Chief Executive Officer

Our Client is a US climate technology company tackling one of the world's toughest climate challenges: decarbonizing cement - an industry responsible for ~8% of global CO₂ emissions. Their breakthrough is a non-thermal activation process that produces cement at room temperature, performance-equivalent to traditional OPC, at or below cost, without the high-temperature kilns that make cement emissions-intensive. They have validated their material science at kilogram scale (TRL ~5) and are now scaling to "multi-tonne per day" demonstration. Their technology is a drop-in solution designed to integrate seamlessly into existing cement plants with industry partners worldwide. They are seeking a Founder-Operator CEO who has led BOTH capital formation and technology deployment AND plant integration on the same projects , to drive this next critical phase of their journey.

Position : Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Capital Formation | Technology Integration & Deployment | Founder-Operator Leadership

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is a hands-on, action-oriented CEO role responsible for leading our client through its next phase of growth: securing the capital required for commercial-scale deployment , building the organization, and delivering the first "multi-tonne per day" demonstration systems that will integrate into partner cement plants globally. You will bring dual capability: (1) Capital Formation - personally originating, leading, negotiating, and closing venture and institutional capital to fund the company's growth; and (2) Brownfield Technology Integration & Deployment - leading the integration of a novel technology into existing industrial operations, from development through commissioning, ensuring it works reliably within a partner's existing plant infrastructure. Rather than a pure corporate CEO or a pure technology founder, you will be a Founder-Operator who combines capital-raising capability with hands-on execution. You will operate with significant autonomy, building the organization from the ground up, while working closely with the founder and board on strategic direction.

WHAT MAKES THIS ROLE UNIQUE:

• Founder-Operator Mandate: You will lead both capital formation and technology deployment or plant integration on the same projects - not across separate roles.
• Brownfield Drop-In Integration: You will deploy a novel technology within operational cement plants - navigating plant interfaces, working within operational constraints, and managing deployment with minimal disruption.
• Hands-On Deployment: You will be boots-on-the-ground - physically present at partner plants during critical integration and commissioning phases, working directly with our customers: cement plant operators, engineering teams, and concrete contractors.
• First-of-a-Kind Deployment: You will deliver a novel non-thermal cement process at commercial scale, deployed within partner operations, setting the foundation for future commercial replication.
• Dual Accountability: You will own both capital deployment and technology delivery – not just one or the other.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Personally originate, lead, negotiate, and raise capital.
• Lead the fundraising strategy for Series B and project-level financing.
• Structure and negotiate project-level capital stacks.
• Raise capital from sovereign wealth funds, development finance institutions (DFIs), institutional investors, and venture capital.
• Secure offtake agreements for low-carbon environmental commodities.
• Secure committed capital and commercial customers - not just support or participation.

Brownfield Technology Integration & Deployment (Critical ~30%)

• Lead the integration of the novel process into partner cement plants, overseeing design, engineering, and commissioning within existing plant infrastructure.
• Manage interfaces with plant operations, EPC contractors, equipment vendors, and engineering partners to ensure seamless integration and operational continuity.
• Resolve deployment-phase issues including technical challenges, supply chain disruptions, contractor performance, and plant integration.
• Take full accountability for project timelines, budgets, risk management, safety, quality, and operational readiness.
• Drive cost reduction and process optimization throughout deployment.
• Recruit, build, and lead the executive and operational teams.
• Establish company culture, processes, and governance.
• Manage P&L and operational budgets.
• Build systems for repeatable execution across multiple partner locations.

Stakeholder & Partnership Engagement (~10%)

• Serve as the primary interface with governments, regulators, and industry partners.
• Build and maintain relationships with global cement partners.
• Represent the company to investors, partners, and regulatory bodies.
• Navigate complex multi-stakeholder environments

REQUIREMENTS :

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• An MBA or advanced degree in Business or Finance is highly advantageous.
• Demonstrated executive leadership experience, preferably as CEO, MD, or Country leadership.
• Proven track record as a Founder-Operator who has successfully executed BOTH capital formation AND technology deployment. Candidates with expertise in only one area may not be a fit:
• Capital Formation: Originating, leading, negotiating, and closing institutional capital (equity and debt) from sovereign wealth funds, DFIs, institutional investors, or venture capital.
• Brownfield Technology Integration & Deployment: Personally leading project - deploying new technology into an existing operational plant - full lifecycle from development through integration, commissioning, and operations start-up, with direct, on-site involvement.
• Project size typically USD 10M–100 million+ .
• Strong understanding of project economics, capital structuring, and infrastructure financial models .
• Experience navigating government, regulatory, and multi-stakeholder environments .
• Experience managing P&L and operational budgets .
• Demonstrated ability to operate as a peer to founders, board members, and C-suite executives to represent the company at the highest levels - with partners, investors, and regulatory bodies.
• Ability to command respect and build trust in high-stakes, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and influencing capabilities.
• Proven track record of engaging and influencing sovereign wealth funds, DFIs, institutional investors, and government leaders with confidence and credibility.
• Proven ability to build and lead high-performing executive and operational teams.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, resource-constrained startup environment.
• Willingness to be hands-on and boots-on-the-ground - spending significant time at partner cement plants and project sites to oversee integration, troubleshoot issues, and ensure successful deployment.

HIGHLY ADVANTAGEOUS:

• Background in energy infrastructure, utilities, or industrial sectors.
• Exposure to carbon markets, carbon credits, or energy transition projects.
• Experience in investment, M&A, or strategy, only where combined with direct infrastructure execution and capital raising.
• Experience with cement, lime, or minerals processing industries.
• Experience working internationally with multiple global partners.
• Prior experience in a Founder-Operator capacity.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.