Traditional strategic thinking is not solving today’s social challenges. We need to generate new ideas to drive impact. Spark is an agency for strategic solutions and sustained action. As a trusted adviser, we help to inject creative ideas, challenge the thinking, and align the conceptual and practical. As a certified B Corp, we stand for purpose, not just profit.

ABOUT SPARK

Spark Strategy is an impact-led advisory firm with its head office in Melbourne and operating throughout Australia. Spark works with charities, NGOs, government and for-purpose organisations to help them achieve their goals through strategic and operational excellence. Our key services include strategic planning, business model design, operating model review, impact assessment, facilitation, co-design and other strategic projects e.g. (partnerships, innovation).

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking a Senior Strategic Manager with 10+ years working experience and 5+ years of management consulting leadership experience, to join our team. This is a leadership role and will be best suited to someone with proven leadership experience in a consulting practice along with a commitment to the social sector (e.g. not-for-profits, government, philanthropy, CSR, social enterprise, social procurement).

• Consulting Leadership: Running projects, developing consultants daily and super pleasing clients.
• Consulting: Hands on delivery of a portfolio of complex strategic advisory projects for a wide range of clients and working across the entire project lifecycle.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Desirable Qualifications and Experience:

• Qualifications in business administration, public policy or a related field (desirable)
• 10+ years professional experience with at least 5 years as a leader and management consultant, in a professional advisory firm. Exposure to strategic planning, operating models, business models, stakeholder engagement, data analysis, facilitation and other management consulting activities (required).

Key Responsibilities:

• Project Performance
• Leadership and Team Development
• C-Suite Client Engagement and Collaboration
• Nourishing the Spark Culture
• Product development

Non-negotiables

• Management Consulting and Consulting Leadership experience
• Passion for purpose: You are committed to making a positive difference and excited to work with teams and organisations focused on impact.
• Relationship orientation – you recognise that relationships are the key to positive impact and have a focus on building and maintaining meaningful connections within and outside your organisation.
• Strategic mindset: You possess an understanding of the big picture and are driven by tangible results.
• Thriving in a Dynamic Work Environment: keeping busy and moving between a range of tasks and subject matters brings out the best in you because you have great time management and organisational skills.
• Comfort with ambiguity: You can effectively handle uncertainty, and you help people and organisations move from ambiguity to clarity.
• Strong communication skills: you effectively get your message across with both the spoken word and the pen/quill/keyboard, including supporting presentations and facilitation workshops.
• Analytical skills: You have an uncanny ability to analyse and synthesise complex and/or large quantities of information.
• Attention to detail: You are meticulous in your work. You dot your ‘i’s and cross your ‘t’s.
• Understands tools of the trade: You are familiar with consulting tools such as business model and strategic planning frameworks and processes.
• Curious by nature – you ask insightful questions and are keen to get to the heart of things.
• Growth mindset – you actively seek feedback and are willing to learn from challenges and setbacks. You actively seek opportunities to develop and improve yourself and the organisation.

Why You'll Love Working At Spark

• We create social impact: Spark Strategy is a certified Bcorp that has won the prestigious “Best for the World’ award as a workplace three times.
• We work with incredible clients: Spark works with leaders who are as excited by ideas as we are, who want to take action and transform. And we stick with our clients to achieve outcomes, favouring long-term relationships over draft and dash plans.
• Our approach is highly interactive and all about bringing energy into the process through team-based workshops and activities that spark moments of discovery. We do the heavy lifting behind the scenes, stretching and probing the ideas before rigorously planning out the execution and building the organisational stamina required for transformation.
• We have a great team and supports: The team is vibrant and supportive. You’ll have regular access to Director-level consultants and a structured support network with your manager and onboarding buddy. We want you to succeed in your role to help the team thrive, and we’ll do what we can to support you in your role.
• We offer flexibility and autonomy: Spark Strategy employees (“Sparkies”) are able to work flexible hours and in a hybrid working environment. While there are times you should be available and ‘anchor’ working days from the office, your responsibilities are your own, and you can self-organise to hit your targets.
• We’re not all the same – and we like that: Spark Strategy is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or disability status.

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining a profit-for-purpose consulting firm delivering a unique brand of advisory, we would love to hear from you.

Please click Apply Now to submit your application.

Please note: Only applicants who meet the qualifications will be contacted. Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa