Senior Portfolio Manager – Front Barnett Team

The Opportunity:

Mesirow is an independent, employee-owned financial services firm founded in 1937. Headquartered in Chicago, with offices across the country, Mesirow serves clients through capabilities spanning Private Capital & Currency, Capital Markets and Investment Banking, and Advisory Services. 

The Front Barnett investment counseling team is headquartered in Chicago, part of Mesirow Financial Services, managing approximately $1.5 billion in discretionary client assets. Portfolios are invested primarily in high-quality, marketable, large-cap equities and investment-grade fixed income securities (BBB or better), with modest allocations to small-cap and international (developed and emerging) equities. Equity exposure is balanced between growth and value investments.

Investment decisions are driven by proprietary, internally generated research. Portfolio construction and security selection are determined collaboratively by senior members of the investment team, guided by a centrally managed model account. Our investment approach is long-term, tax-aware, and cost-conscious, with an emphasis on low turnover.

Independent consultants consistently rate our equity and fixed-income performance as competitive. The firm serves high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families across 26 states, many spanning multiple generations. Portfolio managers provide a high level of personalized service, including collateral advice related to tax, estate, and business planning.

To support future growth and long-term continuity, we are seeking to add a Senior Portfolio Manager to our investment team.

Position Summary

The Senior Portfolio Manager will assume primary responsibility for managing client portfolios within the firm’s established investment philosophy and framework. The role combines investment management, client relationship leadership, and collaboration in firm-wide portfolio decisions.

The successful candidate will bring deep experience managing discretionary portfolios for high-net-worth clients and demonstrate sound judgment, intellectual rigor, and a client-first mindset.

Key Responsibilities:

Investment Management

• Manage discretionary client portfolios in alignment with firm models, risk parameters, and investment philosophy
• Participate in portfolio construction, asset allocation, and individual security selection
• Contribute to internal research, security analysis, and investment discussions
• Maintain a long-term, tax-efficient approach to portfolio management

Client Relationship Management

• Serve as a primary point of contact for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients
• Communicate portfolio strategy, performance, and market perspectives clearly and effectively
• Provide integrated financial guidance in coordination with client tax, estate, and business advisors
• Support multi-generational client relationships and continuity planning

Firm Collaboration & Leadership

• Work closely with other portfolio managers and analysts in investment decision-making
• Uphold and strengthen the firm’s culture of collegiality, discipline, and fiduciary responsibility
• Potentially mentor junior investment professionals over time

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience managing discretionary client portfolios
• Background at an investment counseling firm, registered investment adviser (RIA), or financial institution
• Demonstrated experience with equity and fixed-income portfolio management
• Strong understanding of tax-efficient investing for taxable investors
• Proven ability to build and maintain trusted client relationships

Preferred Attributes

• CFA designation or advanced financial credentials
• Experience working with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families
• Intellectual curiosity and comfort with internally driven research
• Collaborative mindset and strong communication skills
• Interest in long-term career continuity and firm growth

In accordance with the Illinois Transparency Law the anticipated hiring base salary for the role will be between $200,000 and $250,000 per year. However, base pay if hired will be determined on an individualized basis and is only part of the total compensation package, which, also provides the opportunity for a commission and discretionary performance bonus and the Mesirow benefit program.

EOE