Principal Deal Originator for Infrastructure Finance

As Principal Deal Originator at Le Uniq Imprint, you will lead the charge in identifying, structuring and closing large infrastructure deals. You will work closely with the Head Coverage to execute the business strategy, build a strong pipeline of bankable projects, and position the organisation as a preferred partner in infrastructure finance.

Your day to day will involve:

• Driving origination strategies and sector initiatives to secure infrastructure investment across South Africa and the rest of Africa.
• Building and managing key client relationships with government, private investors, banks, DFIs and other stakeholders to maximise revenue and impact.
• Collaborating with project preparation and transaction teams to ensure deals are structured and closed successfully.
• Leading market and competitor analysis to inform strategic decisions and maintain a competitive edge.
• Mentoring junior team members and representing deals at investment committees and board level.

This is a permanent, full time role based in Pretoria. You will be part of a small recruitment and HR services firm with a big vision for infrastructure development.

Application notes: No specific application instructions were provided in the listing. Please prepare a detailed CV and a cover letter outlining your track record in originating and closing infrastructure deals.

• A postgraduate qualification or equivalent in Business (such as an MBA), Finance (CA or CFA), Engineering, or Economics.
• At least 10 years of experience in infrastructure project financing, structured finance, or corporate lending, preferably at a development bank, commercial bank, or financial institution focused on infrastructure.
• Proven experience in securing infrastructure investment deals in relevant sectors and geographies in South Africa and/or Africa.
• Experience leading, initiating and developing new business strategies and opportunities to create a pipeline of development impact projects, ensuring deal flow and bankability.
• A track record in originating, structuring and closing large scale infrastructure deals.
• Strong networks and relationships with clients, global and regional private investors, and banks to identify and source viable projects and investments.
• Experience leading project teams with high level stakeholders and qualified professionals.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the complex financial and regulatory environments across Africa.
• In depth understanding of the infrastructure market, financial markets, and the macro landscape.
• Demonstrable experience in identifying client challenges and actively developing and structuring innovative solutions.
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to close deals, and expertise as a communicator at senior level.
• Proven experience working with senior stakeholders in highly political environments in South Africa and the rest of Africa.
• Behavioural competencies: achievement orientation, analytical thinking, conceptual thinking, strategic and innovative thinking, commercial business acumen, teamwork.
• Technical competencies: business development, business acumen, deal origination, project management, solution focus, financial analysis, risk management, attention to detail, negotiation, research, communication and reporting, innovation, presentation skills.

• Lead the development and execution of origination strategies and sector initiatives to drive infrastructure investment.
• Identify, prioritise and manage key client relationships to maximise revenue and strategic impact.
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of high quality investment opportunities through proactive business development and deep sector expertise.
• Collaborate with project preparation and transaction teams to ensure successful deal structuring and closure.
• Navigate and resolve partnership challenges while staying informed on market products and competitor offerings.
• Leverage political, sectoral and regional insights to inform strategies and broaden business opportunities.
• Foster strong networks with internal and external stakeholders to position the organisation as a leader in infrastructure finance.
• Lead competitor and market analysis to inform strategic decision making and maintain competitive advantage.
• Drive new business development, including fee generating projects, ensuring consistent deal flow and bankability.
• Provide leadership, mentorship and expert guidance to junior team members and represent deals at investment committees and boards.
• Prepare and provide documentation and reports for EXCO and Board decision making.
• Present deal screen reports at Investment Committees as required.
• Lead the drafting, approval and execution of strategies to build a strong pipeline of projects.
• Identify and originate viable projects by facilitating preparation, scoping, feasibility studies and business plans to close deals.
• Develop approaches to secure concessional funding for infrastructure projects across Africa.
• Expand the client base in target countries, building long term relationships.
• Design and implement targeted marketing strategies to capitalise on growth opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, global and regional private businesses, banking and multilateral partners, and government officials.
• Facilitate continuous communication with clients and projects that the organisation has funded to support the Division's monitoring function.
• Network and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to develop specific investment opportunities.
• Identify clients' pain points and coordinate solution offerings to address them.