Director of M&A

The Director of M&A plays an important leadership role in our efforts to originate, evaluate, negotiate, and close acquisitions and divestitures of utility-scale wind, solar, and storage projects. Your ability to drive deal flow will strengthen our positioning in this strategic growth area. You will be responsible for delivering high-quality and profitable projects that meet all investor requirements. You will be expected to analyze the internal and external business environment of a potential project and craft a compelling strategy for Scout to convert the opportunity into an operational asset. 

To be successful in this position, a deep understanding of renewable power markets and a strong professional network of partners will position you to identify and pursue potential acquisition opportunities. We target high quality developers with financeable utility-scale wind and solar assets, most often engaged through bilateral transactions. Your motivation to connect with the right people and effectively convey Scout’s value proposition will be a differentiator for this position.   

Your commercial mindset will enable you to lead in many areas, either immediately or in the first 6-12 months. An analytical mindset will enable you to ask the right questions, direct and/or lead analysis, and apply the results to our department- and deal-level strategies. Effective partnership with our Legal team means that you understand how to leverage the key terms in an offer and in a contract to structure a sustainable and effective deal that gets done. 

You will report to our Senior Vice President of M&A. Our team’s work style requires both collaborative and independent work at all levels; the Director would engage in a combination of doing work independently and managing the work of others. 

Responsibilities

• Play a leadership role in the due diligence process and internal coordination of the M&A team, including coordination with internal engineering, development, construction, legal, and project finance team members. 

• Develop professional relationships with market participants in order to create opportunities for potential Scout projects. 

• Research and originate attractive M&A opportunities in the wind, solar, and storage market and initiate negotiation of transactional documentation and structuring. 

• Initiate and lead investment-related communications and decision making, including drafting offer letters and serving as the main interface for counterparties. 

• Lead and/or direct the analysis of potential project acquisitions with a focus on economic risks and strategic options. 

• Drive M&A strategy development, refinement, and research for the Scout team, generating actionable insights on possible M&A projects and future renewable energy trends. 

• Apply creative problem solving and analytical skills to identify and communicate actionable insights. 

• Anticipate potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.  

• Research other changes in the markets to identify areas with high potential opportunities.  

Within Scout, you will cultivate productive and collegial relationships with colleagues at every level in every department. Your responsibilities internally will include the following: 

• Oversee and mentor junior team members. 

• Integrate the feedback of Scout team members into your project approach to achieve superior results.  

• Implement long-term company strategy and initiatives related to renewable energy development.  

• Lead process improvement within the M&A team. 

• Prepare proposals, presentations, and board papers as directed.  

• Travel based on business needs, anticipated to be about 20-40% time. 

Requirements

Your deal-oriented mindset will enable you to build relationships, identify and manage risks, and reach agreements that achieve the targets of key partners – all while integrating the Scout Values in the way you work and relate to others. Your proven track record of success enables you to understand the right balance of independent and collaborative work. Your previous roles mentoring and overseeing the work of others has cultivated a passion for developing both individuals and teams. 

In addition, the following characteristics are important indicators of success in this role: 

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college program; MBA preferred. 

• 5+ years of experience in solar and wind development and/or late-stage project acquisition. 

• Served as second chair or led multiple project acquisitions, including contract and deal negotiation. 

• Experience working with cross-functional internal and external technical advisors and stakeholders. 

• Ability to apply knowledge of the specifics of wind and solar project finance with respect to tax equity and debt structures and equity returns. 

• Solid understanding of the full cycle of utility-scale wind and solar power generation development and marketing, U.S. power markets, various transmission systems, and the economic drivers for renewable energy projects.  

• Previous experience modeling renewable energy project economics is preferred but not required. 

Core Competencies 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Excel, and Word 

• Strong verbal, written, and visual communication skills. 

• Ability to concisely frame issues by providing context, analysis, recommendations and risk/benefit tradeoffs, both in written, verbal, and presentation format, to project teams and to senior management. 

• Willing and available to travel significantly as needed (20-30% if based in Boulder, 25-50% if based remotely).  

Organizational Fit: 

• Strong project management, process development, and team-building skills. Experience working with cross-functional internal and external technical advisors and stakeholders.  

• Ability to prioritize and deliver top-quality work product in multiple areas in a fast-paced work environment without direct supervision. 

• Experience using influence rather than authority to achieve desired outcomes.  

• Authorized to work in the United States. 

Desired Personal / Leadership Characteristics  

• Solution-driven team player with the ability to lead and motivate direct and indirect team members to manage actionable task lists and plans you develop to resolve complex issues. 

• Ability to inspire confidence and create trust all levels across an organization. 

• High emotional IQ – very strong interpersonal skills. 

Timeline and Location 

Our target start date for this role is in Q3 2024. 

Scout prefers Denver/Boulder-based candidates (current location or open to future relocation). Scout also invites applications from candidates with a U.S.-based location who are willing to travel to Boulder for at least one week per month in addition to other required travel. 

Scout’s Values  

• Mission-Orientation. High achievers who want to make a difference in this world and contribute to Scout’s stated mission.  

• Teamwork. Respectful and appreciative colleagues with strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to fostering positive relationships across organizational boundaries to deliver on shared team goals.  

• Safety. Uncompromising advocates for the health and safety of fellow employees, contractors, customers, and community members.  

• Integrity. Ethical professionals who do the right thing even when it is difficult.  

• Initiative. Resourceful self-motivators who thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment because of their exceptional leadership, work ethic, and organizational skills.  

• Intelligence. Problem-solving learners who can make informed decisions quickly and create innovative and pragmatic solutions to challenging problems.  

Invitation to Women and U.S. Underrepresented Groups  

 We encourage applications from all demographics and especially those that are traditionally underrepresented in the energy industry. Consistent with our core values, Scout celebrates the diversity of thought and experience that comes from a range of backgrounds including, but not limited to, gender, race, and ethnicity.   

Invitation to Veterans  

 Scout welcomes veterans of the United States Armed Forces to apply for this position. Scout includes veterans of all branches and a diverse set of occupational specialties. We value the independent thinking, problem solving, leadership, and teamwork that our veterans have developed through their service. We welcome applications from any service and any military occupational specialty.  

Benefits

Target base salary: $200,000-$220,000. Negotiable for the right candidate.   

Attractive bonus potential.  

Scout offers a full range of benefits, including medical/dental/vision insurance with attractive premiums, 401(k) match, STD, LTD, an Employee Assistance Program, and a range of optional supplemental insurance coverage.