Project Finance Associate

25 Sept 2025

Paris, 75, FR, 75008

Who we are

SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets.

In particular, SMBC Group is recognised as a global leader in project finance with strong expertise and product knowledge and dedicated professionals across Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Role Summary

Associate, ISD Paris (Structured Finance)  

As a Front Officer in the Structured Finance Department, your role is to support origination, structuring and execution of Project and Acquisition finance transactions in the Infrastructure and Energy sectors in France and Europe.

The candidate is required to demonstrate superior analytical and quantitative skills, strong communication and team work capabilities and strong educational background from a leading business or engineering school or equivalent university graduation with early work experience in the finance sector.  

Business Area

Project and Acquisition finance transactions in the "Infrastructure" asset class, covering digital infrastructure (fibre, towers, data centres), energy (power, renewables and new energies), clean mobility, transport and social infrastructure sectors. 

Position Description

As an Associate, the role is to provide support and to the origination, structuring and execution of Project Finance acquisition & greenfield loan transactions in France and in the EU:

  • Support the preparation of commercial pitches and financing offers
  • Review and analyse deal information including financial statements, project finance and acquisition financial models, due diligence and legal documentation
  • Negotiate NDAs, support the negotiation of terms sheets and financial documentation with the client
  • Under the supervision of VPs / Directors, (i) prepare credit applications and support credit process, (ii) coordinate internal processes in relation to transaction closing with various interfaces within the organisation (Credit, Research Department, Syndications/Distribution, Operations, Legal & Compliance, Derivatives team, other front office departments, etc.)
  • Develop & maintain advanced sectorial expertise in energy transition sectors and digital infrastructure

Essential skills for the role include:

  • Strong quantitative & analytical skills to review and analyse proposed transactions
  • Financial analysis, valuation & accounting, credit rating, Financial modelling
  • Initiative and autonomy 
  • Written & verbal communication skills to manage client discussions and interfaces within the organisation
  • Be collaborative, promote engagement into the wider company in Paris and beyond, be aware of Diversity & Inclusion matters

Competencies

Customer Focus
Driving Change
Driving Results
Embraces Diversity
Enterprise Leadership
Judgement and Decision Making
Risk Management
Strategic and Visionary
Trust and Integrity

What we offer

For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it’s only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.

As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you:

  • Hybrid and flexible working 
  • Competitive paid leave days
  • Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance and life and invalidity insurance 
  • Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services  
  • Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities 
  • Ambitious remuneration package

So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!!

About SMBC

A trusted partner for the long term
United by a sense of purpose towards our customers - to be a trusted partner for the long-term - and our universal banking platform in EMEA, we deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers, including corporate, structured and trade finance, leveraged finance, loan market and treasury products. We can also provide investment banking and advisory services and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets.
Find out more about what we do and who we are at www.smbcgroup.com/emea