Senior Client Portfolio Manager

The role focuses on client relationship management, commercial oversight, team development, operational integration, and growth.

There will be responsibility for a substantial client portfolio while contributing to the long-term business strategy. The role holder will coordinate and manage client relationships commercially, ensuring work is delegated effectively across specialist teams within the wider practice to deliver the best outcomes for clients and the business.

Key responsibilities

• Take responsibility for an established client portfolio currently generating approximately £600k in recurring fees.
• Build trusted and long-term client relationships while managing expectations, commercial discussions, and fee negotiations.
• Contribute to the transition of client ownership to ensure continuity and retention.
• Identify opportunities to improve recovery, pricing structures, and overall portfolio profitability.

Operational and strategic leadership

• Contribute to integrate the office into the wider Cottons Group operating model and culture.
• Act as the central coordination point between clients and internal specialist teams.
• Ensure work is delegated efficiently across the wider practice according to technical expertise and capacity.
• Reduce reliance on senior non-chargeable technical input by improving workflow, delegation, and accountability.

Growth and business development

• Identify opportunities within the existing client base for additional service-line work including
  • Tax advisory
  • Audit
  • Corporate finance
  • Wealth management
  • Other specialist advisory services
• Support the integration and development of future acquisitions.
• Become an external ambassador for the business within the local market to generate new business opportunities and strengthen the Cottons brand presence in geographical area.
• Assist in building a scalable, chargeable, high-performing team aligned with the wider group structure and strategy.
• Coach, mentor, and develop team members while fostering accountability and collaboration.
• Promote a culture aligned with the organisation's values and operational standards.
• Resilient, confident, and commercially astute leader with the ability to make sound decisions in a fast paced and evolving environment.
• Highly organised with strong leadership capability, able to inspire teams, drive accountability, and maintain high standards of performance across both people and client delivery.
• Proactive, forward thinking, and solutions oriented, with the ability to identify opportunities, anticipate challenges, and implement practical, commercially effective outcomes.
• Comfortable through change, driving integration initiatives, and embedding new ways of working that align with wider business strategy and operational goals.
• An exceptional relationship builder, capable of developing trust and credibility with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders at all levels both internally and externally.
• Able to operate strategically while remaining hands on when required, balancing long term growth objectives with day to day operational leadership and delivery.
• Confident managing substantial client portfolios and senior stakeholder relationships, with strong commercial awareness around client service, fee management, retention, and growth opportunities.
• Demonstrates high levels of personal accountability, professionalism, and resilience, with the ability to remain composed and effective under pressure.
• Possesses strong influencing and communication skills, capable of bringing people together, managing expectations effectively, and leading with clarity and purpose.

Other requirements

• Willingness to travel between sites when occasionally required

Values and culture

• Consistently uphold the Company's values, ethical standards, and professional responsibilities.
• Demonstrate a positive and proactive approach to teamwork and client service.
• Lead by example in day to day work, showing integrity, accountability, and professionalism.

What we offer

We offer a range of benefits alongside a competitive salary and holiday package which will be discussed with you at your interview.

Job type: Full time, permanent

Benefits

• Annual discretionary bonus
• 22 +8 days annual leave (Inc. bank hols & increasing with service)
• Option to buy additional holiday days
• Birthday off
• Contributory pension
• Group Life cover (death in service)
• Subsidised gym membership
• Fully funded professional training
• Free parking at all sites

This job summary is intended as a guide to the duties of the post and is not exhaustive. All roles are subject to review and change to meet evolving business needs