Strategy & Market Analysis Director

Location

Rome - Italy

Mission

We are looking for a Strategy & Market Analysis Director to join the Senior Leadership Team of Zelestra Italia at a pivotal moment in the company's growth. Working side by side with the Country Director and the Investment Committee, you will be the intellectual engine behind the country's strategic agenda: how the company reads its environment, makes its bets and builds competitive advantage in one of Europe's most dynamic energy markets, with a particular focus on emerging segments such as data centers and power-intensive industries. A high-impact, cross-cutting role with real strategic depth and visibility across the full cycle, from market signal to investment decision.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning & Governance: own the annual and multi-year strategic planning cycle, from environmental scanning and scenario analysis to capital allocation recommendations and board-level narrative; define strategic priorities with the Country Director and corporate leadership; develop and monitor the strategic KPI framework; prepare and present materials for the Investment Committee and board; continuously improve planning processes and governance.


• Market Intelligence & Competitive Positioning: build and institutionalise a best-in-class market intelligence function (regulation, competitive dynamics, technology trends and energy market evolution in Italy, with relevant EU benchmarks); work with Regulatory Affairs to translate policy signals into implications for the development pipeline, commercial strategy and new business; define Zelestra's competitive positioning across segments, with a focus on BESS, hybrid systems and dedicated supply for power-intensive industries; deliver decision-grade analysis for investments, partnerships and strategic pivots.


• New Business & Emerging Segments: lead the strategic assessment and development of new verticals (data centers, co-located PV and BESS, dedicated energy solutions for power-intensive industries); define the go-to-market approach for the data center segment; assess emerging commercial models and technology configurations, with structured investment rationale and scenario analysis for executive decisions.


• Cross-Functional Influence, M&A & Representation: act as the primary bridge between Business Development, Commercial and Regulatory Affairs, keeping pipeline priorities aligned with market realities; lead or sponsor cross-functional initiatives with country-wide impact; support extraordinary transactions, including M&A (target identification, strategic rationale, deal coordination); represent Zelestra with senior external stakeholders, industry forums and counterparties.

Job Requirements

• Education: degree in Economics, Business Administration, Engineering or a related quantitative field; MBA or advanced degree (Strategy, Finance, Energy) strongly preferred, ideally from a leading European or international institution.


• Experience: at least 12 years in strategy, corporate development or market intelligence, ideally combining advisory or investment exposure with an operational track record in the energy sector.


• Italian Energy Market: deep knowledge of regulatory frameworks, incentive mechanisms (FERX, Capacity Market, Energy Release, MACSE), permitting dynamics and the competitive IPP landscape.


• Strategic Leadership: proven experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder strategic processes, from scenario planning to executive-level recommendation, in matrix organisations with significant cross-functional responsibility.


• Analytical & Technical Skills: strong financial and business modelling, able to structure investment theses, scenario analyses and return frameworks without relying on teams to do the thinking; solid understanding of renewable technologies (PV, BESS, wind), including commercial, technical and grid integration dimensions.


• Data Center & M&A: prior exposure to the data center sector (direct experience, advisory or M&A) with working knowledge of key players, strategic drivers and energy procurement dynamics; track record in M&A support or corporate development.


• Languages: fluent Italian and English at C1+ level (negotiation and presentation proficiency).


• Soft Skills: influencing without authority, exceptional strategic reasoning, a credible and persuasive voice in boardrooms, Investment Committees and industry forums, an entrepreneurial orientation to build new capabilities from scratch, and a natural integrator who brings structure where others see noise.

What we offer

Employment Terms

• Permanent Employment Contract


• National Collective Labour Agreement (CCNL): Italian National Collective Labour Agreement for Employees in the Electricity Sector


• Job Grade: In line with the applicable collective agreement


• Minimum Gross Annual Base Salary: € 75.000


• A higher compensation package may be considered based on the candidate's experience, distinctive skills, and the value they bring to the role. 
   

Benefits

• Private health insurance


• Meal vouchers


• Hybrid working policy - 9 remote working days per month 
   

Working Environment

• A strategic, high-impact role within Zelestra's ambitious growth journey.


• A dynamic, innovative, and merit-driven work environment.


• Opportunities for professional growth and career development within a fast-growing multinational company, working alongside a highly qualified and international team. 
   

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Zelestra, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diversity is valued and equal opportunities are promoted. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including individuals belonging to protected categories under Italian Law 68/99.