H9 Technical Recruitment are hiring for a Head of Project Finance to work for our Renewable Energy client in London to be responsible for leading the company's project finance activities, securing funding for renewable energy projects, and developing financial strategies to support growth and profitability and have extensive experience in project finance and a strong understanding of the renewable energy sector
Role and Responsibilities:
- Lead the company's project finance activities, including sourcing and structuring financing for renewable energy projects
- Develop and maintain relationships with financial institutions, investors, and other key stakeholders to secure funding for projects
- Negotiate and execute term sheets and finance documentation
- Manage the due diligence procurement process (technical, legal, insurance, tax & accounting)
- Structure and execute adequate project debt-related hedging facilties to insure projects against various macroeconomic risks (e.g. inflation, interest rates, FX)
- Identify and evaluate optimal capital structures and financing options to support project development
- Conduct financial analysis through financial modelling and due diligence on projects to assess financial viability and risks
- Prepare and present project finance proposals to senior management and potential investors
- Monitor and evaluate financial performance of operational projects and make recommendations for improvement
Portfolio Management:
- Identify, evaluate, and mitigate financial risks associated with projects and portfolios.
- Implement robust risk management frameworks and controls.
- Monitor and report on financial risks throughout the project lifecycle.
- Monitor debt covenants and compliance requirements, and ensure timely repayment of debt obligations at both the project and portfolio level
- Structure and execute adequate portfolio-level hedging facilties to insure the portfolio against various macroeconomic risks (e.g. inflation, interest rates, FX)
- Collaborate with other departments, such as finance, accounting, and legal, to ensure alignment on debt-related matters
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Collaborate and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including developers, engineers, legal teams, and regulatory bodies, to facilitate project success.
- Represent the company in negotiations and meetings with stakeholders.
Strategic Planning:
- Contribute to the development and execution of the company's strategic plan for project finance.
- Work closely with project development teams to ensure alignment of financial strategies with project goals
- Align project finance activities with the company's overall goals and objectives.
- Identify and pursue new opportunities for project financing and investment.
Reporting and Compliance:
- Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting for projects.
- Oversee compliance with financial regulations and company policies.
- Prepare and present financial reports to senior management and the board of directors
Education and Qualifications:
- ACA qualification or similar (e.g. ACCA, CFA) with strong accountancy background
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field
- Minimum of 8 years experience in project finance or related roles at a leading project finance bank, private equity firm, investment fund, project developer, energy major or IPP, preferably focussed primarily on renewable energy transactions
- Capable of advancing multiple work streams simultaneously with autonomy
- Demonstrable experience with developing and managing relationships with banks/lending counterparties.
- Knowledge of banks' internal approval processes for executing financing and hedging facilities.
- Knowledge of UK renewable energy sector, power market dynamics and regulatory environment; equivalent knowledge for the Irish market considered beneficial.
- Experience with structuring derivatives and executing hedging facilities
- Proven track record in securing and managing project financing.
- Strong financial modelling skills and proficiency in financial analysis
- Excellent negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to think strategically and make sound financial decisions
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage complex projects
- Knowledge of project finance structures, agreements, and regulations in the renewable energy sector