AIC - Director - Build Own & Operate, North America

At Aquatech, we tackle the challenges of water scarcity and complexity by leveraging technology, expertise, and financing to deliver comprehensive solutions that reduce carbon and recycled water footprint. As a leading global provider of water and process technology solutions, we help the world's most recognized companies achieve their sustainability and operational goals by implementing innovative approaches for water reuse, desalination, minimal and zero liquid discharge, and critical minerals recovery. Our work catalyzes the transition toward a more sustainable future and showcases our commitment to addressing water's role in climate adaptation. Learn more at www.aquatech.com

Aquatech is looking for a full-time Director of Build Own & Operate North America, to lead the end-to-end development of water and critical minerals projects, from concept to financial close. This role requires hands-on management of technical, commercial, and regulatory aspects to screen, qualify, and advance projects through feasibility, permitting, and financing. Unique opportunity to be part of an exciting water & critical minerals development platform that will be responsible for concept/Ideation to financial closure of complex Infrastructure project

We strongly encourage applicants with a minimum of 10-15 years of relevant experience. Candidates from related infrastructure sectors—such as renewable energy, renewable fuels, RNG (renewable natural gas), and other complex, multi-stakeholder project environments —are welcome and encouraged to apply.

This position will require unto 30% of domestic and international travel.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Origination & Screening 

• Identify greenfield/brownfield opportunities in water reuse, desalination, Industrial water/ wastewater and critical minerals recovery.
• Build and manage a sales funnel of high-potential projects using market data, industry trends, and stakeholder networks.
• Screen leads for technical viability, market demand, and alignment with company strategy.
• Qualify leads using criteria such as resource availability, permitting timelines, and ROI thresholds.
• Prepare pitch decks, proposals, and presentations for clients, partners, and investors.
• Convert opportunities into bankable projects by securing LOIs, MOUs, or binding agreements.

2. Feasibility & Techno-Commercial Analysis, Stakeholder management - Deal Execution

• Conduct pre-feasibility studies (technical, financial, environmental) to assess project risks/returns.
• Support building of financial models (NPV, IRR, DSCR) to evaluate project economics and funding requirements.
• Collaborate with engineers, consultants, and offtakers to validate design assumptions and commercial terms.
• Lead permitting efforts with federal/state agencies (EPA, USACE, BLM) and local communities.
• Negotiate term sheets with EPC contractors, technology providers, and offtakers.
• Engage investors, lenders, and grant agencies to secure financing (project finance, PPPs, grants).

3. Project Financing Support – To FID

• Interface with CFOs and financial advisors to structure debt/equity financing.
• Prepare sources & uses statements and support due diligence for lenders/investors.
• Ensure compliance with ESG standards (e.g., IFC Performance Standards) to attract sustainable capital.
• Relationship building with financiers, government agencies, partners, offtakers, consultants, etc.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s in Civil/Environmental Engineering, Finance, or related field. MBA preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 15 years in infrastructure project development (water, mining, energy, renewable fuels, RNG, or similar sectors).
• Candidate from platform Infrastructure development companies in past are preferred
• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency/ understanding of financial modeling and feasibility studies.
  • Knowledge of water treatment, renewable energy, or critical minerals extraction sector
  • Familiarity with complex multi stakeholder infrastructure project development.
  • Knowledge of project finance structures (e.g., non-recourse debt, tax equity).
  • Familiarity with CRM tools (Salesforce, HubSpot) for pipeline tracking.
  • Understanding of critical minerals or renewable energy supply chains.

• Commercial Skills:
• Experience drafting term sheets, EPC contracts, and offtake agreements.
• Proven ability to manage sales pipelines and close complex deals.
• Soft Skills: Entrepreneurial mindset, cross-functional collaboration, and negotiation expertise.