How to apply for Program Manager, Cement & Building Materials

About ClimateWorks Foundation

ClimateWorks Foundation is a philanthropic organization that funds efforts to address global climate change. Its Global Industry Hub mobilizes philanthropic and catalytic capital toward decarbonizing steel, cement, and chemicals. The Cement & Building Materials team works specifically on a sector responsible for around 8% of global CO2 emissions.

About the role

The Program Manager supports the Cement & Building Materials team's strategic priorities and grantmaking portfolio, reporting to the Director of Cement and Building Materials. The role involves managing grants, convening global partners, and engaging with leading organizations in cement and industrial decarbonization. It suits a self-starter who can handle research, writing, and project management across multiple workstreams.

A typical day

A typical day might involve reviewing grant proposals or reports, drafting internal briefs or external communications, and coordinating with global partners or grantees. You could also support the Director in preparing for a convening or strategy session. The exact routine depends on the team's current priorities, so ask about typical workflows during the interview.

Who ClimateWorks Foundation is looking for

• Strong project management skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage a grantmaking portfolio and multiple priorities.
• Analytical and research-oriented, able to assess decarbonization opportunities and synthesize information for internal and external audiences.
• Clear written and verbal communicator who can engage with global partners and support convenings.
• Demonstrated interest in or knowledge of cement, building materials, or heavy industry decarbonization.
• Comfortable working remotely and wearing many hats in a small, collaborative team.

Tips for this application

• Read the full job description on ClimateWorks' careers page, since the provided details are truncated. Note any specific grantmaking or sector experience they list.
• In your materials, connect your experience directly to cement or industrial decarbonization. If you lack sector experience, show how your transferable skills apply.
• Mention the Global Industry Hub and its focus on steel, cement, and chemicals to show you understand the team's context within ClimateWorks.
• Use concrete examples of managing projects, grants, or multi-stakeholder convenings. Quantify outcomes where possible.
• Address the remote UK location and your ability to work effectively in a distributed team. If you have existing UK work authorization, state it clearly.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Why you want to work on cement and building materials decarbonization specifically, not just climate change in general.', 'Your experience managing grants or a portfolio, including any interaction with philanthropic funders.', 'A concrete example of coordinating across organizations or convening partners to advance a shared goal.', "How your research and writing skills would support the team's strategic priorities and communications."]

Research before applying

• ClimateWorks Foundation's overall strategy and its Global Industry Hub, including any published reports or blog posts on heavy industry.
• The Cement & Building Materials team's current grantees and partners, if listed on the website or in annual reports.
• Recent developments in cement decarbonization, such as the Global Cement and Concrete Association's net-zero roadmap or key technologies like clinker substitution and carbon capture.
• The Director of Cement and Building Materials' background and public statements, to understand team priorities.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach managing a grantmaking portfolio for cement decarbonization?
• What do you know about the main sources of CO2 emissions in cement production and the key decarbonization levers?
• Describe a time you coordinated multiple partners or stakeholders with different interests.
• How do you prioritize tasks when supporting a director and a small team with shifting needs?
• Why ClimateWorks and the Global Industry Hub, and how does this role fit your longer-term goals?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a generic cover letter that could apply to any climate job. Tailor it to cement and building materials.
• Overstating knowledge of cement chemistry or industrial processes. Be honest about what you know and show willingness to learn.
• Ignoring the grantmaking aspect. If you have no grantmaking experience, explain how your project management or research skills transfer.
• Failing to mention the remote UK nature of the role or your ability to work in that context.