Asset Manager

Job Description

Eku Energy is a leading global energy storage business working across the full project lifecycle to develop, build and manage utility scale energy storage assets for the long term.

Our portfolio of digitally enabled, flexible utility-scale storage projects will provide vital grid services in key markets around the world including Australia, Italy, Japan and the UK.

Initially established by Macquarie's Green Investment Group, Eku Energy is jointly owned by a Macquarie Asset Management managed fund and British Columbia Investment Management, two financial powerhouses advancing the renewable energy transition.

Due to Eku's accelerated growth period since launching in November 2022, the company now has 4.6GWh in development, construction and operation across the UK, Australia, Italy and Japan with the aim of delivering 9GWh by 2028.

Introduction to the role

Eku Energy is seeking an Asset Manager for our global battery storage business. In this pivotal role, you will prepare for and manage the operational phase of battery energy storage system (BESS) projects under construction and in operations within Japan and establish best practise and process for Eku asset management globally.

This role will be based in Tokyo with flexible working arrangements available. Join us in advancing the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable global economy with battery storage investments.

Responsibilities of the role

During the Development Phase

• Assist in collating and reviewing information forming the Final Investment Decision Memo, ensuring that items relevant to Operations are sufficiently reviewed and considered prior to Final Investment Decision

During the Construction Phase

• Prepare projects for operations in line with Eku onboarding protocols and processes.
• Administer the SFA / Project Loan agreement, including reviewing and confirming relevant Covenant Confirmations, assisting in submitting drawdown requests and managing relationships with lenders / lender agents
• Working alongside the Eku Construction Team, remain up to date with ongoing construction work, issues arising and variations under the EPC / Construction agreement.

During the Operations Phase

• Develop and maintain the Project Compliance Dashboard (Microsoft Planner), including tracking of all deliverables and relevant project milestones to ensure the Projects operate in line with contractual and regulatory requirements. This will include, but not be limited to, incoming and outgoing reporting, tracking of warranties and insurances, expiry and replacement of bank guarantees, relevant project registrations and company secretarial items.
• Actively monitor plant performance, responding promptly to plant outages and restrictions and coordinating with relevant contractors and market operators to ensure assets maintain high availability for energy trading purposes.
• Promptly escalate plant issues (faults, outages, emergencies) to internal stakeholders and coordinate resources within Eku to resolve plant issues, in line with the Projects' Emergency Management Plans and Communications Plans
• Prepare and collate regular reporting (technical, WHSE, commercial and financial elements) for the Eku company board, project lenders and other stakeholders. Review reporting prepared by other internal and external parties. Prepare and critically assess financial performance and revenue performance aspects that are closely linked to the technical performance of the project.
• Administration of all Project Contracts. Role will be supported by the Contracts Manager, but the Asset Manager will be ultimately responsible for SPV Contract administration. This will include negotiation of new contracts and active management of existing contracts. Including but not limited to:
  • Operations and maintenance contracts
  • Route-to-Market / Offtake contracts
  • Financial / loan agreements
  • Grid connection agreements and generator performance standards
  • Insurance and warranty items.
  • Specialist HV / landscaping / security / CCTV / third-party auditors
• Manage operations budgets and revenue reporting to feed into project budgets and financial forecasts for future projects.
• Lead ongoing progress meetings and internal meetings. Provide briefings and project updates on a regular basis to relevant stakeholders
• Ensure best-in class technical performance of BESS projects and create a feedback-loop with the trading team to maximise asset revenue.
• Management of all project invoicing and market settlements where relevant.
• Assist in obtaining and maintaining necessary licenses (generation license etc.) for project operation.

Requirements

• Understanding of Japanese electricity markets and energy trading
• Trading and settlement periods, reviewing revenue performance against budget and a high-level of understanding of how trading algorithms work
• Well-developed commercial and contract management business acumen.
• AM will be responsible for ensuring compliance with all SPV contracts and agreements. Role supported by Contracts Manager but ultimately the Asset responsible for SPV Contract administration - needs strong Contract Administration skills
• Experience in contact review and administration, managing contractors and negotiating effectively through contractual issues and contractor underperformance. Procurement of new contractors, termination of poorly performing contractors and managing replacement / handover may arise, so strong contract administration skills are a priority.
• Strong reporting experience required. Asset Manager will be accountable and responsible for report delivery, which will include managing internal stakeholders, collating and reviewing information prepared by others and delivering monthly / quarterly reporting for the Eku Board of Directors.
• Experience in managing senior stakeholders, board members and lenders. Preparing materials for board meetings, delivering board reports and preparing / circulating meeting minutes.
• Understanding of finance and loan agreements. Asset Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day management of Project loan agreements, including coordinating Eku Construction and Finance teams to complete debt-drawdown / debt-servicing processes, delivery of key financial reports to lenders, and owning the relationship with lender agents under each project agreement.
• Competent in English and Japanese - capable of delivering reports in a business setting and partaking in meetings in both English and Japanese.

Benefits

• 25 Days of annual leave
• Flexible working arrangement
• Short Term Incentive bonus based on company and personal targets
• Great working culture globally
• Attractive remuneration package

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The diversity of our people is one of our greatest strengths. An inclusive and equitable workplace enables us to embrace that diversity to deliver more innovative and sustainable solutions for our people, clients, shareholders, and communities. At Eku Energy, you will be encouraged to be yourself and supported to perform at your best. We want you on our team. If you need adjustments made to the recruitment process or while you are working with us, please let us know.

As an inclusive employer, we do not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marriage, civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, race (including colour and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief.

Joining Eku Energy means you will be able to work in a way that suits you best. With the right technology, support and resources, our people can work in a range of flexible ways. Talk to us about what working arrangements would help you thrive.