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 LeadershipLocation: Los Angeles, CA, USAABOUT 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:Capital Formation & Fundraising (Primary Focus ~50%)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.Organization Building & Leadership (~10%)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 environmentsREQUIREMENTS :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. EA: PrimeStaff Management Services Pte Ltd | 95C5411EAP: Jenn Tan | R1106595PrimeStaff will never ask candidates to make any payment, transfer funds or provide banking credentials as part of the recruitment process. If you are unsure about any communication or job opportunity, please verify with us at https://primestaff.com.sg/about-primestaff/consultant-verification/