What Does an Insights Manager – Foresights Do? Complete Career Guide 2025
Understanding the Insights Manager – Foresights Role
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, organizations need professionals who can not only analyze current market trends but also anticipate future shifts. The Insights Manager – Foresights is a specialized strategic role that combines consumer insights, trend forecasting, and strategic planning to help companies stay ahead of market changes.
This role sits at the intersection of data analytics, consumer psychology, and strategic foresight, making it one of the most intellectually stimulating positions in market research and business intelligence.
Core Responsibilities
An Insights Manager – Foresights handles a diverse range of strategic activities:
Strategic Foresight & Trend Analysis
- Identify emerging trends across consumer behavior, technology, culture, and societal shifts
- Conduct horizon scanning to detect weak signals that could impact the business
- Develop scenario planning frameworks to prepare for multiple possible futures
- Monitor global macro trends and translate them into actionable business implications
Consumer Insights & Research
- Design and execute qualitative and quantitative research studies
- Analyze consumer sentiment, attitudes, and behavioral patterns
- Synthesize data from multiple sources including social listening, surveys, and ethnographic research
- Utilize advanced research tools (platforms like Conjointly for conjoint analysis and other sophisticated survey methodologies)
- Create consumer personas and journey maps informed by future-oriented insights
Strategic Recommendations
- Translate foresight findings into strategic recommendations for product development, marketing, and business strategy
- Present insights to C-suite executives and cross-functional stakeholders
- Develop innovation roadmaps aligned with predicted market shifts
- Advise on portfolio strategy and brand positioning for future markets
Collaboration & Influence
- Partner with product development, marketing, innovation, and strategy teams
- Build relationships with external trend forecasters, futurists, and research partners
- Lead workshops and ideation sessions based on foresight insights
- Champion a future-focused mindset across the organization
Essential Skills & Qualifications
Technical Skills
- Research methodology expertise: Proficiency in both qualitative (ethnography, semiotics, depth interviews) and quantitative methods (statistical analysis, survey design)
- Data analytics: Ability to work with large datasets and extract meaningful patterns
- Trend forecasting frameworks: Familiarity with STEEP analysis, scenario planning, and futures thinking methodologies
- Digital tools: Experience with analytics platforms, survey tools, and data visualization software
Soft Skills
- Strategic thinking: Ability to connect dots between disparate trends and business implications
- Communication: Exceptional storytelling skills to make complex foresights accessible
- Curiosity: Insatiable appetite for learning about diverse topics and industries
- Adaptability: Comfort with ambiguity and rapidly changing information
Educational Background
- Bachelor’s degree in market research, psychology, sociology, business, or related fields (required)
- Master’s degree in consumer insights, futures studies, or MBA (often preferred)
- 5-8 years of experience in insights, market research, or strategic planning roles
Industries & Sectors
Insights Managers – Foresights are valuable across multiple industries:
- Consumer Goods & Retail: Anticipating shifts in shopping behavior and product preferences
- Technology: Forecasting adoption patterns and user needs for emerging technologies
- Financial Services: Understanding future consumer financial behaviors and expectations
- Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals: Predicting healthcare trends and patient needs
- Automotive: Anticipating mobility trends and consumer transportation preferences
- Media & Entertainment: Forecasting content consumption patterns and platform preferences
Salary Expectations by Market & Seniority
Compensation for Insights Managers – Foresights varies significantly by location and experience level:
| Market | Junior Level (3-5 yrs) | Mid Level (5-8 yrs) | Senior Level (8+ yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore (SGD) | $75,000 - $95,000 | $95,000 - $130,000 | $130,000 - $180,000 |
| United States (USD) | $70,000 - $95,000 | $95,000 - $135,000 | $135,000 - $190,000 |
| Canada (CAD) | $70,000 - $90,000 | $90,000 - $120,000 | $120,000 - $160,000 |
| Australia (AUD) | $85,000 - $110,000 | $110,000 - $145,000 | $145,000 - $190,000 |
| Philippines (PHP) | ₱900,000 - ₱1,400,000 | ₱1,400,000 - ₱2,200,000 | ₱2,200,000 - ₱3,500,000 |
| Thailand (THB) | ฿900,000 - ฿1,400,000 | ฿1,400,000 - ฿2,000,000 | ฿2,000,000 - ฿3,000,000 |
| United Kingdom (GBP) | £45,000 - £60,000 | £60,000 - £85,000 | £85,000 - £120,000 |
| Germany (EUR) | €50,000 - €70,000 | €70,000 - €95,000 | €95,000 - €130,000 |
| France (EUR) | €45,000 - €65,000 | €65,000 - €90,000 | €90,000 - €125,000 |
| Netherlands (EUR) | €50,000 - €70,000 | €70,000 - €95,000 | €95,000 - €130,000 |
Note: Salaries include base compensation and may vary based on company size, industry, and specific role scope. Additional benefits and bonuses can add 10-30% to total compensation.
Career Path & Progression
The Insights Manager – Foresights role offers several advancement opportunities:
- Senior Insights Manager / Lead Foresights: Managing larger portfolios and teams
- Head of Consumer Insights: Overseeing entire insights function
- Director of Strategy & Foresights: Leading strategic planning initiatives
- VP of Innovation / Strategy: C-suite trajectory in strategic roles
- Independent Consultant / Futurist: Specialized consulting practice
APAC Market Context
The demand for Insights Managers – Foresights is particularly strong in APAC markets:
- Singapore serves as a regional hub with many multinational companies seeking foresight capabilities
- China and India show rapidly growing demand as companies navigate fast-changing consumer landscapes
- Southeast Asian markets (Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam) are increasingly investing in strategic foresight as consumer markets mature
- Australia has a well-established insights industry with strong emphasis on innovation and future planning
How to Break Into This Career
- Build foundational research skills: Start in market research, consumer insights, or analytics roles
- Develop futures literacy: Take courses in trend forecasting, scenario planning, or futures studies
- Stay curious: Cultivate broad knowledge across industries, cultures, and disciplines
- Network strategically: Join professional organizations like ESOMAR, Insights Association, or Association of Professional Futurists
- Demonstrate strategic thinking: Look for opportunities to contribute future-focused perspectives in your current role
The Future of This Role
As businesses face increasing volatility and disruption, the Insights Manager – Foresights role will only grow in importance. The integration of AI and advanced analytics is augmenting (not replacing) human foresight capabilities, making professionals who can blend data science with strategic intuition increasingly valuable.
Conclusion
The Insights Manager – Foresights is a dynamic, intellectually rewarding career for professionals who love connecting trends, understanding human behavior, and shaping business strategy. With strong growth prospects and competitive compensation across global markets, this role offers an excellent opportunity for those passionate about understanding not just what is, but what could be.
If you’re naturally curious, enjoy strategic thinking, and want to help organizations navigate an uncertain future, this could be the perfect career path for you.