French speaking Investment Associate 2021

Help us make a big green dent in the universe. We're on a mission to drive the global renewable energy revolution, and we need loads more people to help us make our vision a reality.

As part of the wider Octopus Energy group, Octopus Renewables sources, invests in and actively manages a range of utility scale renewable energy assets. We are looking to expand our team as we continue to scale our investments base of c3.5billion.

Since entering the renewables market in 2010, Octopus Renewables has grown to become the largest investor of solar power in Europe and a leading investor in onshore wind. We currently manage an increasingly global portfolio of renewable energy assets. The operational portfolio includes over 250 energy generating companies, delivering revenue in excess of £250m pa.

Having originated, invested and managed assets in the renewable energy sector for over a decade, our energy investment and asset management team of c.70 professionals is one of the largest and most experienced in Europe. The team is structured for scale and long-term ownership of energy assets.

The role is in the expanding Octopus Renewables Investment Team, which is responsible for originating and evaluating new investment opportunities, and offers candidates the opportunity to quickly gain experience, with exposure throughout the investment process. Junior members of the team are encouraged to own and run as many elements of a deal opportunity as they are able.

What you'll do

• Assist in origination activities including market research, organising and attending meetings, tracking potential investment opportunities.
• Evaluate new investment opportunities, considering returns in the context of identified risks, how these can be managed and other mitigating factors.
• Analyse, own and maintain complex financial models.
• Conduct financial, legal and technical due diligence on new investment opportunities, managing specialist external advisors.
• Prepare and present investment papers detailing new opportunities to the Investment Committee.
• Assist in the preparation of transaction contracts – reviewing and assisting negotiations of contractual terms.
• Arrange project finance which will include the management of lenders and their advisors
• Manage interactions with professional advisors including legal and technical.

What you'll need

• Full written and oral fluency in French and English, other languages a plus.
• Keen interest in the international Renewables sector
• Prior experience is required, ideally in a transaction role, from an investment bank, project finance lender, a fund manager, industrial or in a corporate finance team at one of the big 4 accountants. Prior experience in Renewables / Infrastructure / Energy sector is preferred but not essential.
• Strong analytical and Excel financial modelling skills, including VBA.
• A strong understanding of financial valuation theories coupled with core accounting and tax skills and an ability to read financial statements confidently; professional financial qualifications (accountancy, CFA/CA) and/or MBAs desirable but not essential.
• Exceptional project management and organisational skills. Evidence of managing complex workloads in a fast-paced environment.
• An ability to understand risks, reach a balanced appraisal of probability and severity and build workable risk mitigation strategies.
• Strong commercial mindset, able to understand the impact of commercial positions on potential investments and the potential to own increasing degrees of decision making over time.
• An ability to focus on the ultimate customer (the investors who trust us with their money) in all aspects of the role is essential.
• Excellent spoken and written communication, with the ability to influence internally and externally – from team members to project developers, project finance teams to technical advisors, Investment Committee members to potential investors. Strong presentation skills including advanced knowledge of PowerPoint.
• A self-starter with tenacity, initiative and a willingness to commit to deliver.
• A willingness to travel where required.
• Growth mindset to continually improve the way we work and the results we achieve.
• A strong team player with the confidence to exercise judgement appropriately, challenge and coordinate with colleagues at all levels of seniority.

Why else you'll love it here

• Octopus Energy is a unique culture. An organisation where people learn, decide, and build quicker. Where people work with autonomy, alongside a wide range of amazing co-owners, on projects that break new ground. We want your hard work to be rewarded with perks you actually care about!

If this all sounds like you then we'd love to hear from you.

At Octopus, we're looking for genuinely decent people who are honest and empathetic. Our commitment is to provide equal opportunities, a diverse and inclusive work environment, and fairness for everyone. You are welcome to apply no matter your race, gender identity, sexuality, age, family or civil status, disability, religion, or ethnicity.