Head of Special Assets

Head of Special Assets

Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Private Infrastructure Development Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the strategy for exiting distressed assets and maximise value for PIDG.
  • Company: Join an innovative infrastructure developer making a real impact in emerging markets.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Work in a dynamic team focused on socio-economic development and net zero emissions.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of sustainable development and drive positive change in Africa and Asia.
  • Qualifications: Experience in M&A, corporate finance, or private equity with strong negotiation skills.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

About the Private Infrastructure Development Group

The Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) is an innovative infrastructure project developer and investor which mobilises private investment in sustainable and inclusive infrastructure in sub‑Saharan Africa and south and southeast Asia. PIDG investments promote socio‑economic development within a just transition to net zero emissions, combat poverty and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). PIDG delivers its ambition in line with its values of pioneering, partnership, safety, inclusivity, and urgency.

PIDG offers technical assistance for upstream, early‑stage activities and concessional capital; invests in early‑stage project development and project and corporate equity through its project development solution, InfraCo; its debt solution EAAIF (the Emerging Africa & Asia Infrastructure Fund) is one of the first and more successful blended debt funds in low‑income markets; and its guarantees solution, GuarantCo, provides credit enhancement and local currency solutions to de‑risk projects. PIDG also supports a growing portfolio of local credit enhancement facilities, which unlock domestic institutional capital for infrastructure financing. Since 2002, PIDG has supported 286 infrastructure projects to financial close, which provided an estimated 240 million people with access to new or improved infrastructure. PIDG is funded by the governments of the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia and Sweden, and Global Affairs Canada.

The role reports into the Chief Executive Officer and will work closely with Chief Investment and Project Development officer and the Asset team as well as Finance and will be responsible for overseeing the distressed assets and formulating a strategy for project teams to exit the projects realising the best value proposition for the company and executing the PIDG strategy.

Role and responsibilities

  • Portfolio review and development of the exit strategy: Assess / validate the criteria used to identify the distressed assets on a holistic basis taking into account partner/ shareholder capability, effectiveness of the board, and the governance process.
  • Develop an ‘exit’ strategy for each project that will maximise the value of the exit to the company. The strategy will include:
    • A clearly articulated summary of the status of the project, status against previous Investment Committee approvals and status against current business plans, shareholder agreements and loan agreements.
    • Identify whether the project can be turned around or should be exited.
    • Impact on company’s income statement and balance sheet.
    • Should include a timeline, a budget and identify key advisors that may be required i.e. legal advisors, insolvency advisor or corporate finance/ financial advisor.
    • Highlight key risks that may delay or derail an exit process and possible mitigants.
    • Provide a clear recommendation on how project teams should proceed.
  • The per project strategy will be presented to Investment Committee (IC) for approval.
  • Collaborate with project teams, Asset management and Finance teams in planning and execution of the exit strategy.

Execution of the Exit strategy

  • Once the per project Exit strategy is approved to proceed with recommended actions and appoint the required advisors for company to exit the project as expeditiously as possible; balancing both time and exit value.
  • To lead the team (advisors, project manager and possible distressed asset resource) and negotiate with the project partners to implement the strategy, the Head of Asset Management and CIPDO will be supporting these negotiations.
  • Communicate with the Communications team on the course of action so that the company can ensure that our funders are informed, as required, and the media can be monitored.
  • The damage to PIDG’s reputation as a development funder should be considered at all points.
  • On a quarterly basis provide an update to the ExCo on progress against the various milestones.
  • Present to IC the progress at the twice a year Portfolio review meeting.
  • Present the final negotiated exit proposal to the IC for approval before concluding the process.
  • Follow up on various conditions precedent and enforce repayments, as per the exit plan.
  • You may be appointed to the board of the projects to ensure that governance and process are followed correctly at board and shareholder level.

Experience and education requirements

  • M&A, corporate finance, legal or general business background with extensive experience of exiting small ticket investment in emerging markets.
  • Experience of working with and being sensitive to different cultures as the role will encompass both Africa and Asia.
  • Private equity/ corporate restructuring background /experience of leading teams of advisors efficiently i.e. controlling advisor costs preferred.
  • Expert negotiator with a solution-based focus and ensuing obstacles are successfully mitigated.
  • Familiar with financial models, valuations, shareholder agreements, loan agreements and structuring various exit agreements including share purchase agreements.
  • Experience of managing insolvency processes will be advantageous.
  • Experience of managing and minimising tax liabilities will be advantageous.
  • Proven experience in collaborating with various teams and achieving consensus driven solutions.
  • Degree in finance, legal or business strongly preferred.

