Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Manager, Business Operations
at Climeworks
🏢 About Climeworks
Climeworks is a pioneering direct air capture company that removes CO₂ from the atmosphere using innovative technology. They stand out by combining climate action with business viability, aiming to prove that decarbonization drives economic growth. Working here means joining a mission-driven scale-up that's literally reshaping our climate future.
About This Role
As Senior Manager of Business Operations, you'll optimize processes and drive strategic initiatives to support Climeworks' rapid scaling. This role is impactful because you'll directly enable the company's ambitious climate goals while ensuring operational excellence across remote teams. You'll bridge visionary climate action with practical business execution.
💡 A Day in the Life
You might start your day reviewing operational metrics across remote teams, then lead a cross-functional meeting to streamline a key business process. Afternoon could involve strategic planning for scaling initiatives, followed by one-on-ones with team members across different time zones. You'll constantly balance immediate operational needs with long-term strategic goals for climate impact.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Climeworks Is Looking For
- Has 7+ years in business operations, strategy, or consulting roles with experience in scaling tech or climate tech companies
- Demonstrates 'grit' through examples of overcoming operational challenges in dynamic environments
- Balances climate passion with business acumen—can articulate how decarbonization creates economic value
- Thrives in remote collaboration and takes ownership of ambiguous problems without extensive oversight
📝 Tips for Applying to Climeworks
Explicitly connect your past experience to scaling operations in a mission-driven company—Climeworks cares about both impact and growth
Use the phrase 'reclaim control of our climate future' from their description to show you've deeply read their materials
Highlight any experience with remote team management or distributed operations, since this is a remote role
Include metrics that show how you've optimized processes or driven efficiency in previous roles
Demonstrate knowledge of the carbon removal industry beyond just Climeworks—show you understand the competitive landscape
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your personal 'why' for climate action and how it aligns with Climeworks' dual focus on impact and economics", "Specific examples of turning 'ambitious goals into reality' despite challenges (reference their exact language)", 'Experience with scale-up operations and managing through ambiguity', "How you've previously balanced visionary thinking with practical execution"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Climeworks' Orca and Mammoth facilities—understand their technology and deployment scale
- → Recent funding rounds and investors to understand their growth trajectory and financial backing
- → Their corporate partnerships (like with Microsoft, Stripe, or Swiss Re) to understand their business model
- → CEO Christoph Gebald's public statements about company direction and values
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on climate passion without demonstrating business operations expertise
- Using generic operations experience without tailoring it to scale-up or climate tech contexts
- Showing discomfort with ambiguity or risk—Climeworks explicitly seeks people who 'take responsible risks'
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!