Associate- Materials & Circular Focus

Systemiq; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A sustainability-focused consultancy is seeking a Strategy Associate based in the UK, pivotal in shaping projects within the Materials and Circular Economy sector. This role requires extensive collaboration with stakeholders across various sectors, leveraging analytical and problem-solving skills to drive impactful changes. Ideal candidates should have a Master's degree and at least 2 years of relevant experience. Join a dynamic team dedicated to collective impact through innovative approaches to sustainability.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in a professional system change environment.
• Strong record of professional excellence and/or relevant academic achievements.
• Passion for SYSTEMIQ's mission and focus on sustainability.

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.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Problem-solving

Education

Master's degree or equivalent

Job 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.

London Option

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.

Specifically, candidates must have:

• 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.

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.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - UK

We are an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive team. By completing this questionnaire, you are helping us strengthen our commitment to representation, equity, and inclusion.