Manager (Project finance and M&A expert) - Job Opportunity at Green Giraffe

Sydney, Australia
Full-time
Senior
Posted: July 23, 2025
On-site
AUD 150,000 - 190,000 per year

Benefits

Competitive compensation package with performance-based bonus structure that rewards individual contribution and deal success
Comprehensive superannuation benefits aligned with Australian retirement planning standards
International travel opportunities to Green Giraffe offices across five continents, providing global exposure and network expansion
Professional development through mentorship responsibilities and knowledge sharing initiatives
Dynamic work environment in the rapidly growing renewable energy sector with significant career advancement potential
Collaborative multicultural team setting that promotes cross-cultural competency and global perspective

Key Responsibilities

Lead high-impact advisory missions in M&A and project finance transactions, directly influencing multi-million dollar renewable energy deals that shape Australia's energy transition
Develop and supervise sophisticated financial models and business case analyses that drive critical investment decisions for major energy infrastructure projects
Manage comprehensive financial due diligence processes, coordinating complex stakeholder relationships and ensuring transaction success through meticulous risk assessment
Create and review executive-level client deliverables that directly influence board-level decisions and strategic direction for renewable energy investments
Interpret and analyze critical transaction documents including term sheets, acquisition agreements, and project contracts, translating complex legal structures into actionable financial strategies
Provide strategic mentorship and professional development guidance to junior team members, building organizational capability and ensuring knowledge transfer across the practice
Serve as primary client relationship manager, maintaining direct communication with C-suite executives and key decision-makers in Australia's renewable energy ecosystem
Drive business development initiatives through client pitches, industry events, and thought leadership activities that position Green Giraffe as a market leader in sustainable finance

Requirements

Education

Master's degree in finance, engineering, economics or related field

Experience

5+ years of relevant experience in project finance, investment banking, consulting, or corporate finance

Required Skills

Excellent financial modelling skills Strong understanding of project finance principles Proven expertise in the renewable energy sector Fluent in English (both written and spoken) Strategic thinking with commercial awareness Negotiation capabilities Clear communication with ability to present complex ideas simply Proactive and entrepreneurial mindset Ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence in multicultural setting
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Australia's renewable energy sector is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by government commitments to net-zero emissions by 2050 and substantial private investment in solar, wind, and energy storage projects. The Australian Energy Market Operator projects over AUD 100 billion in transmission and generation investment needed by 2040, creating sustained demand for specialized project finance expertise. The rise of corporate renewable energy procurement through power purchase agreements (PPAs) is transforming the financing landscape, requiring sophisticated structuring capabilities to manage merchant risk and offtake arrangements in an evolving regulatory environment. Green hydrogen and battery storage projects are emerging as the next frontier for renewable energy investment in Australia, requiring new financing approaches and risk assessment methodologies that blend traditional project finance with technology risk evaluation. International capital is increasingly flowing into Australian renewable energy projects, driven by ESG mandates and attractive risk-adjusted returns, creating opportunities for advisors who can navigate cross-border structuring and regulatory requirements.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of AUD 150,000-190,000 plus performance bonus is competitive for the Australian market, positioning at approximately the 70th percentile for senior project finance professionals in Sydney. When including performance bonuses, total compensation likely reaches AUD 200,000-250,000, which is appropriate for the seniority level and specialized renewable energy expertise required.

Role Significance

Typical team structure includes 2-3 analysts and associates reporting directly or indirectly, with matrix management of external advisors and consultants. The manager coordinates teams of 5-8 professionals across legal, technical, and commercial workstreams during active transactions.
This is a senior individual contributor role with team leadership responsibilities, positioned as the primary client interface and transaction leader. The role sits between associate and director levels, requiring independent decision-making authority while reporting to senior partners on strategic matters.

