Business Development Manager

The IKEA brand is one of the most successful home furnishing brands in the world. We are a values-driven company with a passion for life at home. Our vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people.
You see things a little differently. So do we. We believe that your values are more important than what your CV says. We offer positions that will challenge your skills and let you grow. Come see things a little differently with us.
Welcome to Category Area Wood, the home to five wood related categories. With around 300 co-workers and 200 suppliers across the world, we create a strong wood supply chain for more sustainable and affordable IKEA products for the many.
Wood is an essential material and important part of the IKEA heritage. We can proudly say that around 60% of our sales in IKEA are connected to wood-based products. In Category Area Wood, we procure and source wood-based articles that our many customers enjoy amongst which are iconic IKEA families such as BILLY, PAX, IVAR, KALLAX, POÄNG and our kitchen ranges.
Our culture is entrepreneurial and based on trust. We have the space to lead, explore and learn from mistakes.
Are you ready to be part of a journey towards affordable sustainability for our customers?
Job Description
Wood Component Category are looking for a business-minded entrepreneur who gets energy by developing business through people.
About the role
Being a Business Development Manager at IKEA means several things. As a part of the Category Management Team, you will actively contribute to the development of the Category Business Plan, securing business results and developing people as well as continuously explore new business opportunities in your area of responsibility.
Do you want to lead, inspire and empower a team to perform to the best of their abilities and continuously develop in their assignments responsible for developing one of IKEA’s most important businesses? We are looking for a Business Development Manager to our Wood Component team in Älmhult that will be part of developing the future of Wood furniture in IKEA.
In this role, you will:
Lead a team of 6 people located in Älmhult and Kaunas with diverse backgrounds; inspire, empower and support the team to perform to the best
Develop our high performing and diverse supplier base to meet the needs of the many people today and in the future.
Responsible for new business opportunities – suppliers, setups, supply chains, materials etc.
Set business direction in line with category strategy, clear Action Plan to improve, develop business and supplier performance, according to goals
Lead in the way that IKEA culture and values are an everyday reality. Acts as role model for collaboration, togetherness, change management and Fact-based Business leadership
Responsible to implement and secure compliance to relevant working methods and industry regulations
Responsible to establish cost budget and continuously secure that resources are used in an optimal way to support business goals

As part of the Category Management Team, actively contribute to the development of the Category Plans and future strategy.
Qualifications
You are a senior business leader who loves to ask “why…” and “what if..” and you are passionate about developing business and people. You have proven experience leading teams and a great track record of delivering great business results through the people you work with. You easily build trust and partnerships to reach common goals across borders and functions.
You have a strong foundation in living and sharing the IKEA culture and values. You bring a high energy and a positive, solution-oriented approach to your role as Business Development Manager. You are comfortable anticipating and leading change and very comfortable working in a remote environment.
Words from current Manager
"I am leading a fantastic group of people with different background, competences, and experiences. It´s a very diversed team, with more than 5 different nationalities, and since we are located in both Älmhult and in Kaunas we practice virtual leadership on daily basis. Team is working very close, and really care and support each other, something I´m very proud of. Motivation is high and so also the working tempo and we have a lot of exciting plans where we plan to grow the business and looking for new suppliers in the area. Team is very senior, not only developing the supplier base in Scandinavia and Baltics, but most team members also have global assignments contributing to overall segment strategy work."
Wood Component is a fantastic category that truly leads business through people and where people have the possibility to grow and shine!
Here you have a unique opportunity to be part of a professional, strong, and fun management team where you will be listened to and have the possibility to make an impact and deliver to the overall category business and people plan.
Additional information
We would love to know more about you and your motivation for this job!
Please send us your application in English by 10th of June, 2022.
If you have questions, please contact David Svensson, Category Manager Wood Components, david.svensson3@inter.ikea.com or Anna Lönnborg, People & Culture Leader on anna.lonnborg@inter.ikea.com.
If you have further questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Annette Scheer, Recruiter on annette.scheer@inter.ikea.com