Investment Associate and M&A

About the Company

Zelestra is committed to delivering innovative solutions in the renewable energy sector, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.

About the Role

The role involves financial model and business case ownership, end-to-end M&A management, and supporting various teams to ensure sound investment decisions and project execution.

Responsibilities

Investment Case Ownership & Financial Modelling

• Lead the development, structuring, and ownership of financial models and investment cases across Zelestra’s German portfolio (PV, Wind, BESS).
• Build, maintain, and enhance dynamic models, incorporating scenarios, sensitivities, and risk assessments to support investment decisions.
• Leverage AI and advanced analytical tools to improve modelling efficiency, insight generation, and decision quality.

Strategic Investment Partnering

• Act as a key partner to M&A and Project Finance leads in evaluating and executing investment opportunities.
• Contribute actively to negotiations with banks, acquisition targets, and advisors by providing financial insights and structuring alternatives.
• Support the articulation and defence of investment cases in internal governance forums, including the Corporate Investment Committee.

Pipeline Development & Value Creation

• Lead the financial evaluation of both organic (development pipeline) and inorganic (M&A) opportunities.
• Work cross-functionally with Commercial, Development, Engineering, Tax, and Finance teams to structure bankable and competitive projects.
• Identify value drivers and propose solutions to enhance project viability and alignment with strategic objectives in Germany.

Problem Solving & Thought Leadership

• Act as a critical thinker and problem solver, challenging assumptions and identifying pathways to make projects financially viable.
• Provide clear recommendations on what needs to be optimized, renegotiated, or restructured within an investment case.

Strategic Planning & Governance

• Support strategic reviews, business planning, and budgeting processes for the German business unit.
• Prepare high-quality materials for investment committees and senior stakeholders.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of internal tools, templates, and best practices.

Qualifications

• Expertise in financial modelling, valuation, and investment analysis, ideally within renewable energy or infrastructure.
• Experience in the renewable power industry is desirable.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into actionable insights.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and ability to work cross-functionally in an international environment.
• Clear and confident communicator, capable of influencing discussions with senior stakeholders and external partners.
• Highly self-driven with a strong sense of ownership and accountability; able to operate independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Proactive and solution-oriented mindset, with the drive to go beyond the obvious — while maintaining a sustainable and balanced approach to performance.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint; interest in AI tools is a plus.

Location & Working Model

• This is an in-office role based in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Zelestra is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.