futures consultant - The Future Laboratory

: :

THE : FUTURE : L ABOR ATORY

: FUTURES CONSULTANT (LEVEL 2A) : JOB SPECIFICATION

F UTURES CONSULTANT (LE VEL 2A) : JOB SPECIFICATION

The Future Laboratory’s powerful blend of trend forecasting, consumer insight research and innovation strategies has made us one of the world’s most renowned and respected futures consultancies. Since 2001, our pioneering approach has guided brands, people and organisations around the globe through the peaks and troughs of our turbulent times. We have anticipated and predicted the key cultural, social, economic, and technological changes and tipping points that have enabled them to turn challenge into opportunity. Now, more than ever, we understand that staying one step ahead of the next wave of market forces is vital to ensure creativity, relevance and sustainability. The Future Laboratory is divided into two distinct strands: : LS:N Global, the trend forecasting and consumer insight engine in everything we do : Consultancy, our brand strategy and innovation team Each strand is driven by our overarching ethos: to be inspiring, knowledgeable, forthright and independent. We are committed to being ethical, responsible and socially aware. Overview of role Job Title:

The team focuses on two key pillars:

Futures Consultant (Level 2a)

: Research (trend reports, consumer typology reports, communications reports, trend programmes)

Department:

: Strategy (brand strategy, retail innovation, communication strategy, workshops, brand activation)

Consultancy Reporting structure: Role reports to: Senior Futures Consultant Team members: Works alongside Futures Consultants, Account Managers, Quant Research Analyst and Creative Consultant Summary of department: Established in 2001, The Future Laboratory is a trend forecasting, bespoke research and brand innovation consultancy. We look at the niche, the different and the diverse to help clients know what is new and next in consumer thinking. The Consultancy team ‘makes the future happen’. It handles all bespoke projects at The Future Laboratory, delivering client futures, customer futures and trend futures. Briefs range from determining future global customer typologies to quantifying trends and consumer change in specific sectors to building brand platforms and developing future-proof strategies and innovation.


Key responsibilities: : Confidently executing the Absorb phase and meeting key deadlines : Writing discussion guides and implementing research processes : Working with project managers to plan and execute projects : Drawing insights from research and articulating key findings relating to client objectives : Managing and collaborating with partners, including design and production, to deliver on time and within budget : Contributing to client calls, responding to client emails where necessary : Confidently carrying out expert interviews : Making an active contribution to the team’s knowledge on consumer trends beyond information on LS:N Global : Contributing to proposals – designing approaches and writing slides : Initiating process and research activities


Essential skills and experience:

Attitude and motivation:

: Intelligent, determined and focused as well as inquisitive and highly creative

: Inspires trust

: A good understanding of brands and consumer behaviour across a range of industries, including fashion, technology, media, alcohol, food and finance : An interest in, and understanding of, all key channels, including product, retail, digital, advertising and brand experience : Experienced in identifying and working with cultural and consumer trends to inform brand strategy : Skilled at planning, performing and analysing qualitative consumer research and expert interviews : Confident in jointly planning and facilitating client strategy and innovation workshops with Senior Futures Consultants : Experienced in translating strategy into innovation action points and creative briefs

: Displays loyalty : Reflects a positive attitude : Has a strong belief in the process, product, place and people : Takes pride in the achievement of team objectives : Has credibility with peers and senior managers Growth path Futures Consultant (Level 2b) Interested? Please email a CV, covering letter and details of two work referees to: Esme de Courcy, [email protected].

: Excellent writing skills and the ability to express findings and recommendations in a concise, convincing and actionable way : A good visual awareness, experienced in both analysing visual expression and using visual communication to reinforce research findings and strategic recommendations : Happy to travel frequently and across the globe for client presentations, workshops and in-field research : Looking to join an energetic, challenging and inspiring environment : Proven experience delivering high-quality trends, foresight, forecasting or cultural analysis research : Experience in managing projects and client communication : A talent for seeing the patterns behind data, and the ability to understand and explain what these patterns might mean for consumers and the companies that target them : Comfortable presenting to senior stakeholders, with the ability to communicate difficult concepts clearly : Effective and efficient time management and organisational skills : Curious, globally minded, naturally sceptical and enthusiastic

