Functional Expert Product Identification – IPIM

The range is our identity and the product information is an essential part of the IKEA Concept. New technology is changing behaviour and the demands for new ways to interact and share real-time insights are essential for continuous growth. The goal of the IKEA Product Information Management (IPIM) Programme is to create a foundation that enables a digital ecosystem with the IKEA range at its heart. It means exploring and designing how data – about and around our products – is created and captured, how it is distributed and made available. It is also about how co-workers, suppliers, customers and third parties can interact with it in all aspects. IPIM is a programme that covers the whole IKEA value chain and all IKEA retailers.

We are looking for a Product identification expert in our (product) Information Management team, who has a background in GS1 and related standards and technologies, and wants to lead and be part of business transformation projects within the IKEA Product Information Management (IPIM) Programme.

As a Product identification expert you will embark on an exciting journey in the digital/business transformation of IKEA. On this journey we will explore how we can change the way product information is created, distributed and used today. We will develop new capabilities and design the digital ecosystem that we will be part of. We will connect the data dots to create personalized, exciting and efficient experiences for our customers and co-workers. It is about providing the (product) information when, where and how they need it and enable them to be part of better experiences in the future.

You´ll be part of the (product) Information Management team, and drive how we identify products from their early phases of prototypes, when these new products are launched or improved versions are introduced, all the way to how these products and their components are taken back in for re-use or recycling. You´ll work in close connection and interact with many stakeholders in IKEA – building a strong network and securing transparency around IPIM, but also strong involvement of relevant stakeholders in all we do. You will report to the IPIM Portfolio manager, Jirko Hoogerwerf.

The responsibilities in your role include:

• Bring knowledge into the IKEA value chain on the latest developments in standards like GS1 (including GTIN, SSCC, GIAI), and other standards, as well as technologies for data carriers (including bar codes, data matrices and RFID tags) 
• Coordinate and maintain a network of experts on product identification in the different parts of the IKEA value chain 
• Improve existing or develop new standards for and ways of working with product identification to be implemented and used across the IKEA value.
• Monitor consistency in use of the standards across the IKEA value chain
• Support initiatives to innovate in ways of working around product identification, including new IT solutions for Master Data Management (MDM), Product Information Management (PIM). Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Supply Chain Transparency (SCT).

To succeed in this role you need to have an interest in home furnishing and people’s everyday life at home, and be excited by our vision to create a better everyday life for the many people. 

We are looking for the following basic qualifications for all candidates:

• You have at least 3 years of experience in working with GS1 or similar standards 
• You have implemented new ways of working with GS1 or similar standards
• You have an interest in IT solutions to improve effectiveness and efficiency
• You are a problem solver, not only once, but scalable in a structured way
• You enjoy working in an iterative way, in an environment that is not yet fully set
• You have great communication and networking skills, to connects easily with people from different parts of an organization 
• On top of that, it would be great if you meet one or more of the following preferred qualifications:
• You held several roles in different parts of the IKEA value chain
• You have experience with improvement methodologies, e.g. lean, six sigma or similar

Additional information
Take the opportunity to join a dynamic, multi-cultural and value based environment and send us your application – CV and letter of motivation – in English. We really want to get to know you, so make sure you tell us why you want to work at IKEA and why you would be a good fit for this role. The last application day is December 16th.. 

The position is permanent and located in Älmhult, Sweden, but requires regular travel to the office in Malmö. Älmhult has good commuting possibilities with hourly trains to Malmö, Lund and Växjö and an IKEA shuttle bus back and forth to Helsingborg two times a day. Travelling based on business needs will be necessary.  
If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact the Recruitment Specialist,+46 728865384.