Principal VC CLIMATECH INVESTOR

IT STARTS HERE

Santander (www.santander.com) is evolving from a global, high-impact brand into a technology-driven organization, and our people are at the heart of this journey. Together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what’s possible.

This is more than a strategic shift. It’s a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference.

Santander Alternative Investments (SAI) is a growing business that started almost three years ago, with c€3bn in commitments across its core strategies The business is focused on three areas, infrastructure, private credit and real estate in which our goal is to develop funds where we have a clear competitive advantage to generate alpha for our institutional and UHNWI clients.

We are proud of being an organisation where there are equal opportunities regardless of gender identity, culture or disability. Our mission is to help more people and businesses prosper. We embrace a strong risk culture and expect all professionals at all levels to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.

THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

Santander Alternative Investments (SAI) is looking for a Principal  VC CLIMATECH INVESTOR based out of MADRID.

As a Principal  VC CLIMATECH INVESTOR, you will play a pivotal role in defining strategy, executing investments, and shaping the future of the fund. You will represent the fund externally, lead high-conviction transactions, and guide both the portfolio and the internal team toward long-term value creation.

We need someone like you to help us on different fronts:

• Help define and refine the investment thesis in climatech and deeptech, ensuring strategic alignment across geographies, technological verticals, and long-term thematic priorities.
• Originate and execute investments on behalf of the fund.  Source and execute high-quality investments, taking lead investor roles with full responsibility for structuring, valuation, negotiation, governance, and co-investment arrangements.
• Assist with the fundraising process with investors
• Manage interactions with investee businesses including Board and shareholder positions.  Play an active role on the boards of portfolio companies, contributing strategic guidance, supporting growth initiatives, overseeing risk management, and preparing companies for exit scenarios (trade sale, IPO, secondary).
• Ensure active portfolio stewardship, monitoring performance, anticipating risks, and supporting founders in critical decision-making moments.
• Drive ESG outcomes
• Mentor and develop the internal team, transferring knowledge and judgment to junior and mid-level colleagues, and fostering a high-performance, mission-driven culture.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

Our people are our greatest strength. Every individual contributes unique perspectives that make us stronger as a team and as an organization. We’re enabling teams to go beyond by valuing who they are and empowering what they bring.

The following requirements represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for success in this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Professional Experience

• 10-15 years in climatech /deeptech VC, (Required)
• Strong transaction experience (Series A–B preferred) with exposure to full deal lifecycle (origination, execution, portfolio management, exit) and proven track record. (Required)
• Strong technical foundation: an engineering background is an advantage. (Required)
• Experience in either a top-tier VC, corporate venture arm, or climate/industrial innovation platform. (Required)
• Demonstrated ability to build founder relationships and source proprietary deals.(Required
• International exposure or pan-European investment experience is a plus.(Preferred)

Education

• Master’s degree in engineering, Business Administration, Finance or Economics. (Required)
• MBA and/or PHD. (Preferred)
• Complementary training in climate, energy, or industrial technologies will be highly valued (Preferred)

Languages

• Fluency in English (Required)
• An additional European language (Spanish, French, or German) (Preferred)

Hard Skills

• Strong financial modelling, valuation, and deal structuring capabilities.(Required)
• Deep understanding of early-stage company dynamics (cap tables, incentive plans, governance) and exit processes. (Required)
• Technical literacy in climate and industrial technologies; ability to engage confidently with scientific and engineering teams. (Required)
• Ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships with LPs, co-investors, and founders. (Required)
• Ability to lead due diligence processes involving technical and commercial advisors. (Required)

Soft Skills

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Leadership presence, sound judgement, and the conviction to make and defend investment decisions.

WE VALUE YOUR IMPACT

Your contribution matters, and it’s recognized. You can expect a fair, competitive reward package that reflects the impact you create and the value you deliver. But we know rewards go beyond numbers.

• We’re enable our teams to go beyond through global opportunities and broad career paths.
• Flexibility that works. Enjoy a hybrid working models—some days remote, some days onsite with your team—along with flexible hours.
• Learning for life. Access hundreds of courses on our platforms, including exclusive access to our global learning space: Santander Open Academy (www.santanderopenacademy.com)
• Competitive rewards. Receive a highly competitive salary with performance-based bonuses, motivating you to keep growing with us.
• Financial advantages. Benefit from preferential banking terms, special interest rates on loans, life insurance, and more.
• Your health is our priority. Through BeHealthy, our global wellness programme, we promote Holistic wellbeing.
• We know family is everything. That’s why we offer childcare support and family-friendly programmes tailored to each life stage.
• Always by your side. Get access to Santander Contigo, our program for employees and their families offering legal, emotional, and administrative advisory services.
• Extra benefits. Gym/WellHub membership, medical centers in some of our facilities, meal subsidy, parking, shuttle service from various points in Madrid, as well as exclusive discounts and offers for Santander employees. And that’s only the beginning—we’ll tell you more when you join!

We’re here to keep you motivated, help you reach your goals, and celebrate your progress, every step of the way.

LOCAL COMPLIANCE

Santander is proud of being an organization where there are equal opportunities regardless of age, gender, disability, civil status, race, religion or sexual orientation. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application process for all candidates.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

If this sounds like a role you are interested in, then please apply.
 

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR JOURNEY?