Digital Infrastructure - Associate

Role Summary

• Support the structuring, underwriting and execution of non-recourse project finance transactions in the digital infrastructure sector, with a particular focus on data centers and related power infrastructure
• Prepare client marketing materials, financing proposals, transaction analysis and internal approval materials under the guidance of senior bankers
• Support senior bankers in maintaining relationships with developers, financial sponsors, infrastructure investors and strategic operators active across the digital infrastructure sector
• Support coordination across Mizuho’s capital markets, rates / derivates and ratings advisory teams to evaluate and execute financing solutions, including bank debt, private placements and USPP transactions, investment-grade project bonds, high-yield bonds and bridge-to-capital-markets structures
• Provide guidance to Analysts on transaction execution, financial analysis and internal processes

The expected base salary for this role will be in the range of $175k-$225k. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications and licenses obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. In addition to salary and a generous employee benefits package, successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day execution of transactions, including preparing marketing materials and financing proposals, developing financial analyses and models, reviewing legal documentation, conducting industry and transaction research, assessing key risks, preparing credit applications and coordinating internal and external workstreams. The candidate will be expected to demonstrate sound judgment, ownership and attention to detail, with a primary focus on transaction execution, analytical quality and client service.
• Work alongside senior bankers to prepare proposals, pitches and other client materials
• Work in partnership with Investment Banking, the Financial Sponsors Group and relevant product teams to support the evaluation and execution of project finance opportunities across debt advisory, lending and capital markets
• Analyze financing alternatives across the bank and capital markets, including bank debt, private placements and USPP transactions, investment-grade project bonds and high-yield bonds, and support coordination with relevant product teams on structure, ratings strategy, investor positioning, execution timing and distribution
• Perform research and financial analysis, including industry and market analysis, comparable transaction analysis and cash flow modeling
• Prioritize responsibilities across multiple transactions and proactively coordinate with Analysts and the broader deal team
• Prepare credit applications for new transactions, support the credit process with the Credit Department and other internal stakeholders, coordinate due diligence activities and assist in the review and negotiation of financing documentation
• Coordinate internal and external workstreams involving clients, sponsors, lenders, institutional investors, rating agencies, legal counsel, independent engineers, consultants and other transaction participants
• Stay abreast of industry trends, financing structures, investor appetite and current market conditions
• Support client coverage and marketing efforts by preparing pitch books and other materials and attending client meetings with senior colleagues
• Attend client and internal meetings, industry events, conferences and seminars
• Perform other duties as required or assigned

Specific Duties

• Work alongside senior bankers to prepare proposals, pitches and other client materials
• Work in partnership with Investment Banking, the Financial Sponsors Group and relevant product teams to support the evaluation and execution of project finance opportunities across debt advisory, lending and capital markets
• Analyze financing alternatives across the bank and capital markets, including bank debt, private placements and USPP transactions, investment-grade project bonds and high-yield bonds, and support coordination with relevant product teams on structure, ratings strategy, investor positioning, execution timing and distribution
• Perform research and financial analysis, including industry and market analysis, comparable transaction analysis and cash flow modeling
• Prioritize responsibilities across multiple transactions and proactively coordinate with Analysts and the broader deal team
• Prepare credit applications for new transactions, support the credit process with the Credit Department and other internal stakeholders, coordinate due diligence activities and assist in the review and negotiation of financing documentation
• Coordinate internal and external workstreams involving clients, sponsors, lenders, institutional investors, rating agencies, legal counsel, independent engineers, consultants and other transaction participants
• Stay abreast of industry trends, financing structures, investor appetite and current market conditions
• Support client coverage and marketing efforts by preparing pitch books and other materials and attending client meetings with senior colleagues
• Attend client and internal meetings, industry events, conferences and seminars
• Perform other duties as required or assigned

Requirements may include:

• MBA, MS or LLM degree with a strong quantitative background, or other relevant work experience
• 2-4 years of experience in Project Finance
• 1 year of credit experience
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Advanced skills in Excel, Word and PowerPoint