Investment Principal- Private Equity, renewable energy, Cape Town

Trafalgar Recruitment; Cape Town; Vor Ort; ZAR 1.800.000 - 2.500.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

Trafalgar Recruitment has a client in Cape Town seeking an Investment Principal to lead renewable energy investments, reporting to the CIO and collaborating with the broader team. The role involves end-to-end deal execution, modelling, and portfolio value creation, with regular travel to Sandton.

Ideal candidates will have 8–10+ years in private equity, project finance or energy infra, and a strong track record in complex financial modelling. CA(SA) or CFA preferred.

Qualifikationen

• CA(SA) or CFA preferred with strong academic record.
• Undergraduate degree in Accounting/Finance/Engineering or related field, plus postgraduate qualification.
• 8–10+ years in PE, project finance or energy infra with deal leadership.

Aufgaben

• Lead end-to-end evaluation, structuring and execution of energy investments.
• Oversee financial modelling, due diligence and capital markets readiness.
• Prepare Investment Committee and Board papers and investor materials.
• Develop proprietary modelling tools and maintain portfolio valuation models.
• Identify risks and value drivers; support financing options and tax planning.
• Mentor investment analysts and coordinate diligence with stakeholders.

Kenntnisse

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Financial modelling

Stakeholder management

Ausbildung

CA(SA) or CFA

Finance/Accounting degree

Postgraduate qualification

Tools

Python

Excel

Valuation software

Jobbeschreibung

We are recruiting an Investment Principal for our client.

Our client, an established and prestigious Private Equity player in Southern Africa is looking to appoint an Investment Principal, to work directly with their CIO and broader team, focusing on renewable energy investments.

They are looking for a dynamic, hardworking and results-driven person with strong problem-solving abilities and a proven track record in leading complex financial modelling and energy infrastructure transactions. Background in valuations, project finance and private equity is highly advantageous.

This exciting role will place the successful candidate at the centre of a fast-growing energy platform with significant growth aspirations. The business has a strong existing portfolio of investments and financial backing to execute on its growth strategy. This is a fantastic opportunity with a well-funded and proven team of professionals looking to onboard a new team member who wants to join in and be part of their success story.

JOB TITLE

Investment Principal

Location: CAPE TOWN

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE

The individual will be a senior member of Our client’s investment team, reporting to the Chief Investment Officer, and will play a leading role in the identification, evaluation, structuring, execution and ongoing monitoring of renewable energy and energy infrastructure investments.

This role is critical to expanding investment capacity and supporting succession within the investment team. The Investment Principal will lead deal processes, oversee financial modelling and analysis performed by the investment team, present opportunities to the Investment Committee and Board, and contribute to investment strategy and portfolio value creation. The role will involve close collaboration with the CIO, CEO, CFO, legal, risk and compliance functions, and external advisors.

The successful candidate will be a commercially astute, results-driven professional with proven leadership ability, strong problem-solving skills, and a track record of building and maintaining complex financial models and successfully closing energy infrastructure transactions.

The investment team is Cape Town based and the rest of the team is Sandton based, therefore the role will require regular travel for meetings with the broader team and advisors, as required.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Investment Leadership and Transaction Execution

• Lead the end-to-end evaluation, structuring and execution of equity investment opportunities across renewable energy, battery storage, transmission and related energy infrastructure.
• Lead or support M&A transactions involving the acquisition of complementary platforms, portfolios or companies, including valuation, structuring, negotiation and integration considerations.
• Contribute to capital markets readiness and any future listing processes, including preparation of financial information, investor materials and supporting due diligence as required.
• Develop and maintain proprietary financial modelling and analysis tools in collaboration with the investment analyst and broader team, including project equity models, acquisition models, portfolio valuation models and corporate/fund models.
• Oversee and quality-control financial models, scenario analysis, sensitivity analysis, returns analysis and market comparables.
• Identify key risks and value drivers and ensure these are appropriately reflected in investment recommendations and equity returns.
• Evaluate financing and funding options and incorporate them into equity modelling and transaction structuring.
• Support transaction structuring and tax planning considerations as they impact project and equity returns.
• Lead or support equity due diligence processes with investors, lenders and internal stakeholders.
• Prepare and present Investment Committee and Board papers and packs.
• Collect, analyse and articulate an understanding of key value drivers of investment opportunities, businesses and relevant sectors.
• Manage transaction timetables, coordinate service providers during diligence, and ensure proper documentation and storage of deal materials.

Portfolio and Strategy

• Monitor and track the performance of equity investments against plan and contribute to ongoing portfolio management and value creation.
• Analyse renewable energy industry and technology trends and assess their implications for the platform.
• Support investment reporting on the portfolio, pipeline and trajectory.
• Contribute to the development of investment strategy and capital allocation decisions.
• Build and maintain relationships with developers, co-investors, lenders, advisors and other stakeholders.

Team and Process

• Provide leadership, mentoring and development support to the investment analyst and other team members.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of investment processes, modelling standards and documentation.
• Support the CIO in all aspects of investment evaluation, implementation and execution as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• CA(SA) or equivalent professional qualification (e.g. CFA) strongly preferred.
• Undergraduate degree in Accounting, Actuarial Science, Finance, Engineering or related field, ideally combined with a postgraduate qualification (Honours, CTA, MBA or equivalent).
• Strong academic record.

EXPERIENCE

• 8 – 10+ years relevant experience in private equity, project finance, investment banking or transaction advisory, with a strong focus on energy infrastructure, renewables or infrastructure investments. Proven track record of leading transactions from origination through to financial close, including financial modelling, structuring, due diligence and negotiation.

Experience in M&A transactions (including platform or portfolio acquisitions) and exposure to capital markets or listing processes would be advantageous, given the platform’s inorganic growth strategy and long-term listing ambitions.

Analytical Tools and Process Automation Skills

• Experience with advanced analytical tools including AI, process automation or scripting languages is advantageous but not essential.
• Ability to apply advanced analytical and automation tools (including scripting languages such as Python and large language models) to improve the efficiency of investment analysis, financial modelling, due diligence support and management reporting.
• Experience developing or maintaining automated processes and analytical tools that integrate with existing financial models, reduce repetitive manual work, and support portfolio monitoring and recurring information requirements.
• Capacity to use these tools while exercising sound commercial judgement and retaining full responsibility for the accuracy, quality and integrity of analytical outputs.

EMPLOYMENT EQUITY

South African National, preference for employment equity candidates.

COST TO COMPANY

R1.8 million – R2.5 million

The CTC is market related and based on profile, background and experience.