Lead, Insights and Strategy Research (APAC)

Quantum APAC is looking for a Lead in Insights & Cultural Strategy - someone with strong strategic fundamentals, evidence of high-quality thinking, and the ability to lead complex client engagements grounded in culture and human understanding.
This role requires a strong qualitative and cultural strategy foundation, with the ability to move beyond consumer observation into deeper interpretation of cultural meaning, behaviours, tensions and emerging shifts. The successful candidate will play a key role in leading projects, partnering with clients, shaping insight generation and contributing to strategic recommendations.
You will work across sectors such as CPG, FMCG and F&B. Projects may include cultural insight generation, semiotics, trends and futures work, brand strategy, innovation,customer understanding and strategic consulting.
The role is highly collaborative and client-facing. You will work closely with senior leaders across the APAC region, lead multiple workstreams simultaneously, and contribute to building long-term client relationships. The role will also involve working across markets and engaging with multilingual and multicultural contexts, particularly China-linked projects.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

. Lead strategic qualitative and cultural insight projects across APAC markets

. Design and oversee qualitative research programmes including ethnography, indepth interviews, workshops, online communities and cultural analysis

. Analyse behavioural, social and cultural data to identify meaningful patterns, tensions and opportunities

. Translate insights into compelling strategic narratives, frameworks and recommendations for clients

. Develop high-quality client-ready outputs including presentations, reports and workshop materials

. Lead day-to-day client engagement and contribute to long-term client relationship building

. Collaborate with senior stakeholders internally and externally to shape project direction and strategic thinking

. Support business development through proposal writing, scoping discussions and contributing to thought leadership

. Mentor and support junior team members where relevant