Finance Manager

The client is seeking a highly experienced Finance Manager – Project Finance (PPP) to lead and manage financing activities for large-scale infrastructure and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects in South Africa. This is a strategic role responsible for structuring, negotiating, and closing complex project financing transactions across key infrastructure sectors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Project Finance & PPP Execution
• Lead financial structuring of PPP and infrastructure projects from bid stage through financial close
• Develop and review complex financial models for bankability and investment evaluation
• Coordinate due diligence with lenders, advisors, and stakeholders
• Manage financing documentation including term sheets, facility agreements, and security packages
• Support concession negotiations, government engagements, and regulatory compliance
• Banking & Lender Management
• Engage with commercial banks, DFIs, ECAs, and institutional investors
• Lead debt structuring negotiations (pricing, covenants, risk allocation)
• Maintain strong relationships with local and international financial institutions
• Oversee refinancing, restructuring, and ongoing lender reporting
• Financial Strategy & Risk Management
• Conduct financial risk assessments (interest rate, FX, credit risk)
• Optimize capital structure for sustainable returns
• Ensure compliance with South African PPP frameworks and National Treasury guidelines
• Provide strategic financial insights to senior leadership

Requirements:

• Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field
  • CA(SA), CFA, MBA, or equivalent professional qualification preferred
• 8–10+ years of experience in:
  
  • Project finance
  • PPP infrastructure transactions
  • Commercial banking, DFI, or investment banking
  • Proven track record of achieving financial close on large-scale infrastructure projects
  • Experience in energy, transport, water, or social infrastructure preferred
  • Strong knowledge of South African PPP regulations
• Technical Expertise:
  • Advanced Excel-based financial modelling
  • Strong understanding of debt structuring and credit analysis
  • Familiarity with EPC contracts, concession agreements, and shareholder agreements
• Professional Attributes:
  • Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills
  • Excellent communication and presentation capabilities
  • Ability to perform in high-pressure, transaction-driven environments
  • High ethical standards and governance awareness

Preferred Profile:

• South African citizen or permanent resident
• Established relationships with local banks and DFIs
• Experience on both sponsor and lender sides highly advantageous