Head of Futures

Synthesis x Head of Futures At Synthesis, we push the boundaries of what’s possible with Open Source Intelligence. It’s a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment vibrant with collaboration and creativity, at the intersection of data science, cultural analysis & brand consultancy (we call this HCDS: Human Centred Data Science!).  We are looking for people who are culturally curious and passionate about data storytelling. We work with famous brands including Netflix, Nike, PepsiCo, 2K Games, Amazon Music, Pernod Ricard, Brown-Forman and Tetra Pak. Our team is nimble, diverse, and adaptable. Together we represent a variety of experiences – from computer science, digital anthropology, engineering, advertising, to gaming and law. We will have a great working relationship if you... Are comfortable with open-ended challenges, working collaboratively to find creative solutions

Are innately curious, interested in macro, consumer, cultural and category shifts

Have the drive to learn and innovate new technologies and methodologies

Have strong written and communication skills

The Head of Futures at Synthesis develops strategies, innovations and scenarios for the sharpest insights and marketing professionals in the world.  Your core focus: Leading a business unit. Working closely with the leadership team. You will have the freedom to guide and coach a multidisciplinary team of data scientists and strategists. This includes leading decisions on recruitment and financial planning. You will oversee multiple projects, ensuring efficient resourcing and high-quality output.

Business development: Working together with the leadership team, you will play a crucial role in establishing and growing client partnerships with existing and new clients. This means writing proposals, pitching, helping design approaches for new and existing clients and brainstorming cross-sell ideas to grow clients across the business.

Commercial foresight storytelling: You will craft persuasive, memorable data-driven narratives and scenarios around how people will live, work and play, and how businesses will operate and grow in the next 5-10 years, including translating words into experiences to bring the future to life, presenting confidently and persuasively to influence the next steps of senior stakeholders.

Trusted advisor for world-leading clients: You will be the day-to-day lead and decision-maker. Your role will require you to deeply understand our client’s business, run projects end-to-end and have a ‘nose’ for what’s next through forward-looking insights and innovations that will be most useful and inspiring for their growth strategy.

You’ll need: 10+ years' experience working in trends and foresight, strategy and planning, management consultancy, or a related role. Foresight experience is an advantage.

Strong analytical skills: an ability to translate client requirements into data briefings with the data science team, confidently digest complex datasets, and process and layer different data outputs to build a complete picture of people, categories and themes in the next 5-10 years

Strong creativity and communication skills: extraordinary writing, visual storytelling, experience design and presentation skills to bring ideas to life

Strong interpersonal skills: a flexible thinker who thrives in positive, collaborative environments and can work under pressure. Naturally adopts a ‘plussing’ approach– pushes, questions and stretches thinking by adding, not criticising without suggestions

Openness and enjoyment of iteratively developing your ideas, drawing on the value of the diverse perspectives of those around you. You recognise the value of having an array of approaches at your disposal rather than focusing solely on one methodology or model.

Advantageous, but not required: Experience working with Google Scholar and Google Patents as well as census, search, social, advertising & e-commerce data

Knowledge of quantitative, statistical and qualitative research techniques and analysis

About Working Here We are a diverse team; we value creativity, a ‘plussing’ mindset and collaboration. To help create this, we offer flexible working and a supportive environment. This includes the following benefits: Twice yearly, uncapped profit-share bonus scheme—so everyone is collectively rewarded for business success.

20 days paid holidays per annum + Public holidays + Whole company paid ‘reading week’ between Christmas and New Year.

10:00-15:00 core working hours for meetings, otherwise flexible working. 

No meetings on Fridays, wherever possible, to secure Friday as a focus working day. 

Opportunity to work remotely for up to 4 weeks per calendar year.

Performance Program to support continuous learning, including an annual conference or language-learning budget, time allocated for learning, and mentorship.

AIA health insurance and an extra SGD $1000 per annum for health and wellbeing.

Paid maternity and paternity leave