Associate Director (Project Finance & Modeling)

Network Recruitment; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,900,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Recruitment seeks an Associate Director to lead high-profile project finance mandates and drive growth in infrastructure advisory across Africa, engaging governments, DFIs, lenders and developers.

You will mentor teams, oversee sophisticated financial models, structure debt and equity solutions, and play a key role in proposals and business development while managing client relationships and negotiations.

Qualifications

• CA(SA), CFA, Engineering degree, Actuarial qualification, Finance, Economics, or related degree.
• MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification will be advantageous.
• 8–15+ years' experience in Project Finance, Infrastructure Advisory, Corporate Finance, Transaction Advisory, or Infrastructure Investments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex project finance and infrastructure advisory mandates from origination through financial close.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, investors, lenders, developers, government entities, and development finance institutions.
• Lead multidisciplinary transaction teams and mentor junior professionals.
• Oversee the preparation and review of sophisticated financial models and commercial analyses.
• Structure debt and equity funding solutions for large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Manage project delivery, commercial negotiations, and stakeholder engagement.
• Contribute to proposal preparation, business development initiatives, and the acquisition of new mandates.
• Present recommendations and transaction outcomes to executive management, investment committees, and boards.

Skills

Project Finance

Financial Modelling

Infrastructure Advisory

Transaction Advisory

Debt Structuring

Financial Analysis

Commercial Negotiation

Stakeholder Management

Team Leadership

Business Development

Client Relationship Management

Presentation Skills

Communication Skills

Education

CA(SA)

CFA

Engineering degree

Actuarial qualification

Finance

Economics

MBA

Job description

Are you an accomplished Project Finance professional ready to take the lead on high-profile infrastructure transactions? Our client, a respected infrastructure advisory firm, is seeking an Associate Director to lead complex project finance mandates, develop client relationships, and drive the growth of a dynamic Project Finance & Financial Modelling business.

This is an opportunity to join a market-leading consultancy that advises governments, development finance institutions, lenders, investors, and developers on some of Africa's most significant infrastructure, energy, transport, water, mining, and public-private partnership (PPP) projects.

You will play a strategic role in originating and leading transactions, mentoring high-performing teams, and building long-term client relationships while delivering commercially sound financial advisory solutions.

This role is ideal for an experienced transaction professional who enjoys balancing technical excellence with client engagement, leadership, and business development. You will be entrusted with managing key client accounts, leading multidisciplinary teams, and contributing to the strategic growth of the business.

If you're looking to move beyond pure execution into a role where you can shape transactions, mentor future leaders, and influence the growth of a respected advisory practice, this opportunity is for you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage complex project finance and infrastructure advisory mandates from origination through financial close.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, investors, lenders, developers, government entities, and development finance institutions.
• Lead multidisciplinary transaction teams and mentor junior professionals.
• Oversee the preparation and review of sophisticated financial models and commercial analyses.
• Structure debt and equity funding solutions for large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Manage project delivery, commercial negotiations, and stakeholder engagement.
• Contribute to proposal preparation, business development initiatives, and the acquisition of new mandates.
• Present recommendations and transaction outcomes to executive management, investment committees, and boards.

Job Experience and Skills Required:

Education:

• CA(SA), CFA, Engineering degree, Actuarial qualification, Finance, Economics, or related degree.
• MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification will be advantageous.

Experience:

• 8–15+ years' experience in Project Finance, Infrastructure Advisory, Corporate Finance, Transaction Advisory, or Infrastructure Investments.
• Proven experience leading infrastructure or energy transactions.
• Experience managing client relationships and leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated business development and transaction origination experience.
• Exposure to PPPs, renewable energy, transport, water, mining, or other infrastructure sectors will be highly advantageous.

Skills:

• Project Finance
• Financial Modelling
• Infrastructure Advisory
• Transaction Advisory
• Debt Structuring
• Financial Analysis
• Commercial Negotiation
• Stakeholder Management
• Team Leadership
• Business Development
• Client Relationship Management
• Strong presentation and communication skills

Non-negotiables:

• Demonstrated experience leading project finance transactions rather than purely supporting execution.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to build and maintain senior client relationships.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams and delivering multiple concurrent projects.
• Willingness to contribute to business growth and market development.