Director of Operations (Climate Tech Startup)

Overview

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily business operations to ensure alignment with long-term climate impact and financial goals.
• Design and implement scalable internal processes for recruitment, onboarding, and departmental communication.
• Manage the company budget and financial forecasting in collaboration with the CEO and finance team.
• Coordinate with engineering and product leads to streamline the supply chain and procurement of sustainable materials.
• Establish and track key performance indicators to measure organizational efficiency and team productivity.
• Lead regulatory compliance efforts and ensure adherence to environmental standards and safety protocols.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration between technical researchers and commercial sales teams.

Qualifications

• A minimum of seven to ten years of experience in operations management within a high-growth technology environment.
• Proven track record of scaling a startup through multiple rounds of venture capital funding.
• Deep understanding of financial modeling, budgeting, and resource allocation strategies.
• Advanced project management skills with proficiency in tools like Jira, Asana, or equivalent platforms.
• Experience managing diverse teams across multiple functions such as HR, Finance, and Legal.
• Bachelor degree in business administration, engineering, or a related field.

Nice to have

• MBA or advanced degree with a focus on sustainability or environmental management.
• Experience specifically within the hardware, energy, or biotechnology sectors.
• Familiarity with life-cycle assessment (LCA) tools and carbon accounting frameworks.
• Previous exposure to international expansion or global supply chain management.

Work environment

• Work is typically performed in a hybrid setting, balancing office-based strategy sessions with remote administrative work.
• The culture is mission-driven and high-pressure, reflecting the urgency of the climate crisis.
• Standard business hours are common, though significant overtime is often required during funding rounds or product launches.
• Travel may be necessary to visit manufacturing sites, research facilities, or regional offices.

Benefits & growth

• Compensation packages usually include a significant equity component to align incentives with company success.
• Career progression often leads to Chief Operating Officer (COO) or General Manager roles within the broader tech ecosystem.
• Professional development is supported through exposure to high-level venture capital networks and industry-leading climate experts.
• Performance bonuses are frequently tied to both financial milestones and specific carbon reduction or sustainability targets.