Job Description
Senior Manager / Director, Project Finance Zero Industrial, Inc. Charleston, SC Job Details Full-time $120,000 - $150,000 a year 9 hours ago Benefits Relocation assistance Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Paid time off Vision insurance Qualifications Capital structure planning Teamwork Financial model construction Dynamic financial modeling Cash flow forecasting Finance Continuous improvement Financial concepts Internal rate of return (IRR) analysis Valuation modeling Corporate finance analysis in risk and credit Investment banking Project leadership Due diligence conducted within finance Excel data analysis Full Job Description Senior Manager /
Director, Project Finance Location:
Charleston, SC | Type:
Full-Time | Level:
Senior / Director About the Role We are seeking a sharp, analytically driven Senior Manager or Director of Project Finance with a strong background in the energy sector and deep expertise in project finance. This is a high-ownership role:
you will be the primary steward of our financial models — from early-stage project screening to detailed project-level models to the corporate model — and a trusted voice in shaping the financial assumptions that underpin our business strategy. You will also co-own the corporate budgeting and forecasting process, support investor reporting, and coordinate with external tax, legal, and technical advisors on credit eligibility and monetization workstreams. The ideal candidate is not just a skilled modeler, but a critical thinker who can engage meaningfully with investors, challenge assumptions, and offer genuine strategic insight. We expect this person to be a forward-thinking practitioner who is comfortable using AI tools — including Claude — to build and iterate on financial models faster, then rigorously audit and refine the outputs. You will work closely with our AI Integration Specialist to build finance-specific AI workflows, including automated model auditing, scenario generation, and reusable prompt libraries for recurring analyses. Enthusiasm for AI-assisted workflows is a meaningful differentiator for this role. This role reports to the VP of Finance & Accounting and works cross-functionally with all departments. This is a hybrid role requiring regular in-office presence at our Charleston, SC headquarters. Key Responsibilities Own, maintain, and continuously improve the full suite of company financial models, including the corporate model, early-stage project screening models, and detailed project-level financial models. Lead financial modeling for energy projects from initial screening through investment decision, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and auditability of all assumptions. Support project financing processes, including debt and equity raises, working closely with lenders, investors, and advisors. Play a key role in the company's fundraising efforts, including financial model preparation for investor diligence, data room assembly, and direct engagement with institutional investors and lenders. Participate in due diligence calls and investor meetings — confidently walking counterparties through model structure, key assumptions, sensitivities, and outputs. Think critically about modeling assumptions and proactively surface risks, opportunities, and strategic considerations — going beyond executing model change requests to offering well-reasoned analytical perspective. Develop a thorough understanding of company business goals, risk appetite, and competitive landscape to ensure models reflect strategic reality. Utilize AI tools such as Claude to draft and audit model logic, catch formula errors, generate scenario analyses, and build reusable prompt libraries for recurring financial workflows. Collaborate with market development, business development, and project management teams to incorporate relevant operational and contractual inputs into financial models. Co-own the corporate budget and forecasting process, including monthly variance tracking and reporting to investors. Own project-level financial tracking for active development projects — monitoring actual spend against project budgets, tracking cost commitments and disbursements, and supporting SPV preparation and entity-level financial setup as projects advance toward financial close. Coordinate with external tax, legal, and technical advisors (tax accountants, tax counsel, carbon intensity modelers, credit monetization platforms) on credit eligibility, compliance, and monetization workstreams. Participate in Board meetings to present financial analyses to the Company's investors. Mentor and support junior members of the finance team as the company scales. Prepare clear, well-structured financial summaries and presentations for internal leadership and external stakeholders. Required Qualifications 5+ years of financial modeling experience, with a focus on the energy, industrial, or infrastructure industries (renewables, power, energy storage, industrials, manufacturing, or adjacent sectors). Deep expertise in project finance — including debt structuring, cash flow modeling, returns analysis (IRR, NPV, DSCR), and financing term sheets. Advanced proficiency in Excel financial modeling; ability to build complex, multi-scenario models from scratch — with a preference for a candidate who can utilize emerging AI tools to create, audit, and maintain models more efficiently. Experience supporting financing processes and engaging directly with investors, lenders, or financial advisors in a due diligence context. Strong analytical mindset with the ability to independently identify and challenge questionable assumptions. Excellent communication skills — able to translate complex financial concepts into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences. Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Engineering, or a related field. Preferred Qualifications Experience with energy project development, including familiarity with PPAs, interconnection, tax equity, carbon intensity scoring, and/or construction financing. Experience at an energy developer, infrastructure fund, investment bank, or project finance advisory firm with a focus on energy or industrial sectors. Demonstrated use of (or willingness to use) AI tools (e.g., Claude, ChatGPT, Copilot) in a financial modeling or analytical context. Familiarity with energy market dynamics, regulatory environment, and technology cost curves relevant to your area of focus. Experience with corporate FP&A, including budgeting, forecasting, and investor reporting in a growth-stage company. Prior experience mentoring or developing junior finance team members. What We Offer High-impact, high-ownership role with direct exposure to company leadership, Board of Directors, and institutional investors from day one. A central role in the company's fundraising efforts and the opportunity to shape financial strategy during a pivotal growth phase. The opportunity to be at the forefront of AI-assisted financial analysis in the energy sector. Ownership of the full model suite — you will build and maintain the financial infrastructure that drives every investment decision. Collaborative, mission-driven team based in Charleston, SC. Relocation assistance provided to support candidates moving to the Charleston area. Competitive compensation package with a base salary range of $120,000-$150,000, depending on level and experience. Plus performance bonus, equity, and benefits. Pay:
$120,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year Benefits:
401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Relocation assistance Vision insurance Ability to Relocate:
Charleston, SC 29403: Relocate before starting work (Preferred) Work Location:
In person
