Project Investments Director

About Vantage Group

Vantage Group is a global leader in airport and transportation investment, development, management, and advisor services. Since 1994, Vantage's corporate and network-wide team has managed an award-winning portfolio, building strong partnerships that integrate global expertise and local know-how to solve complex transportation challenges at every network location. Over three decades, Vantage has built a track record of creating customized solutions to transform airports and transportation centers that benefit the passengers, stakeholders, and communities they serve. Vantage is a wholly owned strategic platform of Investcorp Corsair Infrastructure Partners for capital deployment in the airport and transportation sectors. Visit vantagegroup.com to learn more. 

Position Summary

The Project Investments Director supports Vantage’s growth strategy by sourcing, evaluating and executing on development opportunities in airport projects and other transportation hubs globally, with particular focus on the U.S. This role will become a critical member of the Acquisitions team in assessing new development opportunities and participating in all aspects of its pursuit process – deal origination, structuring commercial arrangement, financing due diligence, building and overseeing financial models, contract negotiations, financing, internal and external stakeholder management. This role offers the successful candidate exposure to private/P3, buy-side, infrastructure transactions for some of the largest projects of this type in North America and other jurisdictions.

Key Responsibilities

Screening of New Project Development Opportunities

• Assist the leadership team in screening development opportunities vis-à-vis Vantage’s strategic plan and in presenting information in support of ‘go / no-go’ decisions
• Develop commercial structure and financial sections of responses to RFIs, RFQs and RFPs for new development opportunities
• Coordinate development of presentations to the executive team, Board of Directors and Shareholder in support of new pursuits, followed by periodic updates

Consortium creation and coordination

• Assist the leadership team in identifying and evaluating consortium formation strategies on new pursuits, including P3 solicitations
• In development pursuits / transaction execution, lead discussions, messaging and consensus building around the financial model and investment case inputs with counterparts at the consortium partners
• Coordinate regular consortium coordination discussions, including creating agendas and following-up on action items with relevant parties

Business case assessment, diligence and reporting

Business and investment case assessment

• Lead coordination with other Vantage departments to ensure that the financial model used in analyzing the business case for a pursuit accurately reflects the underlying deal structure, incorporates consistent business plan assumptions; and is consistent with the obligations assumed under the project agreements
• Analyze the underlying investment case to identify and assess impacts of key investment value drivers / risk factors and present findings to the leadership team
• Identify and obtain accurate financial analyses relevant to the investment decision making process and present findings to the leadership team
• Lead development of information materials to articulate the underlying investment case (e.g. information memorandum) and presentation of financial analyses in support of the recommended investment decision to the Executive Team, Board of Directors and Shareholders

Due diligence

• Develop and secure support (internally and with consortium partners) for an investment due diligence plan
• Ensure due diligence advisor scopes incorporate required areas of focus from an investment perspective, review and comment on draft reports, analyze risk commentary and present relevant findings to the leadership team

Reporting

• Coordinate development of presentations providing periodic updates to the Executive Team, Board of Directors and Shareholders
• Develop and maintain pursuit budgets in collaboration with the Vantage finance team leaders to strengthen workforce engagement
• Lead coordination with other Vantage teams on keeping a project pipeline tracker updated for use in monitoring business development progress against corporate growth targets

 Debt financing

• Evaluate debt financing options, develop debt financing plans and schedules, identify and coordinate development of supporting lender due diligence requirements, coordinate discussions with the rating agencies and other financing parties
• Support negotiation of financing term sheets and agreements

Other duties and responsibilities commensurate with the position may be assigned

Qualifications & Experience

• You hold a Bachelor’s degree in economics, business administration, or a related field; MBA or equivalent advanced degree considered an asset
• Minimum 10 years of experience in infrastructure advisory, infrastructure PE investment, consulting, aviation (including US airport financing), transportation or adjacent related industry experience.
• Leadership experience required, this position will have direct reports.
• Experience working within a highly regulated industry.
• Demonstrated business acumen with the ability to align initiatives with organizational objectives.
• CMA, CPA or CGMA
• Must be highly proficient in Microsoft suite of applications with the ability to create clear, compelling, and visually engaging presentations. Should be able to translate complex ideas into impactful slides tailored to diverse audiences.

Skills & Capabilities

• Ability to work in a matrix organization and cross-functionally with impacted stakeholders
• Exceptional client management and relationship-building skills 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities supported by reporting capabilities 
• Proven ability to support rapidly shifting business demands, increase efficiencies and streamline new processes through analysis and innovation
• Multi-tasking, action planning and prioritization skills
• Self-starter, able to work independently and work collaboratively in a team environment, which also operates in a matrix structure
• Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to world class execution, including during periods of high stress.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, high stress environments
• In-depth knowledge of diverse business functions and principles
• Ability to work cross-functionally with impacted stakeholders
• Curious about the “why” and able to thrive in ambiguity
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Critical thinking and analytical skills for the resolution of operational problems
• Ability to navigate ambiguous situations, bring options and provide recommendation
• Solutions driven and self-starter, who understands the importance accuracy and timeliness make a difference and contribute to the success of the business

What we offer
In addition to a competitive compensation, career progression, and access to a global team of talented professionals, we are growing and offer boundless opportunities to make your mark within our organization. If you share our sense of adventure, come, and join us for the journey.

Primary Work Location: This role is open to candidates across Canada. Preference will be given to individuals residing in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). This position offers remote flexibility though some travel will be required for this role to both corporate offices and current network assets locations as needed.

Compensation: The expected annual compensation for this position includes a base salary of $215,000 - $230,000 per year, plus eligibility for an annual incentive.

AI Disclosure: We may use artificial intelligence-powered tools to support candidate sourcing. All applications are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition and Hiring teams, and all selection and hiring decisions are made by human decision-makers.

Vacancy Disclosure: This posting is for an existing vacancy.

To apply

Please visit our Careers page at https://www.vantagegroup.com/careers/ and follow prompts to apply with your cover letter and résumé. 

All qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada will be considered.

At Vantage Group, we seek and welcome unique backgrounds, perspectives, experiences and skills. As a global organization, we are always looking for differentiated points of view. We know that a diverse, inclusive and empowered workforce is essential to our shared success, and we invite you to join us for the journey.

Accommodation for Applicants
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring experience. If you require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us at careers@vantagegroup.com

We will work with you to provide appropriate support, and requesting an accommodation will not affect your consideration for employment.