Key Projects

Large-scale utility solar and wind project financings ranging from AUD 500 million to AUD 2 billion, involving complex sponsor arrangements and debt syndication Renewable energy platform acquisitions and dispositions for infrastructure funds and strategic investors seeking to build portfolio scale Green hydrogen project development and financing, requiring innovative approaches to technology risk and offtake structuring Battery energy storage system (BESS) project finance transactions that blend renewable generation with grid stability services

Success Factors

Deep technical understanding of renewable energy technologies and their associated risks, enabling credible client advisory relationships and accurate financial modeling assumptions in a rapidly evolving sector Strong relationship management capabilities across the Australian energy ecosystem, including developers, infrastructure funds, utilities, and government stakeholders who drive transaction flow and partnership opportunities Ability to synthesize complex technical, legal, and commercial information into clear investment recommendations that resonate with diverse stakeholder groups from engineering teams to investment committees Commercial awareness of market dynamics including electricity pricing, grid connection processes, and regulatory frameworks that impact project viability and financing structures

Market Demand

High demand driven by Australia's renewable energy transition, with limited supply of professionals combining project finance expertise with deep renewable energy sector knowledge, creating significant career opportunities and competitive compensation.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Financial modeling expertise is essential as renewable energy projects involve complex cash flow structures, merchant price risk, and technology-specific performance assumptions that require sophisticated analytical capabilities and scenario planning to accurately assess investment returns and debt capacity Project finance knowledge forms the foundation of the role, as renewable energy transactions typically involve non-recourse debt structures, completion guarantees, and operational risk allocation that differ significantly from corporate finance approaches and require deep understanding of lender requirements and market standards Renewable energy sector expertise is increasingly critical as technology costs, performance characteristics, and grid integration requirements evolve rapidly, requiring advisors to stay current with technical developments and their implications for project economics and financing structures

Beneficial Skills

Regulatory and policy knowledge across Australian energy markets, including understanding of renewable energy zones, transmission access, and government support mechanisms that impact project development and financing feasibility Cross-cultural communication skills given Green Giraffe's international network and the global nature of renewable energy investment, enabling effective collaboration with diverse teams and international investor bases Digital finance and data analytics capabilities as the renewable energy sector increasingly incorporates real-time performance monitoring, predictive analytics, and automated reporting systems that enhance project management and investor relations

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to build and shape Green Giraffe's presence in the rapidly growing Australian renewable energy market, providing significant entrepreneurial upside and market influence
Direct exposure to cutting-edge renewable energy technologies and financing structures, including green hydrogen and large-scale battery storage projects that represent the future of the energy sector
Integration into a global network of renewable energy professionals, providing access to international best practices and cross-border transaction opportunities
Role combines traditional investment banking skills with specialized renewable energy expertise, creating a unique value proposition in an increasingly ESG-focused financial services landscape

Career Growth

Progression to director level typically occurs within 3-5 years with strong performance, while transition to buy-side roles or independent practice may occur within 2-3 years depending on market relationships and deal track record.

Potential Next Roles

Director or Principal level positions within Green Giraffe or competing renewable energy advisory firms, with expanded business development and team management responsibilities Infrastructure fund investment roles focusing on renewable energy acquisitions, leveraging transaction experience and market relationships Corporate development positions with major renewable energy developers or utilities, leading strategic initiatives and capital allocation decisions Independent advisory practice specializing in renewable energy transactions, building on established market relationships and technical expertise

Company Overview

Green Giraffe

Green Giraffe is a specialized renewable energy advisory firm with over 160 professionals across five continents, positioning itself as a boutique alternative to traditional investment banks with deep sector expertise. The firm focuses exclusively on renewable energy transactions, providing specialized knowledge that generalist advisors cannot match.

Green Giraffe has established itself as a leading independent advisor in the global renewable energy sector, with particular strength in European markets and expanding presence in Asia-Pacific. The firm's specialized focus and independent structure allow for conflict-free advice and deep sector relationships.
The Sydney office represents Green Giraffe's strategic expansion into the Asia-Pacific market, capitalizing on Australia's renewable energy growth and serving as a regional hub for broader APAC coverage. This positioning offers significant growth opportunities as the regional practice matures.
The company emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and entrepreneurial thinking, with a flat organizational structure that promotes rapid career advancement and direct client exposure. The international network provides opportunities for cross-office collaboration and global career development.
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