M&A Manager

LRE (Leeward Renewable Energy) is forging an American energy future with integrity, innovation, and positive impact. Born in Texas in 2003, we own and operate over 30 utility-scale wind, solar, and energy storage projects in local communities across the United States, totaling 4 gigawatts (GW) of generating capacity.  

LRE continues to help meet increased U.S. energy demand through our robust pipeline of new projects every year. Domestic jobs and manufacturing are fundamental to our full-lifecycle approach to projects, along with a long-term ownership model and a company culture dedicated to our community partners and protecting the natural environment. 

The M&A Manager / Deal Lead is a key driver of the Commercial Team’s and LRE’s overall success. The Manager is responsible for identifying project acquisition and divestiture opportunities that are aligned with LRE’s corporate strategy. The Manager will lead the entire diligence process including coordinating with internal groups, providing guidance to supporting associates and overall deal coordination with external stakeholders. The Manager will leverage their deep knowledge of renewable energy projects and track record in renewable energy transactions to lead the valuation and structuring of proposals that maximize value to LRE and take into consideration all major risks. The Manager will present proposals to senior leadership for internal approvals and lead the completion of diligence and negotiation of transaction documentation with counterparts through final execution.

• Leads full execution of small to mid sized transactions and co-lead larger deals

• Leads the entire project and transaction due diligence process including process letters, letters of intent, data room preparation and management, Q&A logs, and related matters

• Coordinates transaction valuation process among internal functional groups including origination, project development, project finance, EPC, operations, and legal, among others

• Compiles complete bid/offer proposals including, in addition to price, key provisions and factors that enhance value and mitigate risk, including merchant exposure, transmission constraints, tax equity and financing concerns.

• Independently leads negotiation of membership interest purchase and sale agreements in conjunction with counsel and relevant subject matter experts; only escalating complex risk or governance issues.

• Prepares materials for internal approvals and presents to senior leadership including, as appropriate, the board of directors

• Formulates and implements internal strategy for acquisition and divestiture opportunities, identifying regions and projects of focus and making recommendations for relevant bidders and timing of sale. Candidate capable of understanding implications of portfolio integration and returns  

• Responsible for successful alignment and tracking of project timelines and assignments to overall corporate objectives

• Proactively and effectively interacts and partners with leaders across multiple departments - Is sought out by leaders for opinions on matters of departmental significance

• Consistently formulates and implements creative and actionable solutions to problems and leads multiple M&A initiatives and coordinates cross-functional teams - Leads continues improvement of existing processes based on lessons learned from transactions 

• Independently establishes rapport with existing and prospective customers/counterparts and bankers/advisors in order to identify transaction opportunities

• Mentors and positively influences the learning curves of associates and collaborates on guiding associates through accountabilities and deliverables without formal supervisory role – Embraces an active role in the professional and personal development of team members and talent retention

• Bachelor’s degree required, Masters degree preferred

• Minimum 6 years previous experience in energy project finance, origination, and/or M&A required – preferably in solar, wind, BESS, or natural gas electricity generation projects (less experience may be considered with acceptable with MBA/JD/relevant graduate program).

• Track record of leading entire transaction processes in renewable energy from inception to execution

• Proficient in all areas of the transaction cycle: due diligence process, transaction valuation, structuring proposals, negotiating transaction documents, preparing materials and presenting for internal approvals

• Highly knowledgeable about renewable energy deal and market structures, drivers, trends, and competitors 

• Holistic understanding of renewable energy project development and M&A process, risks, and opportunities

• Excellent project management skills

• Concise and clear communicator

LRE considers several factors when determining compensation, including a candidate’s education, training, and experience. In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, the salary range for the M&A Manager is $134,000 to $186,000 annually. Compensation is set within the range based on each candidate’s background, with the potential to grow as responsibilities and experience increase. This position also includes a comprehensive benefits package, including a 401(k)-retirement plan, health, dental, vision, and life insurance. For a complete overview of our benefits, please visit: https://www.lreus.com/about-us/careers/

Please Note: This is an in-office role, requiring on site presence in our office a minimum of three days per week with hybrid flexibility of working remotely two days per week, subject to manager and policy approval. #LIHybrid

Applicants must have current authorization to work for any employer in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for an employment visa now or in the future. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Leeward Management Services, LLC is committed to employing a diverse workforce and provides equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.