Director, M&A

About 1st Avenue Power:

At 1st Avenue Power, we are on a mission to deliver simple, fast-to-deploy, customer-centric and intelligent power systems leveraging the abundance of solar to provide inexpensive and reliable clean energy to global customers from data centers to energy starved communities around the world. We envision a future where every community, business, and nation thrives on the limitless potential of clean energy, united in a shared commitment to a sustainable and equitable world.

You will be working with Dr. Tom Buttgenbach, a clean energy technology innovator and entrepreneur who has been a driving force in making solar-based energy solutions the cheapest and most reliable energy option. Tom founded and led Avantus (formerly known as “8minute Solar Energy“), to become one of the largest and most profitable solar and energy storage companies in the United States and the largest in California, including delivering over 10% of Los Angeles’ power.  When Tom sold Avantus’ development business to KKR in mid-2024, it had delivered over $1 billion in profit and secured over $10 Billion in power purchase agreements and project financings with a pipeline of over 30 GW of solar and 90 GWh of energy storage, capable of powering the homes of more than 20 million Americans day and night. Tom’s family office investment firm, 1st Avenue Capital, is building teams for the next generation of advanced solar power system architecture and AI to aggressively drive down the cost of and equitable access to clean and reliable energy. 1st Avenue’s advanced large scale power systems are addressing the increasing inadequacy of the grid to meet the massively growing power demands of the digital economy, while its intelligent distributed solar utilities are leapfrogging the grid to provide equitable access to inexpensive, clean and reliable power to underserved communities around the world.

About the Role:

Join a groundbreaking team of proven leaders at the forefront of the clean energy transition. We are building a future where sustainable energy is accessible to all. The Director of Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) will lead all aspects of the company’s M&A activities, including sourcing, evaluating, negotiating, and executing solar/renewable energy-related transactions. This individual will collaborate closely with senior leadership to identify potential acquisition targets, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and divestitures that align with the company’s long-term growth strategy and objectives. The Director will also oversee due diligence, financial modeling, and integration efforts post-transaction.

What Makes This Job Unique:

• Leadership Impact: As Director, M&A you will have significant influence on key strategic decisions and play a vital role in shaping the future of 1st Avenue Power's energy strategy.
• Growth Potential: 1st Avenue Power and the project pipeline is in high growth mode, offering excellent opportunities for career growth and professional development.
• Co-Founder Mindset: This is an opportunity for a passionate and driven individual to join a groundbreaking team and contribute significantly to our mission. We encourage candidates who bring a co-founder mindset, with a focus on ownership, innovation, and a deep commitment to building a sustainable and equitable energy future.

Job Responsibilities:

• M&A Strategy & Deal Sourcing
• Lead the development and execution of the company’s M&A strategy in alignment with its corporate goals and objectives.
• Identify and source potential acquisition opportunities, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships within the solar energy and renewable energy sectors.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including financial institutions, industry leaders, advisors, and other potential partners.
• Monitor market trends, competitors, and emerging technologies to identify new business development opportunities.

• Deal Evaluation & Financial Analysis
• Conduct thorough financial analysis, including valuation, financial modeling, and risk assessment for potential M&A opportunities.
• Lead the development of business cases and investment memorandums to support decision-making and present recommendations to the executive team.
• Assess the strategic fit, synergies, and long-term value of potential transactions and provide actionable insights to senior management.  

• Due Diligence & Negotiations
• Lead and manage the due diligence process, working closely with internal teams (finance, legal, operations, and strategy) and external advisors to assess all aspects of the target companies, including financial, legal, operational, and commercial matters.
• Develop transaction structures and negotiate terms, ensuring alignment with the company’s objectives and minimizing risk.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and that all documentation is accurate and aligned with corporate policies.

• Transaction Execution & Integration
• Oversee the execution of M&A transactions, including preparing all necessary legal and financial documentation and supporting the closing process.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure a smooth integration of acquired businesses or assets, focusing on operational efficiency, cultural alignment, and realization of synergies.
• Provide ongoing strategic guidance during the post-merger integration phase to maximize value from acquisitions.

• Leadership & Stakeholder Management
• Serve as a key advisor to the executive leadership team on M&A-related decisions and strategic initiatives.
• Lead a team of analysts and junior M&A professionals, providing mentorship, guidance, and professional development.
• Communicate regularly with the board of directors and investors, providing updates on M&A activities, progress, and market opportunities.

• Market Intelligence & Strategic Planning
• Stay abreast of industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies in the solar energy and renewable energy sectors to inform M&A strategy.
• Provide insights on market conditions, competitive landscape, and potential threats or opportunities for growth.
• Contribute to the company’s long-term strategic planning and business development initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• MBA or a Master’s degree in Finance or a relevant field is strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, investment banking, corporate development, or private equity, with a focus on the renewable energy, infrastructure, or energy sectors.
• Proven track record in successfully executing M&A transactions, including sourcing, negotiating, and closing deals.
• Strong understanding of the solar and renewable energy market, business models, and regulatory frameworks.
• Deep knowledge of financial modeling, valuation, due diligence, and transaction structuring.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly to senior executives, stakeholders, and potential partners.
• Strong business acumen, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with post-merger integration and understanding of operational synergies and value creation post-transaction.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate effectively with legal, finance, operations, and senior management teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working within the solar energy or renewable energy sectors.
• Familiarity with tax equity, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and other financing mechanisms commonly used in the renewable energy industry.
• Existing network within the solar energy investment community, including relationships with private equity firms, venture capitalists, and other financiers.
• International M&A experience or knowledge of global solar energy markets is a plus.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary, Bonus, and Equity
• Health Insurance: We offer 100% coverage of employee premiums under a Gold-level PPO plan. Dental & Vision Insurance: 50% of employee premiums are covered.
• Retirement Plan: A 401(k) plan with a 6% employer match.

1st Avenue Power is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know when you apply.  

Join our team and make a real difference in the world.