Senior Investment Manager

Company Description

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Octopus Australia team in our Sydney office. The successful applicant will be able to join the Octopus Australia team on their mission to accelerate Australia's transition to a future powered by renewable energy.

We are looking for a Senior Investment Manager or an Investment Director as a senior leader within the Investment team, reporting to the Co-Managing Director of our Renewables team at Octopus Australia. This role will be pivotal in shaping both the Octopus Australia portfolio and the energy transition in Australia.

As a senior member of the transaction team, the successful candidate will have a broad mandate to help deliver on origination, M&A, project finance, and deployment ambitions across all renewable technologies. The successful candidate will be expected to play an active role in this broader strategy, including originating and supporting our own development projects into construction across different technologies and jurisdictions where required.

You will be a forward-thinking person, inquisitive by nature, and comfortable working in detail while maintaining a portfolio view. Equally important is your ability to be an engaged team member, cross-pollinating your M&A knowledge and capabilities into an investment and development context with internal and external stakeholders. Be prepared for a dynamic work environment where you will be encouraged and supported to think boldly and demonstrate leadership, while being a helpful colleague.

The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate the following:

• Renewable Energy Industry: Comprehensive understanding of the industry, including growth opportunities for our renewables portfolio considering key market challenges, stakeholders, and regulatory frameworks.
• Deal execution: Proven track record in originating and executing complex energy transactions end-to-end, including M&A and development. Ability to lead negotiations, stay calm under pressure, and maintain deal momentum to close. Understanding risks, assessing probabilities and severities, and building risk mitigation strategies.
• Network: Established extensive network within the Australian renewable energy industry and related advisors.
• Leadership: Ability to act as a role model for Octopus values and support strategic growth.
• Team management: Experience managing and mentoring a high-performing team to achieve objectives.
• Debt Financing: Familiarity with project finance processes and addressing bankability concerns within transaction structures.
• Investment Committee/Board Reporting: Strong communication skills with proven ability to present ideas effectively to senior management and boards.
• Financial Modelling: Proficiency in building and reviewing complex financial models, understanding valuation, sensitivity analysis, and key metrics, and mentoring team members in best practices.

Qualifications include:

• 10+ years of relevant experience in utilities, development, IPP, investment banking, private equity, or corporate finance, preferably within major firms.
• Financial qualifications (e.g., CFA/CA) and/or MBAs are desirable but not essential.
• Eligibility to work in Australia (no visa sponsorship provided).
• Core finance skills: commercial mindset, excellent communication, project management, legal understanding related to renewable energy projects, valuation, risk analysis, and financial modelling.
• Ability to influence a broad range of stakeholders and tailor communication accordingly.
• Strong team player with sound judgment and confidence to challenge and liaise at all levels.
• Focus on investor interests and customer satisfaction.
• Experience in start-up environments is beneficial.
• Self-starter with tenacity, initiative, and commitment.

Additional qualities include:

• Self-motivation, adaptability, curiosity, and supportive leadership.
• Clear and respectful communication, proactive opportunity creation, and a positive outlook.

What we offer

• Competitive salary, bonus, and medical benefits
• Additional annual leave
• Flexible working arrangements
• Ongoing learning and career development

Octopus fosters an inclusive, high-performance culture that values diversity and empowers employees. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Our Values

We emphasize how we achieve our goals, guided by our values of being straightforward, helpful, and bold. Our culture is built around:

• Be Bold: Make decisions quickly, adapt as needed.
• Be Helpful: Act with a customer-first mindset, recognizing their importance.
• Be Straightforward: Communicate with respect and clarity.