Event Leader

Job Description

The IKEA vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people – and we’re always searching for new and better ways to do it. We use our home furnishing knowledge to create products and solutions that will enable more people to live the life they want. Through creativity, IKEA Marketing & Communication AB connects the heart of IKEA to the hearts and minds of the many people.

We plan and produce inspiring content that enables our retail markets to grow and position IKEA as a purpose-led business and an expert in life at home. We are based in Älmhult, Sweden – the heart of IKEA. Our strength is our 400+ talented co-workers: strategists, channel experts, developers, photographers, motion media producers, 3D artists, graphic designers, copywriters, interior designers, and many more competences. We are proud of our craftsmanship and ability to unleash creativity at scale.

The core of our offer is the common content made available to IKEA retailers around the globe. In addition, we offer packages and on-request support to meet the needs of our markets. IKEA Marketing & Communication also develops the common marketing agenda for IKEA, leading in marketing and communication topics and contributing to our business strategies. 

Our culture and values guide us in everything we do. We become better as a team by building on our strengths and differences. Together, we strive for an inclusive work environment where we all feel safe, welcomed, respected, supported, and appreciated for who we are and what we contribute to.

This is the place where you can inspire billions of people around the world. Are you ready to make a better everyday life for the many people? We want to hear from you! 

We are now looking for three Event Leaders to the Event team at IKEA Marketing & Communication Älmhult. Two of these positions are permanent, and one is temporary for one year. The wished start date is 1 February.

As Event Leader you will:

• Lead and manage scope and debrief together with Event Manager to secure a clear brief with high understanding of the assignment for each project in the larger context, ensure the project’s relevance towards IKEA´s strategic directions and IKEA identity. 
• Accountable to lead the project from start to end, including brief, process, resources and team set-up, time plan and negotiation, including budget, forecast and follow-up for all types of events.
• Secure suitable teams and resources for the project's requirements and ensure the right resource is assigned to the right project tasks. 
• Lead contract negotiations with freelancers and production partners to get the right competence for the best price in collaboration with Competence Managers and Procurement team. 
• Lead and inspire the assigned project team from creation to production to execution that lands in different formats of events (physical, digital or hybrid).
• Lead and secure an understanding of the creative approach and concept to identify the appropriate production approach and execution method in all aspects of an event. 
• Build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with stakeholders across IKEA organizations, ensuring needs are fulfilled throughout the project. 
• Produce content and meeting design that effectively carry the right messages in the best appropriate way and secure a strong people interaction to create higher engagement and secure high quality of meeting experience before, during and after the event.
• Lead and develop new possible solutions linked to the different types of events; physical, hybrid and digital, with a clear understanding of the different technical needs. 
• Act as a role model regarding IKEA Culture, Values and Code of conduct.

To be successful in this role, you need: 
• bachelor's degree in marketing or communication. 
• Broad work experience leading projects within communication, marketing, or events. 
• Industry and market relevant knowledge within events, exhibitions, communication, and marketing preferably with retail experience. 
• Proven ability to lead a team of creative specialists, manage project budget, scope, resourcing, deliver on-time and on-budget. 
• Passionate in always trying to make things better, to build great solutions, and to reach people in new innovative ways.
• Experience working with a multichannel approach in an ever-changing, fast-paced reality 
• Technical knowledge of supporting tools to strengthen the meeting experience.
• Experience working with complex organizational structures that involve many stakeholders. 
• Experience of leading in the unknown, with speed and agility. 
• Excellent proven communication skills: verbal, written, listening, and presenting. 
• Experience in leading and developing people 
• Excellent in written and spoken English. 

Additional Information

Are you ready to make the world a little better, together? We want to hear from you! 
This is a place where you can focus on doing what you love. There are no dress codes or closed offices. No day is ever the same. All ideas are welcome. Everyone tries to pitch in when needed, and failures are seen as a way of learning. When you enter our building, we want you to feel that you can inspire billions of people all over the world.

Does this sound like your next challenge? 

We look forward to receiving your application. Please upload your CV and include your responses to the following two questions – in English, no later than November 21st, 2024. Be sure to keep your answers short and concise: 

• What do you think you would bring to this role and make you an ideal candidate? 

• What inspired you to apply for this position, and how do you believe your experience matches the key requirements for the role? 

If you have any questions regarding the position, please contact Event Manager Elin Sandborg at [email protected]. For questions regarding the recruitment process, you are welcome to contact Recruiter Christina Appelqvist, +46766-113408.