Applications close on 17 July 2026 00:00 UTC+0. PIDG is an equal opportunities employer and values the diversity of all its employees, associates, owners, service providers and customers.

To Apply Please fill out the form on the 'Application' tab at the top of this panel.

Head of Special Assets employer: Private Infrastructure Development Group

The Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the pursuit of sustainable infrastructure development across sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and employee growth, PIDG provides opportunities for professional advancement while making a meaningful impact on socio-economic development and the Sustainable Development Goals. Employees benefit from a culture that values partnership and urgency, ensuring that their contributions are recognised and rewarded in a supportive atmosphere.

Private Infrastructure Development Group

Contact Details:

Private Infrastructure Development Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Special Assets

Get Involved in Finance Communities

Join investment and asset management forums or local finance meetups. Engaging with professionals in these circles can not only help you learn the ropes but also put you in touch with potential employers like Private Infrastructure Development Group, who often scout for talent at such events.

Utilise Networking Platforms

Connect with professionals already working in asset management on platforms like LinkedIn. A personal message showing your interest in their role or asking for advice can lead to significant connections that might tip the scales in your favour at companies like Private Infrastructure Development Group.

Show Off Your Financial Skills

Consider contributing to investment blogs or even creating your own content. Sharing your insights and analyses can demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the industry, making you stand out when applying for roles at organisations like Private Infrastructure Development Group.

Engage with Recruitment Events

Attend finance recruitment fairs and expos. These events are perfect for making a strong impression with recruiters and potentially securing interviews. Many companies, including Private Infrastructure Development Group, attend these events to scout for fresh talent, so make sure you stand out with your enthusiasm and knowledge!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Special Assets

M&A
Corporate Finance
Legal Expertise
Project Exit Strategy Development
Financial Modelling
Valuation Skills
Negotiation Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In asset management, it's all about the numbers! Make sure your CV showcases your analytical skills, particularly any experience with financial modelling or quantitative analysis. Employers like Private Infrastructure Development Group want to see how you can dissect data and turn it into actionable insights, so don't hold back on your achievements!

Show Off Your Relevant Qualifications:Having the right qualifications can be a game changer in investment roles. If you've got a degree in finance, economics, or a related field, flaunt it! Also, if you have any certifications like CFA or CAIA, mention those too. It’ll help demonstrate your commitment and expertise in the field to Private Infrastructure Development Group.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to Reflect Passion for Investment:Your cover letter is your chance to express your enthusiasm for the investment world. Share why you're drawn to asset management and your understanding of market trends. The hiring team at Private Infrastructure Development Group will be keen to see that passion and how you keep up with industry news and developments.

Quantify Your Achievements:Don’t just tell them what you did - show them! When detailing your previous experience, include quantifiable achievements to illustrate your impact. Whether it’s percentage growth on a portfolio or cost savings in a project, these figures will help your application stand out to Private Infrastructure Development Group. Numbers speak louder than words!

How to prepare for a job interview at Private Infrastructure Development Group

Brush Up on Financial Modelling

For a role in investment asset management, being well-versed in financial modelling is crucial. Make sure you can articulate your experience with tools like Excel or any specialised software you've used. Maybe even prepare a couple of examples of financial models you've built or analysed.

Know Your Investment Strategies

Expect questions around different investment strategies and how you would apply them in various market scenarios. Get ready to discuss current market trends and how they impact portfolio management. This shows you're not just about the theory but also keeping an eye on real-world applications.

Show Your Analytical Skills

Since this is a full-time role, companies like Private Infrastructure Development Group want to see your analytical thinking in action. Prepare to solve case studies or tackle some numerical puzzles during the interview. Practicing these types of questions will boost your confidence and show off your skills.

Discuss Your Long-Term Career Goals

As you’re applying for a full-time position, the interviewers will be interested in your commitment to the field. Be ready to discuss how this role fits into your long-term career plans in asset management. This shows you're not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely interested in growing withPrivate Infrastructure Development Group.