Portfolio Manager

The Well; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with employer match

PTO & sick leave

Job summary

The Well is assisting a San Francisco‑based, fee-only boutique independent RIA seeking a Portfolio Manager and Investment Counselor. You will contribute to the investment process and build trusted, long‑term relationships with high‑net-worth clients, working on-site in San Francisco.

Ideal candidates have CFA and 5+ years in investment management, strong research in fixed income and equities, and a record of client-focused advisory excellence within an entrepreneurial, collaborative team.

Qualifications

• CFA charter holder and 5+ years in an RIA/investment management environment.
• Experience working directly with high-net-worth or ultra-high-net-worth clients as trusted advisor.
• Strong fixed income and equity research with hands-on portfolio construction and trading experience.

Responsibilities

• Member of the investment policy committee contributing to strategy and security selection.
• Select Buy List securities for client portfolios.
• Conduct fixed income and equity research and present buy/sell recommendations.
• Construct portfolios tailored to client objectives; trade portfolios with PMs.
• Engage with high-net-worth clients providing comprehensive financial advice.
• Develop understanding of each client’s goals and needs.
• Support firm operations in a collaborative environment.
• Grow client base through business development efforts.

Skills

HNW client advisory

Fixed income research

Equity research

Portfolio construction

Team collaboration

Entrepreneurial mindset

Integrity & fiduciary

Education

Bachelor's degree

CFA charter holder

CFA/ CFP or equivalent

Job description

Role Summary

The Well is conducting a search on behalf of our client - an established, fee-only boutique independent RIA based in San Francisco, CA. With approximately $500 million in AUM and a focused client base of roughly 100 high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth relationships, this firm has built a reputation for deep, long-standing client partnerships and rigorous investment discipline over a century of operation in various forms. This is a unique opportunity for a skilled, long-term-oriented investment professional to join a collaborative, high-integrity team at an exciting inflection point in the firm's growth. The successful candidate will serve a dual role as Portfolio Manager and Investment Counselor - contributing to the firm's investment process while building trusted, lasting relationships with clients. This is a full-time, on-site position in San Francisco.

Core Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the firm's investment policy committee, contributing to investment strategy and security selection
• Assist in the selection of 'Buy List' securities used to construct and manage client investment portfolios
• Conduct fixed income and equity research and present buy/sell recommendations to the investment policy committee
• Engage in both model and individual portfolio construction tailored to client objectives
• Trade client portfolios and collaborate with fellow portfolio managers throughout the trading process
• Monitor securities held in client portfolios to ensure ongoing alignment with portfolio objectives and firm investment strategy
• Interact directly with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients, providing personalized, comprehensive financial advice
• Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of each client's goals, circumstances, and objectives
• Support firm organizational functions in a collaborative, team-oriented environment
• Build, cultivate, and grow new client and professional relationships as part of the firm's long-term business development efforts
• Contribute to a culture of transparency, continuous improvement, and shared accountability
• Participate in weekly operations meetings and ongoing team communication

Candidate Profile

*Must-Haves*

• CFA charter holder
• 5 or more years of relevant experience in an RIA or investment management environment
• Demonstrated ability to work directly with high-net-worth or ultra-high-net-worth clients in a trusted advisor capacity
• Strong fixed income and equity research skills with hands-on portfolio construction and trading experience
• Undergraduate degree plus CFA, CFP, or other relevant advanced credential
• High integrity and genuine fiduciary orientation - clients come first
• Entrepreneurial spirit with the initiative to take on increasing responsibility over time
• Collaborative team player who thrives in a small-firm, roll-up-your-sleeves environment
• A track record of long-term commitment to employers and teams
• Willingness to work fully on-site in San Francisco, particularly during onboarding and early tenure

*Nice-to-Haves*

• Series 65, IAR, or comparable licensing
• CFP credential or active interest in obtaining one
• Experience in private wealth management (strong institutional candidates with the interpersonal aptitude to develop client-facing skills will be considered)
• Experience with business development and growing a client base
• Openness to relocation to San Francisco - a relocation package is available for the right candidate

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary: $150,000 - $200,000+, commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Performance bonus: minimum 10% of base tied to firm profitability, scaling to 20%+ for strong individual performance
• Profit sharing plan: eligible after 12 months of employment, 100% immediately vested upon eligibility
• Health insurance via TriNet - silver-level plan; employer covers approximately 70%, employee covers approximately 30%; family members included at the same split
• Employer-paid disability insurance (100% employer paid)
• Employer-paid life insurance (approximately $200,000 in coverage)
• 401(k) with employer match
• PTO: approximately 2 weeks for newer hires, scaling to 3+ weeks for experienced professionals, plus San Francisco-mandated sick leave
• Relocation assistance available for qualified out-of-area candidates

Work Environment and Culture

This is a small, tightly knit team of six professionals who have built something special together - most team members have been with the firm for 20 or more years. The culture is flat, approachable, and collaborative, with an open-door leadership style and a genuine commitment to transparency. Weekly operations meetings keep everyone aligned, and team members are encouraged to speak up when they see something that isn’t working. While there is clear leadership at the top, everyone rolls up their sleeves when needed. Specialization exists, but so does a strong team-first mentality - when there's a deadline or a challenge, the team works together to get it done. The firm is entering an exciting period of evolution, with new leadership and a forward-thinking approach to talent development. Long-term thinkers who want to grow with a firm - and be rewarded generously for doing so - will find a home here.