ABOUT THE ROLE
In coordination with the Regional CEO & Managing Director and the Group SVP of Corporate Finance and Business Development, the Head of Business Development, Americas will identify and execute strategic growth opportunities across the region.
The role will focus on mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, investments in new and existing concessions, and other transactions that enhance the value of the company’s business platform.
The individual will also contribute to regional strategy by identifying industry trends, developing relationships with external partners, and sourcing, negotiating, structuring and executing strategic investments and acquisitions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the Americas growth strategy through the identification, assessment and execution of mergers, acquisitions, investments, joint ventures and divestitures.
- Lead regional business development and M&A activities from initial evaluation through transaction execution and post-deal integration.
- Identify potential investment opportunities and assess their commercial, financial and strategic viability.
- Lead and coordinate internal resources throughout the due diligence process, including analysis of:
- Country and market conditions
- Competitive dynamics
- Legal and regulatory matters
- Civil engineering considerations
- Operational requirements
- Financing alternatives
- Represent the company in discussions with external parties, including port authorities, government entities, corporate partners and potential joint-venture partners.
- Select and appoint external legal, tax, financial, engineering and other advisers as required, in consultation with Group leadership.
- Prepare and review detailed financial models, business projections and sensitivity analyses to evaluate potential investment returns.
- Work closely with Group Corporate Finance and Business Development to obtain the relevant internal approvals.
- Review and analyze tender documentation, information memoranda, concession agreements and other transaction materials.
- Manage transaction processes within required timelines.
- Partner with business leaders before, during and after transactions to ensure that investments align with strategic objectives and are successfully integrated and optimized.
- Participate in project-financing activities, including the preparation of market studies, financial models, capital-structure analysis and information memoranda.
- Continuously improve regional business-development procedures and support the development of junior members of the team.
- Identify and avoid transaction structures or agreements that could create legal, financial or reputational risk.
- Represent the company professionally and uphold its values, ethical standards and safety requirements.
- Perform other related responsibilities as required.
Qualifications and Experience:
- At least 10 years of transaction experience within corporate development, corporate finance, infrastructure investing or M&A at a large corporation, investment bank or investment firm.
- Experience within the ports, transportation, logistics or broader infrastructure sector is strongly preferred.
- MBA or other relevant graduate degree from a leading institution, or equivalent academic and professional experience.
- Significant experience leading teams through all stages of a transaction, including evaluation, due diligence, negotiation, execution and integration.
- Direct experience with infrastructure investments, concessions, project finance or public-private partnerships is preferred.
- Strong financial-analysis and modeling capabilities.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex, cross-functional projects involving multiple internal and external stakeholders.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present clearly and persuasively to senior management, government officials, partners and advisers.
- Strong understanding of commercial, legal, regulatory, financing and operational considerations relevant to infrastructure transactions.
- Proven leadership skills and the ability to engage effectively with government authorities, potential partners, local advisers and other industry participants.
- Ability to operate across multiple jurisdictions and cultural environments throughout the Americas.