Senior Director, Project Finance

Qcells North America; Teaneck Township (NJ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Director of Project Finance to innovate and expand its financing strategies in renewable energy. This exciting role involves leading the development of financial models and managing strategic partnerships within the rapidly evolving solar and energy storage sector. You will drive initiatives that enhance capital efficiency and scalability of projects while mentoring a dedicated team. Join a forward-thinking company that is at the forefront of energy innovation and contribute to a sustainable future. This is a unique opportunity to shape the financial landscape of renewable energy in North America.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in Project Finance, Renewable Energy, Private Equity, or Investment Banking.
• Expertise in Joint Venture structures and financing Community Solar projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and optimize JV-based Project Finance Model for efficient capital deployment.
• Develop financial strategies for Tax Equity, Debt Financing, and Joint Ventures.

Skills

Project Finance

Renewable Energy

Private Equity

Investment Banking

Financial Modeling

Negotiation Skills

Leadership Skills

Education

MBA

CFA

Job description

Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Qcells Distributed Energy Business (DE BUSINESS) is a leading innovator in the acquisition, development, and operation of energy assets, focusing on Community, Commercial, and Industrial (C&I) Solar and Energy Storage Systems (ESS) across the United States.

Our Unique Project Finance Model:
Qcells DE BUSINESS utilizes an innovative Joint Venture (JV) Project Finance Structure, where we partner with Tax Equity Investors, Debt Financiers, and Private Equity Funds to finance solar and ESS projects.

• Qcells DE BUSINESS takes on the early-stage development risk, advancing projects to pre-construction.
• Our Joint Venture Finance partners conduct project valuations at the Notice to Proceed (NTP) stage.
• At NTP, Qcells DE BUSINESS is compensated for development costs and margins, ensuring rapid capital recovery.
• This model provides financial stability and accelerated cash flow while securing long-term profitability during construction and operations.

To further enhance and expand this financing strategy, we are seeking a Senior Director, Project Finance, who will drive the evolution of our JV-based financing structure, develop new financial models, and lead strategic investor partnerships.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and optimize Qcells DE BUSINESS’s JV-based Project Finance Model, ensuring efficient capital deployment and risk management.
• Develop and execute financial strategies for Tax Equity, Debt Financing, Joint Ventures, and Loan Facilities.
• Expand and enhance investor networks, engaging with private equity funds, tax equity investors, banks, and institutional lenders.
• Lead structuring, negotiation, and execution of financing transactions, including principal and ancillary financing documents.
• Identify and implement new, advanced financing structures that enhance capital efficiency and project scalability.
• Collaborate with internal teams (Development, Engineering, Legal, and Finance) to align financial strategies with project execution.
• Mentor and manage the existing Project Finance team, including 1 Director and 2 Managers, with potential for additional hires.
• Advise senior leadership on financial strategies, risk assessment, and capital allocation for growth.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 15+ years of experience in Project Finance, Renewable Energy, Private Equity, or Investment Banking.
• Proven track record in financing Community, C&I Solar, and ESS projects in the U.S. market.
• Deep expertise in Joint Venture structures, Tax Equity, Debt Financing, and Loan Facilities.
• Strong financial modeling, credit analysis, and deal execution skills.
• Established a network of investors, lenders, and financial partners in the renewable energy sector.
• Excellent negotiation and leadership skills, with the ability to structure complex transactions.
• MBA and/or CFA preferred but not required.

Hanwha Q CELLS America Inc. (“HQCA”) is a Qcells company, one of the world’s largest manufacturers and providers of solar photovoltaic (PV) products and solutions. Headquartered in Irvine, California, HQCA has been rapidly expanding its business in North America through the expansion of products and solutions, including distributed energy solutions, direct-to-homeowner solar sales and financing, and EPC services. We provide an opportunity to be part of an exciting and growing world-class global business in an interesting and expanding industry of the future.

The Distributed Energy (DE) team develops, invests in, and delivers distribution-connected solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in North America. The DE team offers the full spectrum of BESS and PV+BESS solutions – from integrated ESS hardware and software, project development and investment to asset management and operations.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

The salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job’s minimum qualifications.

*This target salary range is for CA positions only and should not be interpreted as an offer of compensation.