Carbon Investment Director, Australia
South Pole is an energetic, global company offering comprehensive sustainability solutions and services. With offices spanning all continents across the globe, we strive to create a sustainable society and economy that positively impacts our climate, ecosystems and developing communities. With our solutions, we inspire and enable our customers to create value from sustainability-related activities.
Job summary:
South Pole has been a prominent player in the Australian market for over 10 years and as a global leader in carbon markets and climate advisory for 18 years, South Pole is well-positioned to drive substantial growth and impact. This role focuses on executing our long-term growth strategy within the Australian carbon market, leveraging opportunities under the ERF scheme and this Director will be key in developing partnerships, raising third-party capital, and deploying South Pole's investments into the market.
Collaborating closely with the Certificates business line and global teams, this Director will bring a regional and international perspective to climate finance and project development. This externally focused role demands deep expertise in Australian carbon markets, financial investments, and strong leadership.
Main tasks & responsibilities:
Strategy: Refine and lead the execution of the Australian growth strategy in the Australian carbon market and third-party offerings, enhancing buyer and investor relationships to drive impactful and scalable results.
Projects: Oversee the sourcing, development and management of a high-quality, diverse pipeline of carbon projects under the ERF scheme.
Management: Manage interdisciplinary teams, including commercial and technical leads, ensuring seamless project execution and downstream sales.
Partnerships: Forge and expand partnerships to grow South Pole's market presence in Australia.
Commercial: Oversee all phases of transactions—from origination and structuring to negotiation and closing for long-term offtake or investment agreements, including project finance/sourcing.
Cross Functional collaboration: Work closely with global functional and regional leaders in order to leverage South Pole global technical expertise and network to drive the related business development activities
Leadership: Actively contribute to the regional leadership team, driving strategic decision-making and spearheading new opportunities for the region.
Representation: Represent South Pole at regional events and supporting all South Pole’s business activities, maintaining satisfaction of client and relevant stakeholders, engagement with local governments, related public sectors as well as NGOs in Australia
Requirements:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Environmental Science, Business, or a related field; MBA or relevant advanced degree preferred.
Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in investment management, with a focus on carbon markets or sustainability investments.
Carbon market expertise: Proven experience in the Australian carbon market, with a strong understanding of the ERF scheme and carbon finance.
Capital raising & investment:
Demonstrated success in attracting third-party capital and deploying it into carbon projects.
Project finance skills: Strong financial modelling and forecasting abilities, ideally in project finance or similar fields.
Strategic leadership: Ability to develop and execute growth strategies, exceed financial targets, and lead teams effectively.
Relationship management: Strong skills in building and managing partnerships with key stakeholders and investors.
Deal execution: Experience in structuring and closing complex investment and offtake agreements.
Communication: Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to represent South Pole at industry events.
What we offer:
At South Pole, we care about our employees as much as we care about the planet. South Pole is not just an employer, we are a Team. South Pole does not just offer people a job, we offer you a career. By joining our team, you will find strong purpose and deep meaning in everything you do. You will have the chance to make a real difference for our clients and for the planet, working alongside a passionate team of like-minded colleagues, while building your knowledge/skills and developing your career in a fun, dynamic, international and fast-growing organisation.
We’re a planet of 7.5 billion unique and different people. We all have a contribution to make; South Pole is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status or disability. Our recruitment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.
