Portfolio Manager, Private Equity

Haere Mai!

We are the Kaitiaki / Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation. We are proud of our Te Whāinga / Our purpose: Sustainable investment delivering strong returns for all New Zealanders. We invest government contributions to the NZ Super Fund, a global investment fund helping to ensure the country can pay for the growing cost of universal superannuation (New Zealand Superannuation) in the future. We also oversee the Elevate Fund, which invests in small, fast-growing New Zealand companies.

At the Guardians there’s an energy, passion and a shared commitment to excellence: in 2024 the NZ Super Fund was named the world’s best-performing sovereign wealth fund. The work is complex, innovative and intellectually stimulating. Sustainable finance, including a commitment to being net zero by 2050, is core to our Mātāpono / way of working.

About the position

This is a significant opportunity to join a high-performing investment team responsible for originating, assessing and managing private equity investments that support the Guardians’ long-term objectives. As Portfolio Manager, Private Equity, you will help shape portfolio strategy and execution across both directly-held investments and externally-managed investment mandates, while contributing to investment outcomes that matter for future generations of New Zealanders. 

The Private Equity team sits within the Private Equity and Alternative Investments group. You will work at the centre of a highly collaborative investment environment, partnering closely with internal teams including Sustainable Investment, Portfolio Strategy and Research, Asset Allocation, Strategic Tilting, Data Analytics, Portfolio Completion, Operational Due Diligence, Legal and Finance. You’ll also build trusted relationships with co-investment partners, external managers, global peers and advisers to access investment opportunities, strengthen insight, and bring best practice into the Fund. 

• Develop and implement portfolio strategies and execution plans aligned with the Guardians’ investment objectives. 
• Originate, assess and execute new private equity investment opportunities across direct deals and external mandates. 
• Lead due diligence, transaction processes, deal structuring and negotiation in partnership with internal stakeholders and external advisers. 
• Manage the performance and risk of existing investments on a “no surprises” basis, recommending corrective action where required. 
• Oversee the appointment, structuring and ongoing management of external managers and mandates.
• Prepare high-quality investment papers and recommendations for internal committees and the Board.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with co-investment partners, including iwi, government, peer funds and family offices. 
• Lead engagement with investee company directors, CEOs and senior leadership teams.
• Contribute to the development of internal investment tools, processes and strategic thinking through research and insight. 
• Mentor and support junior team members, helping build capability across the team. 
• Ensure ESG considerations, stakeholder perspectives and public entity responsibilities are embedded into investment activity. 
   

About you

• Deep experience in private equity investing, investment management, transactions, or a related field. 
• Strong commercial judgement, critical thinking and negotiation capability. 
• Proven ability to assess investment opportunities and manage assets through a disciplined risk and return lens. 
• Confidence leading due diligence and transaction processes across multiple stakeholders. 
• Strong financial modelling and analytical skills with the ability to translate complexity into clear recommendations. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare high-quality papers for senior decision-makers. 
• A collaborative, constructive working style and an interest in mentoring and developing others. 
• A relevant tertiary qualification is preferred. 

What we offer

• A dynamic, exciting place to work with a team united by our common purpose of sustainable investment delivering strong returns for all New Zealanders.
• Competitive remuneration package including base salary, discretionary bonus programme, and up to 8% KiwiSaver matching.
• World class professional development, career pathways and job rotation opportunities.
• Comprehensive leave and benefits programme including strong parental leave package and insurance cover.
• Flexible and accessible work environment that reflects our commitment to equity and an inclusive team.

  
How to apply: 
We encourage and welcome applications from people with diverse experience, including applicants interested in discussing flexible work options and those with specific disability needs. As a proudly committed equal opportunity employer, we challenge discrimination and actively work to eliminate bias in our hiring practices. Diversity of experience and diversity of background help us to solve complex problems and deliver on our purpose. 

We recognise the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and invest in partnership with a range of Iwi/Māori organisations. We warmly welcome and value Mana Whenua who wish to work with us. We are committed to understanding Te Ao Māori and integrating it into our workplace culture, for the benefit of all future generations in Aotearoa. 

Please forward your details in strict confidence by clicking 'apply' below.