Hej, welcome to a world of inspiration! At Inter IKEA Systems B.V. we are a diverse group of down-to-earth, straightforward people with a passion for home furnishing. We come from all over the world, but we share one vision: to create a better everyday life for the many people. We offer an exciting work environment in a global marketplace with exceptional opportunities to grow and develop.

The world we live in is changing at a higher pace than ever before and the amount of available data continues to grow exponentially. Providing IKEA people with relevant data and actionable insights about consumers, customers and competition is at the core of the assignment of the Business and Consumer Intelligence unit: to inspire and empower IKEA people to make well founded decisions, based on timely and actionable intelligence.

We are looking for an Intelligence Leader ‘Foresighting & Exploration’ to join our growing team.

In this global role, you will be a key contributor and leader in strategizing and influencing the future direction of IKEA and its development agenda. You will identify which mid-to-long-terms trends are most relevant and what they mean for the future success of IKEA. You will give input to IKEA’s development priorities from a product, material, and customer meeting point of view. You will also be responsible for managing and further developing IKEA’s Foresighting and Exploration team.

More specifically we are looking for someone who:

• Has actively worked with trends understanding (identifying and translating macro and micro trends into actionable business opportunities)
• Has relevant experience in early concept development (development of products, materials, and ways to meet customers e.g. retail formats)
• Has been part of a development team that works through co-creation (working interdependently with other functions and area leaders to reach a common goal)
• Has a proven record of leading a team of specialists, understanding how to manage people and supporting them to grow in their role
• Knows how to influence and work with senior leaders in the organization, demonstrating expertise and thought leadership in a humble way
• Got a talent and passion for public speaking
• Has a genuine interest for understanding the needs and desires of people across the world and how to improve their life at home
• Shares the IKEA values, which are at the core of everything we do
• Thinks strategically but not afraid to be hands-on and mind-deep in analysis
• Has a desire for continuous learning and self-improvement
• Is eager to take initiative and responsibility with the ability to prioritise
• Can flourish in an international business environment

Your core responsibilities:

• Develop your team of 8-12 people, leading them to become experts in the field of Foresighting and Exploration.
• Develop and maintain a systematic understanding of the macro environment.
• Develop a comprehensive and inspiring picture of the ‘world we live in’ in a way that resonates well and drives action across IKEA.
• Identify consumer and market dynamics that will impact IKEA’s future success and translate these trends into threats and opportunities for IKEA.
• Develop insight on people’s changing behaviours and needs using explorative methods such as ethnography and on-going on-line and analogue communities.
• Ensure that tools & methods are up-to-date and meet the expectations of the business and stakeholders.

Essential qualifications:

• At least 8-10 years of experience with trends work in a business setting, with strategy development, and with turning insight into action
• Deep knowledge of consumer insight, trends identification and development  of related methodologies
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with proven ability to form strong professional interdependent working relationships in and outside IKEA
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English

Your next challenge?

This is a full time position for 40 hour per week, based in Delft with the requirement for regular travel (ca. 20%). You will report to the IKEA Business & Consumer Intelligence Manager at Inter IKEA Systems in Delft.

Are you the right person for this job and are you curious to explore what your assignment could look like at Inter IKEA Systems? 31 January 2018 is the closing date to apply for this position. Please send your application including your motivation, in English. We look forward to getting to know you!