Chief Operating Officer (COO) | Climate Science

Job Overview : An early-stage climate-tech venture focused exclusively on high-integrity carbon removal to match Scope 1/2/3 emissions. We are building a model that enables organisations to address the emissions associated with their power consumption by connecting them directly to verified carbon removal projects. Unlike traditional brokers, we are not an intermediary. Credits sourced through our platform are retired by us, ensuring full traceability and climate integrity for end-users. Our approach is portfolio-based, packaging removals from multiple high-quality projects like DACCS, Biochar, ARR, Blue Carbon and more to deliver a reliable and diversified carbon removal solution for our customers. Our platform is designed to drive a shift from basic “net-zero” claims to net-positive impact. We aim to deliver removals to customers in near real-time (1–3 months post-purchase), moving away from annual offsetting cycles and toward ongoing, measurable climate benefit. Beyond carbon, we prioritise projects that generate meaningful co-benefits for nature and biodiversity, as well as positive outcomes for local communities. Our main target markets are digital infrastructure, factories, service industry and largely economies that require demonstrable proof of carbon dioxide removal. The Role: The Chief Operating Officer will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO, translating the company’s vision into operational reality across all business units. This role owns the day-to-day execution of company strategy, oversees cross-functional operations, and ensures the organisation can scale sustainably across multiple geographies. The COO will bring deep operational expertise in technology infrastructure-heavy environments, managing carbon credit sourcing based on deep science, a genuine commitment to climate action, and a demonstrated ability to build and lead technology teams that develop platforms and digital products. Key Responsibilities: Operational Strategy & Execution • Translate board-level strategy into detailed operational plans with clear milestones, KPIs, and accountability structures across all business lines. • Run and build the technology roadmap for current needs and future growth. • Develop, implement, and monitor operational metrics to track business performance and identify areas for improvement. • Build a multifunctional team across different geographies. • Drive process optimisation and the adoption of technology and systems to scale operations sustainably. Carbon Markets, Biodiversity & Platform Operations • Build and lead teams that conduct carbon credit and biodiversity due diligence, including baseline assessments, methodology review, verification readiness, and additionality analysis. • Negotiate carbon credit contracts (ERPAs, offtake agreements, forward purchase agreements) and manage commercial counterparty relationships across the voluntary carbon market value chain. • Scale carbon credit and biodiversity data platforms, ensuring operational readiness for verification, issuance, and trading workflows. Technology & Product Development • Own the build-out of internal technology platforms and digital products, from architecture and roadmap through delivery, using internal engineering resources. • Recruit, manage, and develop high-performing technology teams, including engineering, data, and product, capable of building and maintaining production-grade platforms. • Evaluate and adopt technology solutions that support operational efficiency, data integrity, and scalable product delivery. Financial & Commercial Oversight • Partner with the finance team to manage P&L performance, capital deployment, procurement, and vendor negotiations, overseeing FP&A, audit, and taxation. • Manage budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation across all operational functions. • Drive commercial discipline, cost control, and value creation across all operations. Sustainability & ESG Integration • Embed climate-positive principles into operational decision-making. • Ensure all projects meet or exceed environmental commitments, carbon reduction targets, and biodiversity safeguards. Team Leadership & Organisational Scaling • Build, mentor, and retain a high-performing, diverse leadership team across operations, technology, and carbon markets. • Design and implement scalable organisational structures, systems, and processes to support rapid growth across multiple African markets. • Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement. • Support organisational change management during periods of growth or restructuring. Stakeholder Management, Risk & Reporting • Serve as a key interface with investors, government agencies, development finance institutions (DFIs), regulatory bodies, and strategic partners. • Establish enterprise-wide risk management frameworks covering regulatory compliance, health & safety, data protection, and operational continuity. • Deliver regular operational reporting to the Board and investors, including progress dashboards, risk registers, and strategic updates. Qualifications: • 15–20 years of experience, with at least 8 years in a meaningful leadership role. • Track record of scaling operations in energy, software as a service, or carbon markets. • Exposure to climate tech, carbon markets, renewable energy, or sustainability-focused businesses strongly preferred. • Hands-on experience building and managing technology teams that develop platforms and digital products using internal engineering resources. • Exposure to carbon/biodiversity due diligence teams and negotiating carbon credit contracts (ERPAs, offtake agreements, forward purchases). • Strong financial acumen extending beyond standard FP&A and invoicing to include carbon credit pricing, project finance, and commercial structuring for climate assets. • Charismatic, empathetic, and motivating personality is a key aspect. • Bachelor’s degree required;…