Mizuho’s Project Finance platform is a global business and consistently top ranked in the Americas. Based in NY, the team provides a broad range of financial advisory, debt structuring and arrangement for large-scale, capital-intensive projects across the full infrastructure spectrum: oil & gas, renewables, conventional power transmission, data centers, and transportation for both greenfield and acquisition financing. The team is integrated within Investment Banking and supported by a full ecosystem across Mizuho to provide full service to our clients and retain top 10 status.

Role Summary

• Play a critical role in the origination, structuring, underwriting and execution of non-recourse project finance transactions in the digital infrastructure sector, with a particular focus on data centers and related power infrastructure
• Lead the preparation and development of client marketing materials, financing proposals, transaction structures and internal approval materials, with support from Analysts and Associates and oversight from Senior Bankers
• Cultivate relationships with top-tier and emerging developers, financial sponsors, infrastructure investors and strategic operators active across the digital infrastructure sector
• Work closely with internal partners across Capital Markets, including Debt Capital Markets, Equity Capital Markets, Financial Sponsors, Rates / Derivatives, Risk and Ratings Advisory
• Coordinate across Mizuho’s capital markets teams to evaluate and execute the optimal financing solution for each transaction, including bank debt, private placements and USPP transactions, investment-grade project bonds, high-yield bonds and bridge-to-capital-markets structures
• Mentor, develop and train Analysts and Associates across the platform to expand team capabilities

Duties and Responsibilities

Independently manage each component of a transaction, including origination and execution, including preparing marketing materials and financing proposals, engaging with clients, presenting financing recommendations, negotiating mandates, structuring transactions, reviewing and negotiating legal documentation, conducting industry and transaction analysis, assessing key risks, preparing credit applications and overseeing the development of financial models. The candidate will be expected to demonstrate strong judgment, ownership and attention to detail, with a primary focus on transaction execution, client service and the effective management of internal and external deal teams.

Specific Duties

• Work alongside senior bankers to drive business and manage client relationships, including the preparation and negotiation of proposals, pitches and mandates
• Work in partnership with Investment Banking and the Financial Sponsors Group to originate new project finance opportunities across debt advisory, lending and capital markets
• Evaluate financing alternatives across the bank and capital markets, including bank debt, private placements and USPP transactions, investment-grade project bonds and high-yield bonds, and coordinate with relevant product teams on structure, ratings strategy, investor positioning, execution timing and distribution
• Perform the necessary research and financial analysis, including industry and market analysis, comparable transaction analysis and cash flow modeling, required to accomplish the above
• Prioritize responsibilities across multiple transactions and proactively manage junior staff and the broader deal team accordingly
• Lead the preparation of credit applications for new transactions, manage the credit process with the Credit Department and other internal stakeholders, coordinate due diligence activities and negotiate financing documentation
• Coordinate internal and external workstreams involving clients, sponsors, lenders, institutional investors, rating agencies, legal counsel, independent engineers, consultants and other transaction participants
• Cross-sell other Mizuho financial services, including ECM, derivative solutions, DCM, Financial Advisory, Ratings Advisory and other relevant products
• Contribute to the development and execution of the group’s overall business plan and digital infrastructure strategy
• Stay abreast of industry trends, financing structures, investor appetite and current market conditions
• Support marketing and origination of new transactions by prospecting for new clients, preparing pitch books and other marketing materials, and attending client meetings with senior colleagues
• Delegate and review the work of junior members of the team and provide timely guidance, coaching and feedback
• Attend client and internal meetings, industry events, conferences and seminars
• Perform other duties as required or assigned

Requirements:

• MBA, MS or LLM degrees with a strong quantitative background, or other relevant work experience
• 7+ years’ experience in Project Finance and 5+ years’ credit experience in a commercial bank
• Existing client relationships with top and mid-tier sponsors
• Established relationships with other project finance banks working in the region as well as ECA’s, multi-laterals and development banks
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Advanced skills in Excel, Word and PowerPoint

The expected base salary ranges from $250K - $275k. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications and licenses obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. In addition to salary and a generous employee benefits package, successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus.

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Greenhill & Co., Inc., part of Mizuho Americas, is focused on providing financial advice on significant mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, financings and capital raising to corporations, partnerships, institutions and governments globally. It acts on behalf of clients throughout the world from its offices in the Americas, EMEA, and APAC.