objectives, preference may be given to candidates from underrepresented designated groups, including persons with disabilities. We encourage applicants who may require reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process to let us know so that appropriate support can be provided.

Job Summary

The Portfolio Manager provides strategic oversight of investment portfolios, driving sustainable risk-adjusted returns and ensuring alignment with client objectives, regulatory requirements and business strategy. The role delivers investment leadership through portfolio strategy, risk governance and informed decision-making while fostering trusted client relationships and supporting business growth. The incumbent contributes to long-term value creation through sound investment stewardship, stakeholder engagement, and a strong focus on performance, compliance, and client outcomes.

Job Description

KEY FOCUS AREAS

• Conduct research and analysis on local and global investment opportunities, market trends, economic indicators and industry developments to identify risks, opportunities and portfolio implications.

• Prepare research reports, investment insights and presentations for the SPM Investment Committee, supporting informed investment decision-making.

• Provide analytical and portfolio management support to Senior Portfolio Managers through investment research, portfolio reviews and ad hoc investment-related requests.

• Support the management of client portfolios by modelling investment strategies, facilitating portfolio changes and ensuring alignment with approved investment mandates and objectives.

• Execute client trades and portfolio transactions accurately and efficiently in accordance with internal policies, governance requirements and regulatory standards.

• Support the onboarding of new clients by coordinating investment information, documentation requirements and portfolio implementation activities.

• Build and maintain effective relationships with clients and advisors through ongoing engagement, professional service delivery and responsive investment support.

• Identify and pursue opportunities to grow assets under management through new client acquisition and the expansion of existing advisor and client relationships.

• Conduct client engagements and present SPM's investment proposition, portfolio management capabilities and value proposition to prospective and existing clients.

• Assist the Head of Portfolio Management with strategic projects, stakeholder reporting and governance activities, ensuring adherence to investment policies, regulatory requirements and business objectives.

Strategy Formulation and Execution

• Implement business plans and operational strategies aligned to defined objectives.

• Translate strategic goals into team-level actions and delivery milestones.

• Monitor execution progress and escalate risks or issues as required.

Customer Primacy

• Interpret market and customer insights to inform operational plans and prioritise capability investments.

• Use customer feedback and insights to improve service delivery.

• Support initiatives that enhance customer experience and satisfaction.

• Collaborate with teams to ensure consistent and responsive customer service.

Sustainable Growth

• Contribute to growth initiatives through effective delivery and performance management.

• Monitor financial and operational metrics to ensure sustainable outcomes.

• Support investment decisions through analysis and reporting.

Client-Driven Innovation and Change

• Monitor competitive landscape and identify opportunities to improve products, services, or operations.

• Identify opportunities for process improvement and innovation.

• Support change initiatives and ensure team readiness and adoption.

• Apply lessons learned to improve future delivery and outcomes.

Leading Talent

• Develop team capabilities through coaching, training, and performance management.

• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture.

• Manage individual and team performance to support business goals.

Operational Effectiveness

• Operationalise strategic goals into functional plans with clear deliverables, timelines, scorecards with team and individual KPIs to enable effective tracking of business and individual performance.

• Execute operational plans with clear KPIs and performance measures.

• Optimise processes for efficiency, quality, and customer alignment.

• Resolve operational issues and ensure continuity of service.

Digital Adoption

• Execute digital initiatives and promote adoption of technologies that improve efficiency and user experience.

• Promote the use of digital tools and platforms to enhance delivery.

• Identify opportunities for automation and digitisation.

• Support digital transformation initiatives within the team.

Good Governance, Risk and Compliance

• Implement governance and compliance frameworks in daily operations.

• Monitor and manage risks, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements.

• Support audit readiness and reporting.

Data Monetisation

• Use data to inform decisions and improve performance.

• Ensure data quality and relevance for reporting and insights.

• Apply analytics to identify trends and opportunities.

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Align delivery with stakeholder expectations and business priorities.

• Communicate progress, risks, and outcomes clearly and consistently.

Education

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Finance and Investment Management, Postgraduate Degrees and Professional Qualifications: Accounting