Head of Investment - Octopus Australia

Description

As Head of Investment, you will be accountable not only for originating, executing, and managing renewable energy investments across technologies and jurisdictions, but also for leading and developing a high-performing investment team. You will bring strong people leadership skills, with a proven ability to manage, mentor and inspire a highly capable group of investment professionals.

You will play a key role in setting and driving the overall investment strategy in collaboration with the broader Renewables Leadership team. This includes oversight of M&A, acquisition, commercial due diligence, deal structuring, project finance and partnership negotiations, ensuring alignment with our long-term acquisition and deployment goals.

Requirements

We are looking for someone who combines deep renewables investment and M&A experience with a strong track record of team leadership and demonstrated ability to execute against a strategy. You will be forward-thinking, inquisitive, and capable of balancing detail-oriented execution with high-level portfolio strategy. Your ability to communicate clearly and influence across teams and stakeholders - both internal and external, building trusted relationships in a fast paced environment - will be critical to your success.

• Deep understanding of valuation, financial modelling, and risk analysis, with the ability to challenge assumptions and drive value through negotiations.
• Demonstrated track record of leading complex, high-value renewable energy transactions across origination, structuring, execution, and asset management.
• End-to-End Deal Execution: A strong track record in originating, structuring, negotiating, and closing complex transactions across both development and operating assets. Ability to manage deal teams, maintain momentum under pressure, and drive successful commercial outcomes.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Network: Extensive network within the Australian renewable energy sector, including developers, advisors, financiers, and policy stakeholders. Ability to leverage relationships to unlock new opportunities and strengthen Octopus Australia's market position.
• Commercial & Risk Acumen: Strong understanding of key investment risks, with the ability to assess probability and severity and develop appropriate mitigation strategies and support negotiations to implement the mitigations. Confident in applying sound commercial judgment in ambiguous or evolving scenarios.
• Strong understanding of legal and contractual frameworks relevant to renewable energy projects, including acquisition, construction, offtake, and joint venture agreements.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and engage a wide range of stakeholders including investment committees, joint venture partners, banks, advisers, developers, and regulatory bodies.
• Comfortable operating in a entrepreneurial environment, where flexibility, resilience, and hands-on problem-solving are essential.
• Professional qualifications such as CFA, CA, CPA, or an MBA are highly regarded but not essential.
• A straightforward communicator who is comfortable giving and receiving feedback, and able to distil complexity into clarity.
• Team Leadership & Development: Proven experience leading and growing a high-performing investment team. A hands-on people leader who actively mentors and develops team members, fosters collaboration, and aligns the team to strategic objectives.
• Must have the right to work in Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
• Minimum 15+ years of relevant experience in Australia in infrastructure or energy investment, ideally gained across utilities, IPPs/developers, investment banking, private equity, or the corporate finance divisions of top-tier professional services firms.
• Leadership Presence & Communication: Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience engaging at Investment Committee and Board levels. Able to articulate complex investment strategies and decisions clearly and persuasively to senior stakeholders.
• Debt Financing Expertise: Deep understanding of project finance structures and processes. Ability to work with lenders and advisers to ensure transaction bankability and optimise capital structures.
• Proven leadership and people management skills, with a track record of building and developing high-performing teams and fostering collaborative, inclusive cultures.
• Significant experience in leading teams, setting strategic direction, and influencing at executive and board levels.
• Highly developed financial, commercial, and legal acumen, including strong understanding of project finance, transaction structuring, and risk allocation in renewable energy deals.
• Outstanding organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex transactions simultaneously in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strategic and commercial mindset, with the ability to balance portfolio-level thinking with hands-on execution. Able to take ownership of investment decision-making, while considering broader business impacts and investor outcomes.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Effective at working across teams—including development, operations, legal and finance—to drive alignment and integrated decision-making throughout the investment lifecycle.
• Strategic Industry Insight: Deep understanding of the Australian renewable energy landscape, including regulatory frameworks, energy markets, and the evolving policy environment. Ability to identify emerging opportunities and inform investment strategy accordingly.

Benefits

• Ongoing learning and career development opportunities
• 💰 A competitive salary package including bonus and medical insurance benefits
• 🏡 Flexible working
• ✈️ Extra Annual Leave entitlement

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance