Communication & Interior Design Manager | Retail

Job Description

Overview of the role

Responsible for leading the Com & In department in securing the overall visual and inspirational level inside of the IKEA store. Ensure the IKEA store is perceived as being a source of inspiration, tips and ideas as well as a qualified home furnishing specialist providing home furnishing solutions by the customers in order to help maximise Sales.

What you will do

COMMERCIAL and FINANCIAL

• Support the store with expertise to secure that the commercial level regarding range presentation and visual merchandising is optimised and that there is a common thread throughout the store.
• Ensure that time plans and budgets set by the Store Manager are followed for all work related to changing and updating all areas of the IKEA store in sync with the Commercial Calendar.
• Develop and implement the annual business plan with the store management team in regards to comin department and areas of responsibility.
• Plan, execute and follow-up of the stores’ commercial calendars.
• You work with the Country Comm. In Manager to plan and organise marketing activities related to the commercial calendar.
• To work as a team with the rest of the Commercial team (ISL and Sales) in order to achieve the store sales target and the level of inspirations agreed with the Store management.
• Contribute in achieving the store sales target.
• Maintain the store budget for the Com & In department.
• Ensure IKEA store should provide a vibrant and exciting atmosphere that convince the visitors to come back for more repeat visits.

OPERATIONAL

• Ensure that systems and methods stated in IKEA Concept Documentation are implemented throughout the whole store.
• Plan and lead major changes in the store including building up new room sets, new homes, new departments.
• Provide Comm&In support to the Expansion team.
• Provide a vibrant and enthralling environment to the Staff and Back Office areas.
• Work closely and collaborate with Sales and ISL departments.

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

• Ensure that all Com & In team members have received the necessary training in safety and security aspects related to the use of this equipment so they are able to follow the rules and regulations and prevent accidents.
• Ensure all co-workers are properly trained including development programs to secure the store performance and succession needs.
• Manage the recruitment of the Comm & In department. Ensure the vacancies are filled as soon as they arise and the right candidates are hired in the vacant positions with the needed technical skills.
• Ensure positive results in the employee survey and taking action in the areas where the satisfaction is low.

Desired Candidate Profile

Required skills to be successful

• Deep interest in and highly developed knowledge of home furnishings and the way people live.
• Store layout planning experience.
• Strategic Planning and Analytical Skills.
• Proficient user of MS office applications.
• Creative thinking and problem solving skills.
• Leadership and people management skills.

What equips you for the role

• 7 years interior design/visual merchandising experience in or outside IKEA, preferably in home furnishing retail business.
• University degree in interior design, communication and arts is highly preferred.
• Experience of managing/leading and developing a team.
• Tactical thinker.
• Understand KPIs and how to affect their results through departmental actions.