Public Affairs - Project Leader

Public Affairs seeks to share the IKEA experience and customer life at home with regulators, legislators, and opinion-builders and position IKEA Range and IKEA Supply as trusted, competent, and preferred discussion partners. Making sure that IKEA’s visions of safe, sustainable and affordable products are supported by up-to-date legislation that is good for IKEA and good for the world. IKEA is one brand but many companies, you will be hired by IKEA of Sweden AB, the IKEA company assigned to determine and develop the IKEA Product Range, including products, packaging solutions and service products, but also service IKEA Supply with Public Affairs support when needed to facilitate the production and supply of IKEA products globally. 

As Project leader for Public Affairs, you will deliver to the strategic public affairs goals for IKEA Range and IKEA Supply. Working in a dynamic and fast paced environment, this means leading projects related to regulatory issues that impact or could impact our ability to market and sell our products in existing and new markets, underpinned by trade, sustainability, and human rights considerations. The assignment requires the ability to work effectively, efficiently, diplomatically, and calmly in a high-pressure environment on issues that are often complex and politically sensitive, bringing global teams together with diverse cultures and perspectives The agenda is broad, and the tasks are many, including:
Leading and managing priority public affairs projects as identified by the business, with a focus on product safety (food and non-food), chemicals and sustainability.
Representing IKEA of Sweden, Range & Supply in external forums
Gathering and creating consensus among internal stakeholders and franchisees
Identifying and developing trusted relationships with key policy-makers, regulators, business associations, and opinion leaders in different parts of the globe.
Qualifications

We believe you are diplomatic, flexible, consensus-oriented and have a high sense of integrity and ethical behavior. You have a vast experience in engaging in public policy discussions on all levels, particularly related to policy and regulatory agendas such as the safety and sustainability of products and food. Experience from outside EU is a merit. Furthermore, we believe you have:
Comprehensive working experience in a relevant position such as public affairs, regulatory affairs, government affairs, or public policy and/or from working inside any national or international institution in a complex context.
Extended language skills, with fluency in both spoken and written English and preferably an additional language such as; Russian, Chinese, Arabic or Spanish.
Experience from influencing legislation in one of the following areas is a merit, but not a requirement; Food safety, sustainable transport and energy or chemical safety.
Ability to travel extensively
Company Description

At IKEA, we do things a little differently. We think, differently and work differently as well. We challenge ourselves and make functional, beautiful, long lasting products sustainable and affordable. Like music-playing lamps. And beds disguised as sofas. Even plant balls that help us look after our planet. It’s all part of our vision - to create a better everyday life for the many people. This has been guiding us for over 75 years.

We believe in a glorious future! We want our actions to have a big and positive impact. We want to lead by example, influence change, sharing our stories and insights, while listening and learning from others. To help us do this we are strengthening our Public Affairs team. Curious? 

Additional information

Please send us your application – CV and letter of motivation – in English. Make sure you tell us why you would be a good fit for this role. Please send at the latest 21st August.

This is a permanent position located in Älmhult, Sweden.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Public Affairs Manager Stina Wallström at stina.wallstrom@inter.ikea.com or if you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Måns Persson at mans.persson@inter.ikea.com

Videos to Watch

The story of IKEA

Story of IKEA

About the role by Stina Wallström

Job description by Stina