Associate, Portfolio Company Management

Manulife John Hancock; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Manulife John Hancock seeks an Associate, Portfolio Company Management to partner with portfolio CEOs and leadership to develop strategic plans that accelerate growth and improve value creation across platforms. The role requires strong analytical, strategic, and relationship skills and experience in operating companies or with operating partners in a private equity setting.

You will support boards, provide insights for investor communications, and help manage transactions and major capital

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of progressive professional experience in private equity, investment banking, management consulting, corporate finance, corporate development, strategy, FP&A, or related field.
• Experience working with senior executives to drive strategic initiatives from concept to execution.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and present materials for boards and investment committees.
• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills with KPI tracking and performance analysis.

Responsibilities

• Partner with portfolio company leadership to develop and execute strategic plans that drive growth and value creation.
• Support value creation through operational improvements, revenue growth, cost optimization, and capital allocation.
• Monitor execution of value creation plans and KPI progress; identify opportunities to accelerate performance.
• Assist with integration of new investments into platforms and prepare materials for boards and committees.
• Coordinate communications with boards, investment teams, and senior stakeholders to ensure alignment.

Skills

Financial analysis

KPI tracking

Communication skills

Board materials

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

BI tools

Job description

The Associate, Portfolio Company Management supports the Farmland Plus strategy by working closely with the Senior Director of Portfolio Company Management and portfolio company leadership teams to drive value creation across vertically integrated agricultural platforms.

The primary focus of this role is partnering with portfolio company executives to develop and execute strategic and operational initiatives that accelerate growth and enhance investment returns. The Associate supports Board engagement, provides insights and analytical materials to help portfolio managers communicate effectively with investors, and contributes to transaction execution and key strategic projects across the portfolio.

This is a highly visible role that requires strong analytical, strategic, and relationship management capabilities. The ideal candidate has developed a strong foundation in investment banking or consulting and has subsequently gained experience within an operating company or alongside operating partners in a private equity environment.

Essential Responsibilities

Portfolio Company Management & Value Creation

• Partner with portfolio company CEOs, CFOs, and leadership teams to develop and execute strategic plans and operational initiatives that drive growth and value creation.
• Support value creation efforts, including operational improvements, revenue growth, cost optimization, and capital allocation initiatives.
• Monitor the execution of value creation plans, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and identify opportunities to accelerate business performance.
• Support the integration of new investments into existing platforms, including strategic planning, operational onboarding, and alignment with MIMTA objectives.
• Serve as a trusted day-to-day partner to portfolio company leadership teams, helping resolve business challenges and advance strategic priorities.

Transaction & Project Execution

• Support portfolio company leadership teams in executing strategic initiatives, including acquisitions, mergers, financings, and major capital investments, and facilitate required stakeholder and Board approvals.
• Develop and refine analyses, presentations, and recommendations for portfolio company Boards, MIMTA investment committees and client/portfolio approval processes to support investment and strategic decision-making.
• Contribute to transaction due diligence efforts by providing operational, commercial, and strategic insights to inform investment decisions.
• Support post-approval execution and implementation efforts, helping to ensure projects are delivered on schedule and aligned with strategic objectives and value creation plans.

Board Engagement & Stakeholder Communication

• Prepare and coordinate materials for portfolio company Board meetings, strategic reviews, and executive leadership discussions.
• Support engagement with portfolio company Boards, including meeting coordination, governance activities, and follow-up on key decisions and action items.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration across MIMTA teams, including investment, asset management, portfolio management, operations, and finance, to ensure alignment on strategic priorities and execution.

Investor Reporting & Valuation Support

• Develop and maintain reporting dashboards and performance metrics that provide portfolio managers with clear insights into portfolio company performance.
• Ensure portfolio managers have timely, accurate, and actionable information to support investor communications and reporting requirements.
• Support semi-annual portfolio company valuation processes by serving as a liaison among portfolio companies, MIMTA's internal valuation team, and independent third-party valuation providers.
• Coordinate the collection, validation, and delivery of financial and operational information required for valuation activities.
• Partner with portfolio companies to enhance reporting processes, standardize data, and improve the quality, consistency, and accuracy of information.

Position Requirements:

• 5-7 years of progressive professional experience in private equity, investment banking, management consulting, corporate finance, corporate development, strategy, FP&A, or a related field.
• Experience in an operating company role (e.g., strategy, business development, corporate development, or FP&A) and/or experience supporting portfolio value creation initiatives within a private equity environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work directly with senior executives and drive strategic initiatives from concept through execution.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen, including experience with financial modeling, business case development, performance analysis, and KPI tracking.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing materials for Boards of Directors, investment committees, and other senior stakeholders.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced envi