Portfolio Manager

Job Type : Full time

PieLAB Capital is a Brisbane based Serial Acquirer (permanent capital) of Australian SMEs. We are not just investors; we are hands-on partners to our businesses, bringing energy, strategy, and resources to transform small and medium-sized enterprises into larger, stronger companies.

With 13 acquisitions in the last four years, PieLAB Capital is on an accelerated growth path. We are sector-agnostic but sharply focused on the lower middle market, working with Australian SMEs with earnings between $1M and $5M.

Our permanent capital model sets us apart from traditional private equity, allowing us to hold investments long-term and work closely with entrepreneurial teams to drive enduring success.

At PieLAB, our team thrives on collaboration, curiosity, and the thrill of building something impactful alongside our portfolio company CEOs and their leadership teams.

If you're an experienced M&A professional with a passion for growing businesses, a natural curiosity, and a drive to take ownership, you'll find a dynamic and supportive environment with us.

We are looking for a Portfolio Manager who can shape the future of our portfolio and work at the heart of deal-making, strategy, and execution.

Our Purpose

We are here to develop people and help them build great businesses. At PieLAB, we believe in leaving a legacy of thriving businesses and empowered people.

Our Core Values

Be Inquisitive : Curiosity fuels our growth. We value a learning mindset and an openness to new ideas that keep us ahead in business.

Have a Get Up And Go' (GUAG) mentality : We overcome obstacles, find solutions, and make things happen. Our team is passionate, proactive, and relentlessly driven.

Be Generous : Success is shared. We believe in fair dealings, and we invest generously in the development of our team and portfolio companies.

Stay Humble : Humility is key to effective leadership. Our success is built on collaboration, respect, and a commitment to listening and learning from others.

The Role

As a Portfolio Manager at PieLAB, you'll be at the forefront of our acquisition and portfolio management activities. You'll have the opportunity to source, shape, and drive investments from origination through to post-acquisition performance, influencing the trajectory of multiple Australian businesses.

This is a hands-on, high-impact role with direct exposure to our investment committee, senior leadership, and the boards of our portfolio companies.

Responsibilities

Investment Sourcing & Origination : Materially add to our database of prospective target companies through proactive identification and sourcing of new acquisition opportunities in line with PieLAB's investment mandate.

This is to include both proprietary (primary) and advisor (secondary) led streams of origination.

Deal Management : Lead the full M&A lifecycle through to completion (1 to 3 acquisitions annually) for PieLAB, delivering on key milestones within agreed timeframes and stakeholder expectations.

This includes oversight of each stage and coordination of the legal, financial, and operational due diligence aspects of transactions.

Portfolio Performance : Achieve benchmark portfolio company returns as measured by IRR (22%) and ROIC (14%) through the development, management and support of portfolio company CEOs and their leadership teams.

This includes, but is not exclusive to, sitting on boards, recruiting, coaching and developing leadership teams, and providing strategic guidance.

Stakeholder Engagement : Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with all internal stakeholders as well as advisors, intermediaries, CEOs, PieLAB investors and key stakeholders in the M&A community.

Reporting & Communication : Overseeing and contributing to the timely and accurate reporting of financial performance of your portfolio companies.

Timely and accurate investment analyses and reports for PieLAB's team, board, and investment committee where required. Your insights and diligence will be key to making sound investment decisions.

What We're Looking For

We are searching for someone with the experience and drive to play a significant role in PieLAB's future. This role is suited to an individual with a blend of analytical acumen, strategic insight, and a natural ability to connect with people.

Must-Haves :

Extensive full-lifecycle M&A experience ideally within the SME sector with a proven record of successfully closing transactions.

A demonstratable track record of successful investment in private companies, whether personally or on behalf of a fund.

Proven track record of building relationships, managing stakeholders, and driving deal success.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

An extensive network of business and M&A contacts.

Willingness to locate in Brisbane.

Preferred Qualifications :

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field.

Real-world experience as an entrepreneur, founder, or CEO.

Demonstrated leadership experience and high emotional intelligence.

Strong analytical skills and experience with financial modelling and strategic planning.

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and database tools.

Why Join Us?

Working with PieLAB is an invitation to play a central role in building something meaningful, with the freedom to innovate and a culture of support.

Here, your ideas are valued, and your impact is real.

Flexibility : We're based in Brisbane but are flexible with work locations. Expect regular state-based and interstate travel as you connect with our portfolio companies across Australia.

Support : You won't be alone. Our team includes experienced associates, finance experts, and a dedicated business development manager to support your efforts.

Ownership : We believe in skin in the game. If you're interested, you'll have the opportunity to invest in the fund.

Growth & Development : You'll work alongside some of the best in the business, with access to a network of seasoned CEOs and executives.

The Process

Our recruitment process is rigorous, designed to ensure the right fit for both you and us. You'll participate in interviews with our team, psychometric testing, and a case study exercise.

We're looking for someone ready to join us in late January or early February 2025, but we prioritise finding the right person over meeting a strict start date.

Remuneration

This role offers a competitive base salary, short-term and long-term performance bonuses, and the potential to share in the fund's performance fees.

We're a growing company with exciting financial upside for those who help us succeed.

If you're ready to make a lasting impact, we want to hear from you. Apply today to join PieLAB Capital and be part of our journey to build great businesses across Australia.

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