Carbon Project Director, Australia

Job Description

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 will focus on scaling South Pole’s presence in the Australian carbon market, leveraging opportunities under the ERF scheme, and supporting the development of diverse carbon projects, including nature-based solutions. The Director will build strategic partnerships, lead project development, and help mobilise investments into high-quality carbon initiatives that deliver tangible climate and ecosystem benefits. Collaborating closely with the Certificates business line and global teams, this Director will bring deep expertise in carbon markets, natural capital management, and project finance, along with the leadership required to execute South Pole’s long-term growth strategy in Australia. Main tasks & responsibilities: Strategy: Refine and implement South Pole’s growth strategy for the Australian carbon market, with a focus on nature-based solutions and the agricultural sector. 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: Collaborate with global teams to leverage South Pole’s technical expertise and tools, driving success across diverse project types in Australia. 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 support all South Pole’s business activities, maintaining satisfaction of clients and relevant stakeholders, engaging with local governments, related public sectors as well as NGOs in Australia. Requirements: Education (required): Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Environmental Science, Business, or a related field; MBA or relevant advanced degree preferred. Experience (required): Minimum of 10 years of experience in investment management, with a focus on carbon markets. Strategic leadership: Proven ability to lead teams, develop strategies, and deliver results in complex, cross-functional environments. Carbon asset development expertise (required): Demonstrated experience in designing, developing, or managing carbon projects, preferably related to forestry, regenerative agriculture, or ecosystem restoration. Carbon market expertise: Proven experience in the Australian carbon market, with a strong understanding of the ERF scheme and carbon finance. Capital raising & investment (desired): Demonstrated success in attracting third-party capital and deploying it into carbon projects. Project finance skills (desired): Strong financial modelling and forecasting abilities, ideally in project finance or similar fields. Relationship management: Strong skills in building and managing partnerships with key stakeholders and investors. 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 and 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr