Senior Manager Debt Advisory | ErnstYoung Job

Job Description

The opportunity

The Senior Manager, Debt Advisory, will play a leading role in the origination, structuring and execution of projects across debt advisory and financial restructuring, providing financing solutions for clients across a broad range of industrial sectors, including manufacturing and infrastructure.

The role focuses on advising clients on debt financing strategies, project finance structures, refinancing initiatives, and capital raising solutions, including projects supported by state aid and public funding programs (supported by other EY teams), and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) frameworks. The candidate would ideally have either financial restructuring (including undertaking independent business reviews of private companies), and/or infrastructure advisory experience.

Responsibilities will span the full financing lifecycle, from funding strategy development and financial modelling through lender engagement, debt structuring, negotiation, transaction execution, and financial close.

The role requires close collaboration with project sponsors, investors, developers, public authorities, commercial banks, export credit agencies, and international financial institutions (IFIs) such as EBRD and EIB. In addition, the position will involve working alongside EY teams specializing in State Aid and Public Funding to design integrated financing solutions that combine debt, grants, incentives, and other funding sources.

A key aspect of the role is supporting clients both in securing financing for new projects and in optimizing existing capital structures through refinancing, debt restructuring, maturity extensions, and improved financing terms.

As a senior member of the team, the individual will be expected to lead origination of new mandates, developing relationships across the financing ecosystem, identifying market opportunities, and preparing proposals. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading client engagements together with the partner, play an active role in recruiting and developing the team, and contribute to thought leadership initiatives. The role provides the successful candidate with the opportunity to play a pivotal role in building the business in Romania as part of the wider regional capability.

The position requires a strong understanding of both sides of the financing market, including the perspectives of project sponsors and investors seeking to develop assets, as well as lenders and financing institutions evaluating and funding transactions. The successful candidate will combine relevant capabilities such as project finance expertise, debt advisory, restructuring experience, advanced financial modelling capabilities, and strong commercial acumen to support clients in delivering complex and impactful investments.

Your key responsibilities

• Debt Advisory & Structuring: Lead the structuring, negotiation, and arrangement of debt financing (senior debt, mezzanine, blended/concessional finance) for infrastructure and capex projects, including engagement with commercial banks, IFIs (EBRD, EIB), and export credit agencies.
• Project Finance Modelling: Oversee the development and review of financial models, cash flow analyses, sensitivity/scenario testing, and bankability assessments.
• Transaction Execution: Manage end-to-end deal processes, including due diligence coordination, term sheet negotiation, lender engagement, and financial close.
• Client & Stakeholder Management: Serve as a trusted advisor to sponsors, developers, lenders, and public authorities; build and maintain senior-level relationships.
• Business Development: Support origination efforts, prepare proposals and pitch materials, and contribute to the growth of the debt advisory practice.
• Team Leadership: Lead, coach, and develop junior team members; review deliverables and ensure quality and consistency.

  Skills and attributes for success 

• Experience: 7+ years in infrastructure/project finance, with demonstrable debt advisory and restructuring experience (ideally gained at a bank, IFI, advisory firm, or infrastructure fund).
• Sector Knowledge: Strong understanding of infrastructure sectors and capex-intensive projects, plus familiarity with state aid / EU-funded financing mechanisms in Romania (or the wider CEE region).
• Technical Skills: Advanced financial modelling capabilities; solid grasp of debt structuring, credit analysis, risk allocation, and bankability considerations.
• Market Insight: Knowledge of the Romanian and regional lending landscape, including relationships with local and international lenders.
• Education: Degree in Finance, Economics, Engineering, or a related field; relevant professional qualifications (CFA, ACCA, or equivalent) are an advantage.
• Soft Skills: Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills; ability to lead teams and manage multiple workstreams under deadline pressure.

What working at EY offers 

• We will fuel your ambition and potential with future-focused skills development that equips you with state-of-the-art methodologies and technology-enabled solutions
• At EY, you`ll learn A LOT through experience, on a variety of projects for a diverse range of BIG clients
• Get free certifications and enjoy national&international training
• Get extra vacation days when public holidays fall on a weekend.
• Join an EY Community and practice your hobby with your colleagues off-work
• Get plenty of discounts, perks and medical coverage
• Bookster library
• Medical subscription for employees and family members (wife/husband/children)
• Life & accident insurance
• EAP- Employee Assistance Program - Short term confidential counselling services for you and those who live with you

Are you ready to shape your future with confidence? Apply today. 

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