Associate Director of Social Science

Are you fascinated by human culture and behaviour? Are you passionate about new ways to understand people? Do you know your ethnography from your digital anthropology? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you at Canvas8. This is an opportunity to join a dynamic, close-knit team focused on revealing the ‘why’ behind consumer behaviour. You’ll play a pivotal role in revolutionising qualitative research, championing innovation, and building a thriving global division within Canvas8.

About us: We are Canvas8, a strategic insights practice operating out of London, New York, Los Angeles, Singapore, and Manila. We help our clients understand people so they can make better business decisions. Our work investigates the hidden insights in everyday life – from the psychology of boredom to teenage make-up rituals to why Barbiecore is a Gen Y thing – and makes them meaningful for brands. Our team is a blend of disciplines and skills – from psychology to journalism, anthropology to behavioural economics. What unites them is a desire to understand people and a passion for delivering outstanding work.

About the role: We’re seeking an exceptional Associate Director with at least seven years of experience to lead our Social Science division. You will be responsible for pioneering and leading innovative research and analysis across consultancy projects and through Canvas8 Membership. Whether that’s ethnography, discussion groups, digital diaries, in-depth interviews, or a new exciting methodology we’re experimenting with, you’ll be at the forefront of driving qualitative excellence across the business. Your influence extends beyond research design, guiding diverse international fieldwork across multiple projects. From inception to deliverable, you excel in crafting dynamic project deliverables that inspire and motivate clients. Your oversight includes innovation, training, execution, quality control measures across the discipline, profitability, and timings, and fostering strong client relationships. You are essentially our ‘go-to’ for all things social science.

The day‑to‑day:

• Oversee all qualitative work
• Design and implement innovative methodologies
• Develop and train best practices for qualitative research
• Create powerful stories about human behaviour and culture
• Enhance the Social Science department’s profile
• Develop thought leadership around Social Sciences
• Create new Social Science Membership solutions (e.g. subcultures, vox‑pops)
• Build and optimise supplier relationships and tools
• Support on relevant pitches and project design
• Report at Senior Analyst team meetings, handling budgets and reporting

About you: This hybrid role requires a broad range of skills beyond traditional research. As well as being highly competent with qualitative research, you’ll need to be a strong writer, communicator, organiser and lateral thinker – but above all, you will be relentlessly curious about what people think, how they feel and why they do what they do. Your leadership qualities shine through your extensive experience in qualitative research methods, where you’ve led countless qualitative studies end‑to‑end but also mastered the art of storytelling from research findings. Your collaborative spirit is evident in your ability to work seamlessly with partners inside and outside the practice, ensuring a team‑wide approach to project execution. A proven track record in research design showcases your creative problem‑solving skills. Your knack for developing innovative solutions to client challenges and consistently winning proposals underscores your strategic mindset and ability to see the bigger purpose of your work. Your exceptional people skills, cultural sensitivity, and clarity of thought contribute to a positive work environment. As Canvas8 establishes and grows this department, your proactive and self‑motivated nature will be pivotal in shaping its success.

Requirements:

• 7-9 years of experience in qualitative research and analysis
• Proven track record leading innovative mixed‑method qual research
• Proven commercial consulting experience
• Excellent budget, time and project management skills
• Previous managerial and leadership experience
• Proficient in supporting pitches, project design
• Exceptional writing, storytelling and communication skills
• Knowledge of brand, product design, innovation, UX and comms
• Curious, collaborative, and tenacious
• Excellent decision‑making skills
• Adept at resolving challenges and being quick at finding smart solutions

Benefits:

• Hybrid working with flexible start times
• 29 days paid holiday (including bank holidays)
• Interest‑free ‘Life Unlock Loan’ for lump sum payments (rental deposits, sponsorship etc)
• A personalised career development plan
• Access to physical and mental well‑being support, including two ‘Mental Wealth’ days
• Pension, life insurance, cashback private health plan, and cycle scheme
• Summer Fridays, seasonal benefits, and lots of staff socials
• A friendly and welcoming team (pooches included)

If you think this sounds like a good fit, please apply below by outlining why and attaching your CV. Applications will close on Thursday, January 15, 2026. At Canvas8, we believe in the power of diversity to drive innovation. We’re committed to creating an inclusive space where every individual is valued. Join us in a workplace that celebrates differences—race, gender, age, and beyond—fueling our creativity and competitive edge. We actively seek diverse talents and provide equal opportunities, free from discrimination. Shape your future with us, where diversity isn’t just a value, but a key to our success.