Director, Commercial

Strata Careers•Durham, NC

About The Position

The Director, Commercial is a senior leader responsible for driving Strata Clean Energy’s growth agenda through strategic transactions and commercial initiatives. The role combines finance, strategy, and business development, and contributes to the company’s long-term competitive positioning in utility-scale solar, storage, and broader clean energy markets. In collaboration with the CCO, CFO, and business unit leaders, the Director leads M&A activity, strategic partnerships, new-market-entry analysis, and commercial deal structuring. The Director leads sell-side processes, including identifying pipeline projects ready for commercialization, developing relationships with potential buyers, organizing sale processes to maximize value, and obtaining Investment Committee approval. The role also leads buy-side M&A, from target identification and due diligence through valuation, negotiation, and closing. Responsibilities include maintaining a pipeline of acquisition and partnership opportunities, negotiating transaction documents, managing financial models and cross-functional diligence, coordinating external advisors, and preparing materials for executive, Board, and Investment Committee audiences. The role requires approximately 20% travel for site visits, partner and investor meetings, industry conferences, and meetings with counterparties across the United States. Occasional international travel may be required. The position works in an office environment and involves extended periods sitting and working at a computer, as well as standing, bending, twisting, and lifting up to 20 pounds. Strata Clean Energy develops, constructs, operates, and manages utility-scale solar and storage systems, and describes its work environment as collaborative, creative, and focused on professional growth.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
At least eight years of progressive experience in corporate development, investment banking, private equity, management consulting, or a related strategic finance role.
Demonstrated track record of leading and closing complex transactions, including M&A, joint ventures, project finance, or strategic partnerships.
Deep experience building and reviewing financial models, including DCF, LBO, and project finance models; advanced proficiency in Excel.
Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with multiple concurrent priorities and high levels of ambiguity.
Experience presenting to and influencing C-suite executives, Boards of Directors, and external investment committees.
Experience managing and developing junior team members in a corporate or financial advisory setting.
Strategic thinking and long-range business-planning capability.
Financial acumen and advanced analytical capabilities.
Exceptional negotiation, structuring, and deal-execution skills.
Executive presence and ability to influence at the highest levels.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level presentation development.
Intellectual curiosity and comfort with complexity and ambiguity.
Collaborative, cross-functional team leadership.
Ability to travel approximately 20% of the time; occasional international travel may be required.

Nice To Haves

MBA or advanced degree from a top-tier institution.
Experience in the energy, infrastructure, or clean technology sector.
Familiarity with renewable energy project economics, including solar, storage, or wind.
Strong understanding of energy markets, regulatory frameworks, and commercial contract structures, including PPAs, EPC contracts, and interconnection agreements.

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end sell-side M&A processes, including identifying pipeline projects ready for commercialization, building relationships with potential buyers, organizing sale processes to maximize value, and securing Investment Committee approval.
Lead buy-side M&A, including target identification, outreach, due diligence, valuation, deal structuring, negotiation, and closing.
Develop and maintain a pipeline of acquisition targets, partnership opportunities, and investment candidates aligned with strategic growth objectives.
Negotiate term sheets, exclusivity agreements, MIPAs, and APAs.
Manage complex financial models to evaluate potential transactions and inform investment decisions.
Coordinate cross-functional due diligence across legal, finance, tax, operations, engineering, and HR.
Manage relationships with financial advisors, legal counsel, and other external transaction advisors.
Prepare and present Investment Committee materials, Board presentations, and executive briefings on proposed transactions.
Collaborate with the CCO, CFO, and business unit leaders on M&A, strategic partnerships, new market entry analysis, and commercial deal structuring.
Travel for site visits, partner and investor meetings, industry conferences, and meetings with counterparties.