Group Strategy Associate

At a glance

Group Strategy is ABN AMRO’s internal strategy consulting department and serves as the strategic accelerator of the bank. In an evolving financial landscape shaped by AI, new competitors, regulation, and geopolitical uncertainty, the team plays a key role in proactively positioning ABN AMRO for the future. At ABN AMRO, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of integrity, collaboration, and courage, ensuring that our strategic initiatives align with our values and contribute positively to society. Group Strategy conducts strategic projects with high impact and relevance for the three ABN AMRO client units (Personal & Business Banking, Wealth Management and Corporate Banking) and its subsidiaries. Projects are conducted in multidisciplinary project teams that work closely together with client units and in close cooperation with top management of the bank. The team resides within the Strategy & Transformation department of ABN AMRO which reports directly to the CEO.

Your job

As an associate you will work as part of a young, diverse and ambitious team on specific components of a project conducted within ABN AMRO. The Group Strategy team originates from a wide range of backgrounds, both from inside ABN AMRO and externally (e.g. external strategy consultancy). Since its inception in 2017 the team has conducted numerous projects, working on a wide range of subjects such as:

• Near & long-term vision and strategic agenda – supporting the Executive Board in driving and prioritizing the vision and strategic agenda on corporate level, for all client units, based on outside-in assessment of emerging trends (e.g. AI and Geopolitics), relative benchmarks and capability assessments
• Cross-border value creation – analyzing and assessing activities in all countries in ABN AMRO’s footprint on performance, future outlook and improvement potential; assessing where to divest and where to invest
• Design of (digital) value propositions, business and service models for focus client segments

Your contributions will directly support ABN AMRO's strategic direction, allowing you to see the tangible results of your efforts on the bank's success and client satisfaction.

Working environment

You will be joining a team of 15-20 consultants, working hybrid out of our Amsterdam HQ and home office (typically 50/50). Our flexible work arrangement ensures you maintain a healthy work-life balance while contributing to impactful projects. We encourage diverse perspectives and value contributions from all team members to drive innovation. We work closely with the senior management in the bank, but our projects span all layers and functions of the bank.

Your profile

As a Group Strategy associate you will have the opportunity to help shape the future of ABN AMRO. You identify trends and developments in customer needs, technology, geopolitics and competition, impacting ABN AMRO strategy. You provide guidance to departments engaged in the projects you work on and ensure knowledge is shared within the organisation. You create a fact and logic driven basis for taking strategic (investment) decisions and for developing implementation proposals. The associate role is a challenging and demanding role.

Therefore we are looking for highly talented and enthusiastic colleagues matching the following description:

• Intrinsically motivated & fiercely results oriented
• Curious & pro-active
• Analytically driven – strong quantitative and analytical capabilities
• Good problem solving skills – structures issues logically and creates practical ideas
• Good sense of humor & a welcoming and inclusive attitude

Knowledge and experience

• Excellent academic track record (Master degree); degree(s) with a strong quantitative component preferred
• Preferably 1 to 2 years of experience in a Top Tier Consulting firm, the financial industry, or in a strategic position at a large corporate. Graduates are welcome to apply with relevant internship experience, preferably in domains of finance, financial technology or sustainability
• Strong English language skills, both written and spoken
• Proven affinity or connection with the Netherlands. Examples include the ability to speak Dutch, previous study or work experience and/or a personal connection to the Netherlands

We are offering

Within the Group Strategy team you will be able to develop your analytical, conceptual and consultancy skills. We do everything to get the best out of our people and believe and invest in their success. You will be empowered to perform qualitative and quantitative analyses and develop a thorough understanding of complex problems. The broad exposure to the bank and early cooperation with its decision makers guarantee a steep learning curve. You will work on your skills in a dynamic and fun team that works closely together and helps you to make progress.

All team members will be offered an extensive training curriculum and receive all the support to ensure fast-track career development. We provide clear guidance through 1-on-1 mentorships and a concrete development plan designed at the start, including required trainings. Your growth is our priority, and we offer opportunities for career advancement within the team and organization. You will gain a 360 degree understanding of ABN AMRO group, which makes this position an ideal one should you aspire to move into a strategic consulting position in general or a more specialist role within the financial services industry.

In addition, we offer:

• An excellent pension scheme, ensuring that you are well prepared for the future.
• Flexibility in working: working from home is possible in consultation with your team and depending on your role. We will provide an ergonomic home office setup for you.
• Plenty of room for relaxation with five weeks of vacation per year, supplemented by two mandatory days off. You can also purchase up to four additional weeks of vacation annually.
• Five “Banking for better days”: extra days off that you can use for personal development or volunteer work.
• Personal development is key: you receive a development budget of €1,000 per year, which can accumulate up to €3,000.
• An annual public transport pass with free public transportation throughout the Netherlands for both business and private use.

Note: you are in the possession of a Dutch working permit and/or living in the Netherlands.