Head of Wholesale, Australia & New Zealand Project Finance

Rabobank is seeking a Head of Wholesale, Australia & New Zealand Project Finance to lead and grow a specialized project financing business focused on renewable energy. Responsibilities include executing the Project Finance strategy, managing the team, and developing client relationships. The role requires strong commercial acumen and knowledge of energy transition financing, primarily in Australia and New Zealand, and is based in The Rocks, NSW, Australia.
Rabobank is the world’s leading specialist in food and agribusiness banking, and more recently in Energy Transition. One of our key strengths lies in our people who have a deep knowledge of the industry sectors of our clients, and are committed to adding long-term value for clients. Our commitment to our employees and clients is at the heart of everything we do. Our culture is focused on growing each other. We strive to create an open, balanced, and flexible workplace where people feel that they belong, can be open and honest, and are supported.

Project Finance (PF) is a leading product in the bank’s Energy Transition (ET) strategy, building on its long and deep track-record globally in the financing of renewable energy infrastructure such as, solar projects and offshore & onshore wind farms. PF has built up a strong portfolio in this sector, giving a distinctive advantage in terms of knowledge, commitment, network, and experience.

About the role

In this newly created role, you will be responsible for: building and growing a specialised project financing business. This will be done by generating, structuring, executing, and monitoring prudent and profitable renewable energy, sustainability-linked and corporate client-related financing transactions, and developing a high-quality client base. You will be responsible for the Project Finance strategy, staffing of the PF team in the execution of PF transactions and building the PF franchise in the region.

The Energy Transition strategy for Region Australia and New Zealand (RANZ) involves the build out of opportunities in financing of ET companies, as well as PF transactions. Most of the opportunities and focus will be participation in syndicated/club “market” transactions for counterparties with acceptable credit metrics and risk weighted returns and cross sell potential. The Head of Project Finance for RANZ will be required to work closely and collaboratively with the ET Coverage Bankers on deal teams for the origination and management of ET portfolio clients.

The Head of Project Finance will be a key member of the growing ET team for RANZ, and will be focussed on helping to build and grow the renewable financing business by working with the Coverage Banker team to source, structure, execute, and monitor prudent and economic renewable energy and sustainability-linked financing transactions. Project Finance RANZ will be focused on financing renewable energy projects like solar, wind, batteries and energy efficiency, primarily in Australia and New Zealand. The ET team is dedicated to support financing requests that support the decarbonization of the energy sector based on market knowledge and a client focused approach.

This role is an exciting opportunity for a driven, ambitious individual with good commercial acumen, deep understanding of ET and PF. and a good understanding of credit.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:
• Execution of the RANZ PF strategy as a coordinated component of the broader overall Energy Transition strategy for RANZ, and contribution to medium term plan (income and assets) for the region.
• Leadership of the PF RANZ team and managing PF staff in realising the strategy. Developing, maintaining and growing a strong client base in close coordination with the ET Coverage Bankers on which to build an expanding financing business, and maintaining a visible and positive presence in the market representing Rabobank
• Identifying business opportunities, and converting them to profitable transactions through expert structuring and efficient documentation and closing
• Co-ordinating and managing transactions through the internal credit process by consultation, analysis, structuring, and communication with credit.
• Work with and assist the ET Coverage Bankers in securing cross-sell opportunities for existing Rabobank products including derivatives, and looking for new Rabobank products to adapt and cross-sell
• Responsible for contributing and achieving income budgets and efficient use of capital.
• Increase internal and external visibility of RANZ and Rabobank in general in the renewable energy and ET space (e.g., industry conferences, organize events for clients/prospects/other Rabobank departments).
• Stimulate and assure a strong risk culture, awareness of risks and everyone’s contribution to risk management and protecting Rabobank’s reputation.
• Proactive leadership role in effectively and efficiently running deal teams and managing the credit risk management, approval processes, and execution for complex transactions.
• Active portfolio management in line with PF product requirements and methodology

To be successful in this role you will have:
• University and preferably master’s degree in a finance related discipline
• Professional qualification will be favorably viewed, e.g. Chartered Accountant, Chartered Financial Analyst, etc.
• Rich history of relevant work experience in wholesale/institutional banking with previous PF, advisory and/or structured finance experience in the renewable energy sector
• Developing and implementing strategic initiatives
• Extensive commercial experience with excellent track record of origination and execution.
• Strong experience in project financing including legal, accounting and compliance aspects of transactions.
• Proven management experience with ability to plan, execute and achieve desired goals.
• Experience in managing staff and talent in a versatile (and international) environment.

What we're proud to offer you:

Rabo@Anywhere is our hybrid way of working at Rabobank and for Australia, which means we have a blend of time working between the office and home.

Wellbeing leave. These 2 extra leave days support greater work/life balance and is just another way we are helping our employees to lead happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.

Education Assistance Program. Rabobank values the development of its people and has a great Education Assistance Program to assist with professional development.

Parental Leave that supports you and your family while giving you the freedom and flexibility to enjoy this special time (Primary carer up-to 14 weeks paid leave)

Bonus and Additional Leave. We realise sometimes 4 weeks Annual Leave isn't enough! At Rabobank we provide an incentive for eligible employees to receive 1 extra week Annual Leave and an option to purchase another 2 weeks Annual Leave.

Extra Insurance. Rabobank recognises that employees need to protect their financial wellbeing, in the event of serious illness, injury, or even death. Rabobank provides eligible permanent employees with employer-funded Death, TPD and Income Protection Insurance.

Rabo Workplace Giving program. As part of Rabobank's global Corporate Social Responsibility, Workplace Giving aims to encourage employees to contribute to our community. Rabo Workplace Giving program matches employee donations to selected Social Partners.

Our Values

Rabobank Australia values inclusion, belonging, and positive experiences for all. Our work environment, our benefits, and the way we live our values, “Client Driven”, “Responsible”, “Professional” and “Cooperative” make it a great place to work. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Please let our Talent Acquisition team know if you need any accommodations to make our opportunities more accessible to you.

Rabobank is not accepting submissions from recruitment agencies for this role.

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