Vendor Management Leader | Core Business Franchise

At Inter IKEA Systems B.V., we do a lot of different things to make that vision come to life. As the franchisor of the IKEA Concept, it is our job to protect, develop and enable the success of the IKEA Brand, together with our colleagues in other IKEA companies around the world. That can make our work – and our workplace – a bit complex. And that’s why strong, clear communication is key to our success.   

We want to become an even more affordable, sustainable, and accessible home furnishing retailer in an omni-channel reality. We bring business and data & technology together to improve how we work and meet customers and enable us to focus on creating value. So, we can continuously improve and scale IKEA, together with our partners and the many people. 

About you 

We are looking for a positive team player who is passionate about creating value in an omnichannel environment. You will have at minimum of 5 years’ professional experience in IT operations, and preferably in multi-source vendor set up. Ideally, you are familiar with IT sourcing challenges in the digital age and have proven working knowledge in evaluating capabilities and establishing a plan to advance the business.  

We believe that you have a strong interest for people's life at home with a dynamic personality who adapts well in a multicultural environment. You get energy from working with agile methodology and you are enthusiastic about digital products and the value they can bring. Furthermore, you are someone who has a strong drive, an excellent networker and influencer. 

To be successful in this role, you should have excellent organisation skills and be analytical, methodical, structured, and accurate. You should have deep experience in purchasing and the ability to identify and understand technical. You have excellent communication skills with strong business acumen and commercial approach. 

You have a university degree in the business administration or supply chain management area, and you have a high level of proficiency in English. You have exceptional negotiation and decision-making skills and can navigate a complex business and technology landscape with ease.  

About us 

Our vision, to create a better everyday life for the many people, influences everything we do. It is a vision that lives in the everyday efforts of all co-workers, all over the world.  

Fulfilling the IKEA vision requires a strong, efficient, and sustainable business setup. That is why it is built on a franchise system. The IKEA Franchisor, Inter IKEA Systems B.V., is the worldwide owner of the IKEA Concept and has the responsibility to ensure that the IKEA Concept stays attractive and competitive while enabling growth and a profitable business for IKEA franchisees. 

Retail Operation Solutions & Support (ROSS) is an integral part of Core Business Franchise and consists of a team of people with passion for retail and competence in business and technology. We are moving into a new chapter with an ambition to provide IKEA retailers with a set of digital products and services that are integrated into IKEA value chain and supporting the omnichannel IKEA Concept. We call this the Retail Package and it covers key capabilities for retail operations. 

Take time to explore the IKEA Franchise system here, and read more about us here. 

About the role  

As a Vendor Management Leader, you will be responsible for managing vendors and external resources to secure needed competence and capacity with product and chapter managers. One of your primary responsibilities is the oversight and overall vendor management activities in the ROSS organisation.  

You will work in close collaboration with procurement, participate in sourcing of new vendors, along with securing and following up with vendors to ensure they meet the contractual obligations by establishing service orders & service agreements. In addition, following up on performance, maintaining and develop long standing business relationships with new and existing vendors are seen as your key obligations. 

Moreover, you will lead and work closely together with peers across the totality of Core Business Franchise and across IKEA to strengthen and contribute to a strong and relevant IKEA franchise offer. 

At IKEA we believe that we’re better when we’re physically together for collaboration, dialogues and conversations. We believe in the power of human interactions; the informal chats, the energy, belonging and creativity generated by people being in the same place. Our approach is that we spend most of our time in the IKEA workplace and with flexibility to work from home when relevant. 

This is a full-time role (40 hours per week) located in Malmö, Sweden. You will report to the Business Operations Manager in ROSS.  

27 May, 2022, is the closing date to apply for this role. Please send your application – CV and motivation – in English and let us know why you would be a good fit. We look forward to hearing from you!