Portfolio Manager Jobs
Business change and transformation has to be thoroughly planned, organized and monitored during execution if they are to be successful and efficient. A team needs to be put together, and progress needs to be regularly reported to the board. In many companies the portfolio manager is the person with these responsibilities. They oversee several workstreams or perhaps an entire company’s ongoing programmes, depending on its size.
The portfolio manager is also a line manager of the team putting the programme into action, including its analysts. How or she is in regular contact with these practitioners and acts as the channel of communication between the process staff and the board. Because he or she is in charge of several workstreams, they also need to monitor how they influence and interact with each other. The job carries a good deal of responsibility as the head of process.
The skills required
Portfolio managers are highly experienced business change and transformation professionals, and companies need to see a solid track record of delivery of multiple simultaneous workstreams to qualify for the position. You need a methodical and logical mindset too, as you are overseeing workstreams that could be distant geographically or in terms of physical similarities, where confusion can sink portfolio managers who are not on top of things.
Experience of managing portfolios in the same sector as the job advertised will be a distinct advantage, as differences between sectors can make a huge difference to how a project is managed. While most companies demand experience in a management role, others recognize that managers have to start somewhere and are looking for experienced deputies, senior staff and other such positions so they can absorb them into their own company structures.
Portfolio Manager Jobs in Blackburn
A large town in Lancashire, Blackburn is a busy place with many opportunities for those looking for Portfolio Manager vacancies. Plus, it's just nine miles from Preston and 20 miles from Manchester, thus offering an easy commute for those who live or work in these other locations.
From the middle of the 13th century, Blackburn was a mill town that produced textiles - and was once known as the weaving capital of the world. The spinning jenny, was invented by local James Hargreaves in 1764 and it paved the way for Blackburn to become one of the first industrialised towns.
After the end of the second world war, Blackburn's textile sector experienced a brief boost, and then fell into decline. Along with the rest of the region, a combination of deindustrialisation and global competition meant much of the work was outsourced abroad and the town suffered economically.
Today, Blackburn is experiencing a renewal, as the economy switches from manufacturing-led industries to the service sector. However, around 20 per cent of the local workforce is still based in manufacturing, with one major employer being BAE Systems.
Other top employers in Blackburn include the local council and Blackburn College, as well as the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.
The IT, finance and communications sectors also play a big part in the local economy, and many of the leading companies in these fields can be found in places like Greenbank Business Park and Shadsworth Business Park.
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Find Portfolio Manager Jobs with Cast UK
Cast UK is a specialist in the field of business change and transformation recruitment, and because we only deal with management and executive level jobs, we have a focus that keeps companies coming back to us when they need experienced portfolio managers.
We were founded in Manchester and now have offices in London and Birmingham, but our reach is much wider – every day we are helping candidates find their perfect jobs in fantastic companies the length and breadth of the UK. If you’re looking to make the change, call us today on 0333 121 3345.
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