Futures Insights Programme Lead

About Arup

Arup is a globally recognised creative force behind major projects in the built and natural environment, operating in over 140 countries with a multidisciplinary team of designers, engineers, architects, planners, consultants, and technical specialists. Owned in trust for its members with no external investors, Arup governs its own strategic direction and priorities.

About Arup University

Arup University (AU) serves as the firm’s hub for innovation and continuous learning, integrating three core functions: Discovery (exploring future markets and capabilities through foresight and research), Expertise (developing technical excellence), and Knowledge (cultivating collective intelligence and knowledge sharing).

AU is distinct in its integrated global network that bridges disciplines, addresses immediate technical needs alongside future opportunities, and combines foresight, expertise, and knowledge activation seamlessly.

Role Overview

The Futures Insights Programme Lead holds an Associate position within Arup University's global Foresight team. This role drives the strategic development and oversight of horizon scanning and insight management practices. It seeks to stimulate innovative thinking, challenge prevalent assumptions, and provide foresight that informs decision-making and strategic direction both internally and for clients.

By aligning scanning activities with broader Discovery, Expertise, and Knowledge efforts, the role enhances global and regional foresight initiatives, particularly supporting APAC team and client engagements. Reporting to the Global Foresight Leader and participating in global leadership, this position also manages and mentors regional foresight staff and project teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with leaders across Foresight, AU, and strategy departments to shape a unified approach to futures intelligence acquisition, analysis, and distribution.
• Drive adoption and integration of advanced tools and technologies for horizon scanning to enhance global foresight capabilities.
• Act as Foresight’s regional representative in APAC, linking senior leadership with AU’s global initiatives.
• Lead and support Foresight personnel regionally with line management duties.
• Connect long-term trends and weak signals with current business priorities to facilitate both immediate responses and strategic planning.
• Engage in winning new work, managing, and delivering foresight projects for internal stakeholders and clients.

Required Skills and Experience

• Based in Singapore or Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane).
• Proven expertise in applied foresight methodologies, capable of leading diverse teams and guiding non-experts in foresight frameworks.
• Communicates complex concepts clearly and compellingly, employing data storytelling and effective visualization techniques.
• Experienced in designing or managing digital platforms for insight sharing, such as dashboards or portals.
• Background in built environment planning, design, economics, or policy is advantageous but not essential.
• Track record in leading geographically and disciplinarily diverse teams.
• Strong skills in stakeholder engagement and project delivery across complex organizations.
• Multilingual capabilities relevant to the APAC region are a bonus.

What Arup Offers

Arup provides a supportive environment encouraging member success and growth, backed by a total rewards package comprising competitive pay, health and wellbeing benefits, learning opportunities, and career development pathways. The firm's employee ownership model promotes freedom and responsibility to align work with purpose and impact.

Committed to diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, Arup fosters an equitable workplace where varied perspectives enhance excellence. Adjustments and support are available throughout recruitment and employment to accommodate candidate needs.