Associate- Materials & Circular Focus

Role description

Company Description: Systemiq is the system change company, working to accelerate the transition to a net-zero, nature-positive and more inclusive economy. As a certified B Corp, we partner with business, finance, policymakers and civil society to transform five interconnected systems: energy, nature and food, materials and circularity, sustainable finance, and urban transformation.

We bring together strategy, policy, market design and capital mobilisation to deliver tangible results in the real economy. Founded in 2016, Systemiq has grown to a global team of more than 300 people across Brazil, France, Germany, Indonesia, Kenya, the Netherlands, the UK and the US, united by a singular focus on sustainability.

London Option

As a Strategy Associate, you will play a key role in delivering high-impact advisory work within the Materials and Circular Economy platform. This is a client-facing role requiring strong structured problem-solving, analytical thinking, and the ability to translate complex topics into clear, actionable recommendations.

You will work as part of small, fast-paced project teams supporting corporate and public sector clients on strategic questions related to circularity and sustainability. This includes framing problems, analysing data, developing insights, and contributing to client-ready outputs.

We are looking for someone who either brings experience from a strategy consulting or advisory environment, or who can quickly operate at that level—demonstrating strong analytical rigour, clear communication, and comfort working in ambiguity.

Responsibilities :

Structure complex, ambiguous problems into clear workstreams and key questions

Conduct rigorous qualitative and quantitative analysis to generate insights

Translate analysis into clear, concise, and compelling recommendations (often in slide format)

Support the development of client deliverables and presentations

Work directly with clients and partners across private sector, government, and NGOs

Contribute to shaping project approaches, hypotheses, and strategic direction

Build strong, trust-based relationships with stakeholders across multi-partner initiatives

Leadership : You will be part of the Materials & Circular Economy team, led by Partner Ben Dixon. Ben works across the circular economy and energy platforms and has collaborated with clients like the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the United Nations International Resource Panel, and large multinational companies in the packaging and chemicals industries. He also manages SYSTEMIQ’s work on plastics, contributing to a circular, less wasteful plastic packaging industry.

Requirements

Strategy & Analytical Capability

We are looking for candidates who can operate with the core toolkit of a strategy consultant, or demonstrate the potential to rapidly develop it. This includes:

Strong structured problem-solving skills (ability to break down complex, ambiguous problems into clear components and hypotheses)

Experience contributing to strategy, advisory, or decision-focused work

Ability to synthesise complex information into clear, concise insights and actionable recommendations

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including developing clear, client-ready materials (e.g. slides, briefings)

Comfort working in fast-paced environments with ambiguity and evolving priorities

Experience & Background

2+ years of experience in strategy consulting, advisory, or similarly analytical and fast-paced environments

We also welcome candidates from start-ups, in-house strategy, investment, or project-based roles who can demonstrate equivalent analytical rigour and structured thinking

Master’s degree or equivalent academic achievement

Strong track record of professional and/or academic excellence

Sector & Content Awareness

Understanding of key concepts and value chains across one or more relevant sectors (e.g. plastics, petrochemicals, energy, mobility, consumer goods, manufacturing, waste management, etc.)

Interest in sustainability, circular economy, and system change

Amsterdam can also work for this role for the right candidate and experience background.

Diversity & Inclusion At Systemiq, we absolutely believe diverse perspectives are essential to driving system change. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people feel respected, supported and able to do their best work.

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