Junior Manager - Amsterdam office

About the role

Are you ready to take the next step in your (consulting) career? Do you thrive at the intersection of strategy, technology, and sustainability? Are you eager to lead client workstreams, manage teams, and deliver real-world impact at pace? Then SparkOptimus might be the right place for you.

What you'll do

As a Junior Manager at SparkOptimus, you’ll take ownership of the full scope of smaller client projects or several workstreams within larger projects, guiding them from start to finish. You’ll structure and lead strategic initiatives, manage client and internal teams, and support smooth execution across all phases. You’ll play a key role in ensuring quality delivery, facilitating effective team collaboration, and steering content and insights to actionable outcomes.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing one or two smaller projects or large workstreams independently
• Leading client interactions: communicating clearly, building trusted relationships, and helping clients move from insight to action
• Synthesizing complex problems, structuring analyses, and delivering clear “so what” storylines and next steps
• Ensuring smooth project operations, namely planning, timelines, stakeholder management, and team guidance
• Coaching and developing more junior team members, both formally and informally
• Driving implementation, not just strategy, making a true impact!
• Contributing to SparkOptimus’ broader knowledge base and supporting internal initiatives

Why SparkOptimus?

SparkOptimus helps organizations unlock the power of disruption. We spark and scale transformational initiatives that improve the lives of consumers and customers in a sustainable way. We are pragmatic, think like a start-up, and focus on delivering value for customers and businesses across the globe for organizations like Heineken, FrieslandCampina, Eneco, ING, IKEA, and AkzoNobel. We work with leaders to clarify what needs to be done and how to do it. Together, we build and embed the capabilities and culture needed to make change happen at every level of the organization.

Moreover, SparkOptimus is a certified B Corp, meaning we meet high standards of social and environmental impact, transparency, and accountability. We are committed to using business as a force for good—driving positive change for our clients, employees, and society. Join us in making a meaningful impact while shaping the future of digital transformation.

In addition to a competitive compensation package, we offer a wide range of benefits that support well-being and work-life balance. These include flexible time off options, such as the ability to buy additional holidays, take sabbaticals, or work remotely for up to a month each year. On top, we have a strong culture of connection and fun, with regular company events and trips (including our annual SparkWeekend and Leadership trip for Managers), Friday drinks, and office massages.

Requirements

• 4–7 years of relevant work experience (e.g., consulting, digital business, corporate strategy), of which at least 2 years in a consulting environment
• Proven experience in owning workstreams or smaller projects independently
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to drive both analysis and implementation
• Clear and thoughtful communicator and stakeholder manager
• Ability to mentor and guide junior colleagues
• A proactive and collaborative mindset, with a passion for making a difference / change
• Experience and/or interest in business, operations, start-ups, e-commerce, innovation, IT, AI, or sustainability is a plus
• Strong academic track record

Start date: Flexible start date in Q2

Please note: We do not offer visa sponsorships, so if you now or in the future will need visa sponsorship, we unfortunately will not be able to move forward with your application. Thank you for understanding.