Purpose
Purpose of function
How the function contributes to the business of IKEA
Identify and develop new business and market opportunities in existing and new purchasing markets with quantified benefits contributing to three roads forward; i.e. New supply markets, suppliers, sub suppliers and development partners
New to IKEA. Deploy new product types and functions, material innovations and pilot new business models enabling early customer and industrial validation.
Purpose of job
How the job contributes to the purpose of the function
Drive and execute NB projects to identify and materialize new business opportunities, involving and leading relevant project team.
Job DescriptionExplore and analyze markets and industries, market trends and based on that identify business opportunities and create business cases.
Manage and deliver portfolio of sourcing projects as identification and startup of new suppliers, new sub suppliers, new sourcing regions, social entrepreneurs, exploring sustainability opportunities etc. based on given assignments from relevant New Business stakeholders.
Manage and deliver portfolio of deployment projects in the scope of market specific range, new product innovations, and new business models and other business opportunities including logistics.
Lead assigned projects in line with Project Management Competence Profile by formulating project scope, requirements and goals, involving & engaging relevant competence form inside and outside of IKEA to deliver results towards defined objectives.
Establish professional long-term relationship with new suppliers and business partners and lead them through IKEA way of doing business.
Secure compliance with IKEA Purchasing Manual and other agreed working methods.
In case of a need act as Business Developer for suppliers which are not handed over to CAT on time.
Be an IKEA ambassador of IKEA values and do business with Fact-based Business Leadership.
Knowledge
Knowledge and understanding of IKEA business model, strategic landscape and Democratic Design Principles
Knowledge and understanding of IKEA governance structure, organization and IKEA Business year cycle
Knowledge and understanding of key business development processes and when to apply them
Good knowledge of industry and market specific conditions and macroeconomic trends on country/region level
Deep knowledge of IKEA Purchasing Manual and other working methods especially the process of start-up of a new supplier.
Fundamental finance and legal knowledge
Strong knowledge and understanding of project processes, phases methods and tools applied at IKEA
Knowledge and understanding of IKEA Culture & Values, IKEA Group Code of Conduct and IKEA Business Ethics
Motivation
Interest of people's life at home; energy, drive and commitment to deliver better product for the many people
Desire to find new business opportunities and make it happen through engaging and motivating people in a project-oriented way.
A drive to lead change and develop the business and new ways; embracing challenges and triggered by setbacks, finding better ways and having an entrepreneurial mindset.
Genuinely interested in understanding the markets we are working in as well as the reality of production
Eager to learn, unlearn and to share the knowledge. Enjoying teamwork & sharing success with the team.
Passion for IKEA culture & values, and act as a true IKEA ambassador.
Capabilities
Job specific capabilities:
Ability to lead in unknown, test and try and step out of the comfort zone
Capability to lead business with a holistic view, identify and develop business opportunities and deliver results; always acting with Customer, Supplier, Total IKEA and Total Cost Development in mind
Capability to facilitate, challenge and balance the interests of multiple stakeholders and creating a common view; leading with communication.
Strategic, analytical and problem-solving capabilities to make meaningful business insights, define risks and recommendations with fact-based approach, both in day-to-day management and in making decisions. Together with ability to “think outside the box”.
Capability to learn easily and quickly accommodate to different business contexts
Capability to motivate, manage change and deliver result by creating involvement, engagement and sense of urgency in the project team.
Leadership capabilities:
Leadership is everyone’s responsibility at IKEA. Leadership behaviors differ depending on your position and your level of leadership – leading myself, leading others, leading leaders and leading matrix partners.
Entrepreneurship of the many is how we Inspire and clarify & Unleash entrepreneurs.
Performance with meaning is how we Create customer value & Lead with IKEA values.
Working together is how we Build strong relationships & collaborate and co-create
Language requirements: Both Chinese & English
Skills Required
- Fluent in Chinese and English
- Strong project management skills; able to define scope, requirements and lead cross-functional teams
- Knowledge of IKEA Purchasing Manual and supplier start-up processes
- Experience in market analysis and building business cases
- Supplier relationship management and ability to onboard new suppliers/partners
- Understanding of IKEA business model, Democratic Design principles and IKEA governance
- Fundamental finance and legal knowledge
- Ability to work in ambiguous/experimental contexts and drive change with an entrepreneurial mindset
- Strong stakeholder management, facilitation and communication skills
- Commitment to IKEA values, ethical business conduct and fact-based decision making
IKEA Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about IKEA and has not been reviewed or approved by IKEA.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is described as comprehensive for eligible employees, including medical, dental, and vision alongside company‑paid protections. Feedback suggests access is available for many part‑time schedules, with additional resources such as savings accounts and mental health support.
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Parental & Family Support — Parental leave is presented as generous, complemented by paid time off for caregiving needs. Family‑focused benefits like adoption support and childcare discounts are also available in some regions.
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Retirement Support — Retirement offerings include a 401k with company match and the Tack! loyalty pension contributions, alongside pension or group insurance in certain markets. These programs are positioned as broad‑based, adding long‑term value to total rewards.
IKEA Insights
What We Do
The IKEA vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. Our business idea is to offer well-designed, functional and affordable, high-quality home furnishing, produced with care for people and the environment. The IKEA Brand unites more than 200.000 co-workers and hundreds of companies with different owners all over the world. It’s one brand, but it reaches millions of hearts and homes. Our value chain is unique. It includes everything from product development, design, supply, manufacture and sales – and of course it begins and ends with our customers.
