About the Role: My client is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Asset Manager to join their dynamic team. In this role, you will be responsible for managing the assets of photovoltaic (PV) plants on behalf of the company's project owner Special Purpose Companies (SPCs). You will oversee the construction and operational phases of solar energy projects, ensuring timely reporting to financial institutions and compliance with relevant project documents. Additionally, you will play a key role in fostering relationships with lenders, supporting project financing initiatives, and overseeing debt service by the SPCs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage and report on the construction and operation of PV plants on behalf of the company's project owner SPCs.
- Establish and maintain the format for asset manager reports (AM Reports) in consultation with lenders and investors.
- Communicate with EPC contractors, O&M contractors, and third-party advisors to monitor project status and performance.
- Manage fund transfers among project bank accounts to ensure timely debt service and third-party payments.
- Ensure compliance with covenants and obligations under finance documents.
- Interface with offtakers to secure forecasted project revenue and manage the transfer of environmental value.
- Coordinate with insurance advisors/brokers to maintain and renew policies, and lead insurance claim procedures.
- Maintain and update financial models of projects as per agreed business plans with lenders.
- Collaborate with internal and external accounting/tax professionals to prepare, audit, and file financial statements and tax returns.
- Stay updated on rules and regulations affecting projects and suggest structural modifications as needed.
- Address inquiries on AM Reports, coordinating with sourcing, development, and technical departments as well as external advisors.
Project Financing:
- Form relationships with local and international financial institutions active in the Japan solar market.
- Support project development and acquisition initiatives by providing financing perspectives on transaction structures and documentation.
- Identify prospective lenders, provide project information, and collect financing proposals.
- Manage third-party due diligence processes to secure funding commitments from lenders.
- Assist in negotiating structuring work for debt financing and finalize bankable documentation with legal support.
- Compare insurance proposals to balance coverage and economics.
- Prepare and present financial models to lenders to ensure mutual understanding of project financial dynamics.
- Lead closing processes of debt financing, including collecting necessary documents for drawdowns.
Qualifications:
- Excellent communication skills in Japanese (written and spoken).
- Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken).
- Experience in asset management or project finance in the renewable energy or real estate sector is a plus.
- Experience in managing cross-functional teams, including technical, financial, and legal departments.
- Proficient in project management software and Microsoft Excel.
- In-depth knowledge of project finance structures.
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, or a related field.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet tight deadlines.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive.
- Ability to work independently.
