Corporate Development Lead
Carbon Ridge
Company Description
Carbon Ridge (CR) is reducing CO2 emissions from maritime shipping. We've built a next-generation, patent-pending carbon capture solution for the maritime industry which reduces key capture equipment size by 75% and energy consumption by over 50% compared to conventional technology. We've developed the most low-cost, seamless and near-term method to significantly reduce the carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted by large maritime vessels. Global shipping is now regulated to reduce CO2 emissions, making CR's tech not a nice-to-have, but a must-have.
Role Overview
This role is designed as a strategic and operational extension of the CEO — someone capable of owning and executing across marketing, technical sales, infrastructure development, and corporate finance. It’s a hands-on role meant for someone who aspires to eventually run a business. The expectation is full immersion into the company’s operations, from strategic initiatives to tactical execution.
As Corporate Development Lead, you will be instrumental in launching and scaling the business as we move through major upcoming milestones, including the formal market launch. This is a full-time role based in Santa Monica, CA with hybrid work options available. Minor to moderate levels of travel domestically and internationally (UK, EU, Asia, Middle East) are anticipated.
Key Responsibilities
1. New Business and Infrastructure Development
• Work with CR's CEO, Director of Business Development and Executive Chairman on development of the Company's CO2 management business.
• Lead research and development of CO2 logistics & management business including (building unit economic models for new CO2 logistics, attend industry events and meetings with prospective clients & stakeholders globally, developing business plans / partnership decks).
• Support the pitch process for potential joint venture partnerships with global shipping companies
• Serve as a key team member in business-building activities — with long-term potential to scale into leadership roles (e.g., running the logistics subsidiary).
2. Fundraising, Corporate Finance and Operational Execution
• Support the CEO in day-to-day operations, handling high-priority tasks and ad hoc initiatives across the business.
• Support fundraising activities in interfacing with investors and managing investor-facing materials: update fundraising decks, maintain data rooms, coordinate NDA execution.
• Own and update the company’s corporate financial model on a monthly basis.
• Support preparation and review of monthly financial statements, liaising with external accountants.
3. Technical Sales Enablement
• Support preparation of technical and commercial feasibility assessments (questionnaires & feasibility requests from shipowners).
• Oversee cost estimate reviews in partnership with the engineering team; act as a final checkpoint for financial models tied to product deployment.
• Build and refine sales decks and marketing collateral — combining technical, commercial, and visual elements to position the company effectively.
• Act as a fast-response partner to the technical sales team on client deliverables and project documentation.
4. Marketing & Brand Development
• Manage the production of a teaser video about the company, coordinating logistics (e.g., film crews, drone permits) and assets.
• Lead planning for company events globally (LA, NYC, EU, Asia) focused on bringing company stakeholders (Customers, Investors, Government / Industry) together
• Identify relevant industry events and media opportunities; coordinate speaking engagements, award submissions, and trade show attendance; attend industry conferences domestically and internationally
• Oversee the website redesign project: manage external agencies and ensure brand alignment with the new visual assets.
• Collaborate with the PR firm on full brand identity development
• Develop and support go-to-market strategies for the company’s official launch post-pilot.
What we're looking for:
Experience
• 2–7 years of experience in investment banking, private equity, management consulting, venture capital, or climate/energy startup environments.
• Ideal training background: top-tier banks (e.g., Moelis, Goldman Sachs), consultancies (e.g., McKinsey, BCG), or a mix of VC/founder-focused experience.
• Exposure to climate tech, energy transition, or infrastructure sectors is highly preferred.
• Hands-on exposure to both financial modeling and business development processes.
• Experience with startup operations is a strong plus.
Technical Skills
• Advanced proficiency in Excel (financial, project & unit economics modeling) and PowerPoint (deck-building).
• Comfortable leveraging AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) for research, initial content creation, and problem solving.
• Familiarity with graphic design basics (e.g., Canva) for presentation materials is an advantage.
• Solid understanding of financial statements and accounting principles.
Key Attributes
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Willingness to get involved in all aspects of the business — “no task too small” mentality.
• Entrepreneurial drive — someone who wants to learn the full arc of company building and eventually lead their own venture.
• Critical thinking and independent problem-solving ability.
• Strong interpersonal skills — comfortable communicating with clients, investors, and internal teams.
• Resilient, competitive mindset — former competitive athletes are seen as a strong signal of these qualities.
• Preference for someone with a personality aligned to proactive problem-solving and positive, steady energy.
Other Requirements
• Must be willing to relocate to Los Angeles and be based there full-time initially (relocation assistance available).
• International travel anticipated (e.g., London, Singapore, and other global shipping hubs).
What we provide:
Compensation
• Base Salary: $150,000 – $175,000 commensurate on experience + Equity options
• Opportunity for longer-term leadership growth within the company.
• Full benefits package offered.
If you're passionate and eager to make a big dent in climate change or decarbonization, we look forward to reviewing your application!