Associate- Materials & Circular Focus

SYSTEMIQ; Camden Town; Remote; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A sustainability-focused system change company is seeking a Strategy Associate in Camden Town, UK. The successful candidate will manage key projects within the Materials and Circular Economy platform, collaborating with diverse stakeholders. Ideal applicants will have 2+ years experience, a Master's degree, and proven problem-solving skills. This role supports sustainable development goals and offers an engaging work environment.

Benefits

Flexible remuneration and benefits package

Supportive work environment

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in a professional system change environment, preferably in advisory.
• Demonstrated contribution to change and impact in research or client relations.
• Strong record of professional excellence and keen interest in systems change.

Responsibilities

• Co-create approaches with partners to balance economic viability and social inclusion.
• Develop and maintain long-lasting collaborative relationships with stakeholders.
• Provide strategic insights and support partners in evaluating business models.

Skills

Project management

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Education

Master's degree or equivalent

Job description

Overview

As a Strategy Associate, you will play a crucial role in various key projects within the Materials and Circular Economy platform. You will collaborate in project teams and manage complex multi-stakeholder relationships across the private sector, governments, NGOs, and industry bodies. You will contribute to workstreams that draw on expertise from both within the organization and external partners, and you will have opportunities to introduce and lead your own workstreams within the Materials & Circular Economy space. We seek someone with experience across a range of sectors and the ability to handle fast-paced corporate advisory projects as well as longer-term coalition efforts.

Responsibilities

• Co-create approaches with partners/clients to balance economic viability, ecosystem regeneration, and social inclusion.
• Gather and analyze data to provide insights based on agreed questions.
• Develop and maintain long-lasting collaborative relationships with project partners and stakeholders.
• Provide strategic insights and practical solutions for successful transformations.
• Support partners in monitoring, evaluating, and communicating their business models, visions, and impacts.

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 - Mindset, Skills & Experience

• Demonstrated contribution to change and impact in areas such as thought leadership, research, project management, client relations, or stakeholder management.
• Strong record of professional excellence and/or relevant academic achievements, with a keen interest in systems change.
• Proven ability in various contexts, and enthusiasm for working in a young, entrepreneurial company.
• Inspired by SYSTEMIQ's mission and approach to system change.
• Master's degree or equivalent.
• Passion for SYSTEMIQ's mission and the sustainability/environment/social enterprise space.
• 2+ years of experience in a professional system change environment, preferably in advisory/consulting, but relevant experience in start-ups, in-house strategy, project management, and investment is also considered.
• Understanding of key concepts and value chains in areas such as plastics, petrochemicals, mobility & transport, heavy industries, energy, consumer goods, manufacturing, construction, waste management, and electronics.
• Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and structuring skills with enthusiasm for presenting complex data intuitively.
• Intellectual and commercial curiosity, with a readiness to dive into new topics.
• Collaborative team player with a can-do attitude.
• Entrepreneurial spirit with the ability to identify opportunities and turn them into reality.
• Resilience under stress and resourcefulness to deliver.
• Alignment with SYSTEMIQ's values: creativity, challenge, collaboration, change, and care.

Company Description

SYSTEMIQ is a system change company and certified B Corp, driving the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change. We work across five critical systems—energy, nature and food, materials and circular economy, sustainable finance, and urban transformation—to deliver real, lasting impact. We believe systems change starts with people change. That means curiosity, collaboration, and inclusion are at the heart of how we work. Since our start in 2016, we have grown to more than 300+ people working across locations in Brazil, Germany, France, Indonesia, Netherlands, UK and the US. We are a pure-play sustainability-focused company, dedicated exclusively to sustainability projects.

Work Locations

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

Diversity & Inclusion

• Embedding diverse and inclusive practices in all aspects of our work, including recruitment, performance management, and people processes and policies.
• Providing a supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and perform at their best, regardless of background, personality, gender, sexual orientation, race, mental health, religion, or other characteristics.
• Supporting our people through all life stages, accommodating personal priorities and promoting a sustainable approach to work and life.

Reward and Recognition

The remuneration and benefits package will reflect the successful candidate's experience and expertise.