Director, Origination - Project Finance

Job Description

Job Description

We will accept candidates local to our Norwalk, CT office in a hybrid capacity and remote offices.

Position Overview:

This individual will be responsible for originating, structuring, and closing project finance transactions in the energy and data center sectors throughout the U.S. Transactions will be sourced through a network of relationships with equity sponsors, intermediaries, financial institutions, project developers, and corporations. This individual will be responsible for developing and managing external relationships while working with a cross-functional execution team to achieve growth and profitability targets.

Commitment to Internal Control:

The incumbent accepts the responsibility for establishing and maintaining the internal control system associated with the essential duties and responsibilities of the position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Director, Origination will be responsible for achieving annual volume and fee income targets and developing strong relationships and market presence in the project finance, energy, and data center sectors to promote the growth of the division. The immediate and future duties may include:

• Develop and manage relationships with targeted equity sponsors, intermediaries, financial institutions, project developers, and corporations through frequent meetings and calls
• Originate new project finance lending opportunities with a focus on construction loans, term loans, tax equity bridge loans, and asset finance solutions for commercial, industrial, and utility scale projects across the energy and data center sectors
• Review and evaluate new opportunities based on division parameters for credit, structure, return, and strategic fit
• Prepare prescreen memos to review new opportunities with the team
• Prepare and negotiate term sheets with equity sponsors, project developers, and companies, including transaction structure, deal terms, pricing, and financial covenants
• Lead a cross-functional deal team through the structuring, underwriting, and closing of transactions in collaboration with credit, operations and external counsel teams
• Participate in industry conferences and networking events to promote the division and maintain market visibility

This is a growth position with additional responsibilities added as the department expands and the candidate’s abilities dictate.

KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators)

• Volume, Net Interest Margin, Fee Income, Assets, number of closed transactions
• Client engagement, market presence, product expertise, team collaboration

Responsibility and Decision-Making Authority:

• Act independently; Decision making within Company policy

Management/Supervisory Responsibilities:

• • None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Established network of equity sponsors, intermediaries, financial institutions, and industry players from which to source new lending opportunities
• Strong origination skills with a proven ability to effectively communicate the value proposition of a non-bank independent finance company, with an emphasis on structuring tailored solutions and being responsive to client needs
• Ability to effectively evaluate and prioritize multiple opportunities simultaneously
• Proven ability to develop tailored solutions for clients and build internal consensus to convert them to closed transactions
• Extensive knowledge of the project finance, energy, and data center markets
• Excellent corporate finance, credit, financial modeling, and underwriting skills
• Extensive knowledge of project finance loan structuring, underwriting, and documentation practices
• Strong presentation skills, including the ability to prepare internal and external presentations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Team player with a positive attitude
• Self-starter
• Detail oriented
• Advanced computer software skills (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Salesforce)

Competencies:

• Thinking Skills

• Cognitive Ability
• Analytical Ability
• Ability to Synthesize
• Problem-solving
• Decision-making/Judgment

• Leadership Skills

• Strategic Thinking
• Persuasion
• Ability to Establish Effective Teams
• Ability to Develop Others
• Ability to Manage Conflicts

• Management Skills

• Project Management Skills
• Ability to Organize/Orchestrate
• Ability to Delegate

• Communications

• Oral Communication
• Written Communication
• Ability to Listen

• Technical and Professional

• Technical and Professional Skills
• Detail-oriented

• Personal Qualities

• Integrity
• Stress Resistance
• Adaptability

• Entrepreneurship

• Business Acumen
• Client-oriented
• Results-oriented
• Negotiation Skills

Education and Experience:

• 10+ years of transaction experience in project or structured finance with a proven track record of exceeding origination and profitability targets
• Credit training and transaction underwriting experience
• Participation in industry associations preferred
• BA/BS in Business (MBA preferred)

Licensing and Certification:

• N/A

Tools and Equipment Used:

• Personal computer, copier, phone, and other typical office equipment

Working Hours:

• Hours may vary and will require some evening work depending on business needs
• Regular travel is required to visit clients and attend conferences

Physical Demands:

• Digital dexterity and hand/eye coordination in operation of office equipment
• Light lifting and carrying supplies, files, etc.
• Ability to speak to and hear customers and/or other employees via phone or in person
• Body motor skills sufficient to enable incumbent to move from one office location to another

The job description does not constitute an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

The position is exempt and the salary will be between $169,400 - $200,700 with an opportunity to earn a sales commissions.

The salary range is determined and based on internal equity, market data/ranges, applicant's skills, prior relevant experience and education.

Additional benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and vision plans
• 401(k) and matching
• Paid Time Off
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Training and Development Opportunities
• Employee Discounts