Portfolio Manager - Octopus Ventures

Company Description

With £1.5 billion under management and investing over £100m a year, Octopus Ventures is one of the largest and most active venture investors in Europe. Our typical investment ranges from £1 million for Seed to £20 million for Series B, and we continue to fund our portfolio companies through to IPO.

Our investment team specializes in areas we believe will change the world: health, fintech, B2B software, deep tech, and consumer sectors. We support pioneers—entrepreneurs who are truly breaking new ground. Since 2008, we have backed nearly 120 teams, including Zoopla, Swiftkey, WaveOptics, Elvie, Bought by Many, Permutive, Quit Genius, Secret Escapes, graze.com, and Cazoo.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Portfolio Manager to join our team. This pivotal role involves overseeing, optimizing, and driving the performance of portfolio companies, especially those requiring strategic growth interventions, exit preparation, operational or financial restructuring, or strategic adjustments. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in enhancing portfolio value within venture capital or similar unquoted investment spaces.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Portfolio Management: Manage a diverse portfolio of venture investments, focusing on value creation and safeguarding the fund's investments.
2. Value Maximization and Liquidity: Identify and implement exit strategies to maximize returns, collaborating with investment operations and finance teams.
3. Strategic Improvements: Work with portfolio company management to identify performance gaps and implement growth and profitability strategies.
4. Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain relationships with boards, executives, and stakeholders, providing guidance and support. Octopus Ventures typically invests as a significant minority stakeholder.
5. Investment Recommendations: Analyze and support follow-on investment decisions, including preparing Investment Committee papers.
6. Market Analysis & Research: Stay informed on industry trends, economic conditions, and competitive landscapes to adapt portfolio strategies.
7. Reporting & Documentation: Prepare regular performance reports highlighting key metrics, risks, and strategic insights for senior management and investors.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in unquoted investment portfolio management, turnaround management, or operational performance improvement within venture capital, private equity, or similar asset classes.
• Strong analytical and financial skills, with a deep understanding of valuation, financial analysis, and operational metrics.
• Ability to influence and lead portfolio company management and Boards, especially as a minority investor.
• Proactive, solutions-oriented, with a history of navigating challenges and improving performance.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of presenting complex information clearly to diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and adapt across different growth stages and sectors.

Additional Information

• Why Join Us?
• Impactful work: Drive change and operational success in innovative companies within a supportive team.
• Career development: Opportunities for growth within a leading VC firm, exposure to various sectors.
• This role is suitable for full-time or part-time (4 days/week) candidates passionate about enhancing company value and operational performance.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary, bonus, pension, and share incentives
• Untracked holiday
• Hybrid working: 3 days in-office, 2 days remote
• Wellness benefits including Headspace, coaching, Digital GP, and more
• Up to 6 months paid parental leave
• Life insurance, critical illness cover, income protection
• Private medical insurance for you and your family
• Electric vehicle leasing
• Option to work abroad up to a month per year

Our Values

We believe company behavior is as important as what it does. As a B Corp, we consider the interests of all stakeholders—employees, customers, communities, environment, and shareholders—in our decisions.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion, providing equal opportunities and fostering a respectful, safe environment where everyone can be authentic. We support candidates with disabilities and neurodiversity, offering adjustments throughout the recruitment process.