Cultural Strategist

Formed in 2008, and operating across 70+ markets, CROWD.DNA brings together researchers, strategists, trends specialists, semioticians, data analysts, designers, writers and film-makers for the world’s most exciting brands. Recent projects include understanding what play means today for a global toy brand, defining mainstream Britishness for a staple UK broadcaster, challenging generational divides for a multinational tech company, unpacking runner and footballer mindsets for major sportswear icons to support product innovation, and forecasting the next 10-30 years in various sectors.

Our values are tangible and connect with every member of the Crowd DNA team, regardless of their role or how long they’ve been with us:

• Simple Is Always Best: avoid the temptation to overcomplicate.
• Better Blended: we work fluidly between ideas, specialisms, methods – and agencies.
• Make It Count: we show up for our work, for our clients, and for each other.

We believe fully in the power of our work to fuel our clients with the evidence, inspiration and recommendation they need to grow and prosper.

POSITION OVERVIEW

We’re excited to be recruiting for this crucial role in our team – where you’ll have the opportunity to grow your career while working on some of the best projects out there in our industry, getting exposure to huge brands and all kinds of briefs. The key focus of a Cultural Strategist is to support the wider team by managing elements of multiple projects in a supportive team, working towards increasing autonomy and owning all stages of the research process. This individual will ensure best-in-class delivery — taking responsibility for distinct project components (such as cultural landscaping, recruitment, analysis toplines) while developing confidence in analysis, synthesis and storytelling craft.

As the Cultural Strategist builds genuine relationships with clients and deepens category expertise, they will become increasingly trusted to shape project direction and contribute strategic thinking that raises the quality of our work. The position makes a real difference to the business by ensuring every project is delivered with impact, consistency and excellence. Here at Crowd, you will have the opportunity to define your path to progression, and we always welcome new ideas and fresh thinking.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Take clear ownership of specific project components including cultural landscaping, fieldwork set-up, etc. to support the project team - working toward managing small/lower-value projects in partnership with a Senior Lead.
• Work to and communicate realistic timelines and task flows; understand how long core research and analysis tasks take; manage timelines.
• Apply cultural, category and audience knowledge confidently in analysis and storytelling, tailoring research methods to different client needs to support clear, insightful debriefs and develop initial strategic recommendations that link insights to broader implications.
• Adapt priorities as situations change, communicate resource needs clearly, and flag scope creep early to support commercial health throughout project lifecycles.
• Build trusted relationships with clients with support of your project and senior leads by communicating clearly and playing an active role in client meetings.
• Strengthen team culture through open collaboration, constructive feedback and supportive behaviour, identifying small opportunities for the team and supporting pitches and proposals as needed.
• Write proposal sections with guidance, participate in brainstorms.

SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

• Curious about culture, people and brands; genuine enthusiasm for understanding behaviour and trends.
• An entrepreneurial mindset and openness to try new things and contribute new ideas.
• Excellent attention to detail across writing, numbers, and visuals.
• Organised and able to juggle multiple projects, meet deadlines and work under pressure.
• Strong analytical skills; distils complex qualitative data into clear insights linked to business impact.
• Commercial mindset; understanding of clients' needs and how research drives business value.
• Problem-solver; identifies issues and offers solutions proactively.
• Clear communicator; able to present findings confidently to teams and clients.
• Collaborative team player; confident working with peers, seniors and external partners.
• Reliable and professional; consistent on delivery and support to the wider team.
• Self-managed; takes ownership of workload and raises resource issues transparently.
• Exposure to market research, strategy, innovation, marketing, advertising or a related sector (but we are open to diverse experiences).
• Desire to learn new methodologies.
• Experience coordinating fieldwork, managing suppliers or handling project logistics.

BENEFITS

The role comes with a competitive salary of up to £42,000 with training, growth opportunities and clear paths to promotion. Benefits include:

• 25 days holiday plus UK bank holidays (our office also shuts between Christmas and New Year).
• 2 volunteering paid days per year (under a formal program for a registered charity).
• Flexible, hybrid working options – we expect you to be at the office 3 days a week.
• Paid sabbatical after four years.
• A contributory group personal pension scheme, to which we contribute 4% of qualified banded earnings to each team member’s gross salary.
• Salary sacrifice and season ticket loans.
• A Westfield Health cash plan.
• Life assurance scheme at 4 x salary.
• Generous staff discounts programme.
• Cycle to work scheme.

RECRUITMENT

The cycle comprehends:

• 1st and 2nd Stage – 30 minutes – virtual interview.
• 3rd Stage – 60 minutes – In the office – Task, Q&A and meet the team.
• Starting date – when possible.

DISCLOSURE

STRAT7 is an Equal Opportunity Employer and our employees are people with different strengths, experiences and backgrounds, who share a passion for research. Our commitment to inclusivity is not just about race and gender identity, but also age, disability status, sexual orientation, religion and many other parts of one's identity. All of our employees' points of view are key to our success, and inclusion is everyone's responsibility.