In order to enhance the shopping experience and to understand consumer buying patterns and the local market in particular, their role also involves helping to position the IKEA retailer as the home furnishing expert in every market that they play in. Such a role involves leading, nurturing, and motivating the Service Office team and all other Service Office functions, as well as the Visual merchandisers and activity managers of the stores.
Key Assignments:
- Guide and motivate Visual Merchandising Co-workers and Visual Merchandising/Activity Managers in-store to enhance their visual merchandising and presentation skills, reinforcing IKEA’s unique identity across locations.
- Plan, organize, and execute displays in Market Hall, Self-Serve, and SFM by crafting a visually inspiring range that showcases various styles and price levels, aligning with global standards and national guidelines through the phases of expansion: planning, setup, and launch.
- Collaborate with the SO Visual Merchandising Leader to translate insights into creative, aesthetically pleasing, and commercially-driven solutions that exceed customer expectations, drawing from people’s lifestyles and market trends.
- Contribute to the development of the country’s business strategy and play a key role in the department’s action plan to ensure layouts and displays in both new and existing stores promote IKEA’s business growth and long-term profitability.
- Support and coach Visual Merchandising Co-workers and Visual Merchandising/Activity Managers to build their expertise in layout and presentation, working closely with the Com&In team and other functions.
- Engage actively in the global Visual Merchandising Leaders network to share global directions and tools, guiding Visual Planners and new store Visual Merchandising/Activity Managers in their application for consistent quality, simplicity, and efficiency.
- Keep up-to-date on home furnishing trends and retail innovations to support Visual Merchandising planners and new Visual Merchandising/Activity Managers in creative workshops that deliver memorable and inspiring visual concepts for visitors.
- Develop a deep understanding of all store media and clarify the main objective of each type.
Skills
- Knowledge of local market insights into customer preferences and data sources, such as the IKEA Customer Satisfaction Survey and IKEA Brand Capital.
- Understanding of trends in home furnishing and retail, IKEA’s strategic and operational framework, and how to use global tools and solutions effectively.
- Ability to lead creative processes and build commercial skills grounded in personal values aligned with IKEA’s values.
- Passion for a fast-paced, customer-focused retail environment, home furnishings, and the IKEA range.
- Excellent communication skills for varied audiences.
- Strong commercial, aesthetic, and practical judgment with the ability to create a supportive and innovative environment.
- Ability to balance strategic thinking with attention to detail, along with effective time management and adaptability to meet goals flexibly.