At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-impact project finance transactions across Europe, shaping the energy transition and digital transformation.
- Company: Join Rabobank, a pioneering bank in renewable energy financing with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, health benefits, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusivity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable projects while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in project finance and strong relationship management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 113400 - 138600 £ per year.
Vacancy: Executive Director, Project Finance Europe
Location: London, UK
Department: Project Finance
Grade: Executive Director
What we are looking for
Rabobank is seeking a highly experienced Executive Director in Project Finance to continue our success in delivering and shaping the European energy transition and digital transformation by delivering high impact financings.
As an Executive Director you will lead the origination, structuring, and execution of large scale transition investments ranging from tens of millions to multi billion dollar transactions and will work on a diverse scope of deals across Western Europe; think onshore wind in Ireland, batteries in the UK, electric trains in France, solar in Italy, datacentres in Germany or sustainable heating and geothermal in the Netherlands. Rabobank was the first bank to finance offshore wind in 2006, was a frontrunner in renewable energy financings involving merchant risk, and is a leading bank in the financing of battery storage projects. In 2025, Rabobank PF closed over 60 new transactions, representing more than EUR 3 billion of new financings. Clients value Rabobank Project Finance for its high calibre professionals and their strong structuring, arranging and execution capabilities.
The successful candidate will be highly skilled in managing sophisticated stakeholder relationships, navigating complex deal dynamics, and driving transactions from early stage origination through financial close. They will be recognised for combining strategic vision with hands on execution, bringing commercial rigour, sound judgement, and strong client leadership to projects that enable sustainable growth and long term value creation, aligning with Rabobank's mission to grow a better world together.
Core results
- Close complex financings that enable large scale renewable energy generation or critical digital infrastructure.
- Build strong client relationships resulting in long term partnerships that accelerate sustainable or digital investments across multiple European jurisdictions.
- Achieve repeat mandates through efficient deal execution and timely stakeholder internal and external stakeholder management, driving strong risk return outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Active business development across the energy transition and/or digital infrastructure sectors, leveraging and expanding your network to originate, structure and execute complex project finance transactions, leading the entire deal process and ensuring compliance with Rabobank's corporate standards throughout.
- Partner at a senior level with Project Finance Europe leadership and deal teams across Rabobank, coordinating closely with internal stakeholders and clients to originate and deliver complex transactions, with regular engagement across the UK, Netherlands and key European markets.
- Initiate, sponsor, and lead cross functional working groups to assess market developments, shape strategic priorities, and drive continuous improvement in the organisation, governance, and long term capability development of the Project Finance platform.
Why This Role Matters
Europe's Project Finance focus is rapidly growing, driven by demographic shifts, aging infrastructure, and climate imperatives, this is a pivotal London based role, strategically positioned to strengthen and scale the project finance function. In addition, the Project Finance Europe team is part of a global Project Finance community within Rabobank that consists of more than 100 individuals across Utrecht, New York, Singapore, Santiago and Sydney.
Rabobank's Business Plan sets out a focused strategy to support financially robust, sustainability driven clients across Project Finance and other sectors. Our selective, risk conscious approach prioritises companies who meet Risk, Return & Sustainability (RR&S) criteria, helping to build a resilient and future proof Europe. Rabobank PF has been a leading bank in the renewable energy sector for many years, successfully closing numerous solar, wind and battery transactions across Europe, including a significant number in leading roles.
Skills & Experience Required
- Our ideal candidate will be managing (or have managed) a portfolio of clients, a proven track record in client onboarding, strategic relationship management, cross sell, and risk management with large Project Finance sponsors.
- Demonstrable experience in leading, originating, structuring and executing project finance transactions across Western Europe.
- A relevant client network across the energy transition and/or digital infrastructure sectors in the Western European region.
- Commercial drive and a cooperative, can do attitude.
- Solid business development and analytical skills, strong risk awareness, solution oriented.
- Strong knowledge of project due diligence.
- Experience with financial modelling, (credit) risk analysis, and legal documentation.
- Strong leadership qualities-and you're someone people enjoy working for.
About Rabobank UK
Rabobank UK is the London branch of Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A., a Dutch multinational cooperative bank headquartered in Utrecht. The UK office focuses on serving corporate clients, with expertise in:
- Corporate lending and structured finance.
- Leveraged finance.
- Project finance.
- Treasury and risk management.
- Capital markets.
- M&A advisory.
Rabobank UK's focus reflects Rabobank Group's global strategy to be a leading financial partner in the Food & Agri sector, while also supporting the Energy Transition, and expanding into Banking for Europe's Fundamental Sectors.
You will be based in the heart of the City of London, and be responsible for managing Rabobank's most strategic Project Finance relationships. You will be part of the broader European Project Finance team and report to the Head of PF Northern Europe.
Collaboration is central to our success. You'll work closely with risk management, supported by a pool of dedicated deal execution colleagues, credit analysts, and business development professionals, which are all based in Utrecht. As you are part of the European Project Finance team in Utrecht, you will be required to be physically present in Utrecht for 3 office days (i.e. Monday to Wednesday) every 6 to 8 weeks.
What we offer you
We provide a collaborative and supportive environment where senior bankers can thrive. You will have the professional autonomy and entrepreneurial scope to shape strategy, deliver transformative outcomes, and inspire high performing teams-while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This is an opportunity to innovate, influence, and make a lasting impact within an organisation committed to excellence, growth, and sustainable success.
We work flexibly at Rabobank, combining the benefits of working at the London office and working from home, allowing the best of both worlds to come together.
Benefits for this role include
- A competitive salary.
- A discretionary annual bonus.
- 30 days' holiday, plus the option to buy additional 5 days.
- Company pension scheme plus other financial benefit schemes.
- Private medical insurance, regular health screening checks plus other health benefits.
- A range of family friendly policies and lifestyle benefits.
- Salary sacrifice schemes - cycle to work and electric vehicle salary sacrifice.
- Plus, many more incentives
As well as helping our clients to grow their businesses, we are fully committed to growing our people to make them the best that they can be. We embrace differences and strive to create a truly inclusive work culture, based on trust and respect for all. A place where everyone can be themselves and bring their whole selves to work along with their unique experiences, background, and expertise. We strive to empower our people to focus on their wellbeing, by providing a range of resources that will enable them to flourish both in and outside of the workplace. Our ambition is to maintain sustainable, meaningful, and collaborative working environments so that our people understand how they contribute to our vision and overall mission, they can be healthy at work and bring the best version of themselves to our vibrant UK Branch community.
We are an equal opportunities recruiter.
As part of our Disability Confident commitment, we operate a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role.
Executive Director Project Finance employer: Rabobank Gruppe
Rabobank is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and supportive environment where senior bankers can thrive while contributing to the European energy transition and digital transformation. With a strong focus on employee growth, competitive benefits, and a commitment to inclusivity, Rabobank empowers its team members to innovate and make a lasting impact in a vibrant London office, all while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director Project Finance
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Rabobank Gruppe. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director Project Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Rabobank Gruppe.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Rabobank Gruppe's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rabobank Gruppe
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Rabobank Gruppe.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Rabobank Gruppe will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Rabobank Gruppe employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
