IKEA is a global retail company with the vision to create a better everyday life for the many people. Together, across roles and departments, we have always challenged designs, processes or technologies in rebellious ways to get to better solutions. Our culture is entrepreneurial and based on trust. We have the space to lead, explore and learn from mistakes.

Right now, we are looking for a curious and creative Material & Innovation Developer for Category Area Metal, Plastic & Float Glass to lead the development of new materials and technologies.

In this role you will be a part of the Material & Innovation development department and be our specialist in Metal surface treatments. You will identify, evaluate and recommend future innovative solutions. You will be leading innovation projects, fulfilling the identified mid- and long-term targets, all connected to the Material Direction for 2030. You will contribute to creating the foundation for an outstanding IKEA range, fulfilling all aspects of IKEA Democratic Design; quality, function, form, affordability and sustainability.

The key challenge is to identify, evaluate, develop and maintain partnerships and potential new technologies of relevance for home furnishings.

Key features:

• To set the innovation and deployment agenda for surface treatments on metal for IKEA
• To lead innovation projects within surface treatments for metals: being responsible for executing all the way from idea to implementation working together with stake holders.
• To lead the competence cluster with participants from the value chain
• To actively scan, evaluate and participate in research and innovation networks

You have a passion for front-end development and for leading radical change. With your creativity as well as analytic and structured approach, you enjoy connecting ideas from different fields and creating new solutions together with internal and external stakeholders. 

You have experience from leading innovative technical development projects.

More specifically, we see that you have:

• A university degree in science or engineering, preferably within chemistry, or equivalent job related experience;
• Deep knowledge in surface treatments for Metals with focus on carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminium;
• Knowledge about development trend in surface treatments, as well as market trends, future demands;
• Extensive experience from strategic development and international business, from preferably several parts of the value chain and experience with working in close cooperation with innovation partners;
• A general understanding of how different materials and technologies are connected to costs;
• Strong skills as a communicator and influencer – capable of getting ideas and solutions understood by a broader audience.

This is a permanent position based in Älmhult, Sweden, an inspirational working environment which gives you the opportunity to work and interact with people from all around the world. Älmhult has excellent commuting possibilities with hourly trains to Malmö, Lund and Växjö, and an IKEA shuttle bus running back and forth to Helsingborg two times a day. This position requires travelling (approximately once or twice per month).

For more information about the role, please contact Åsa Liden, Material & Innovation Manager, Metals, [email protected]. If you have questions about the recruitment process, please contact People & Culture Recruiter Zuzana Vackova, [email protected].

If you are interested to apply, please send us your CV and motivational letter in English at latest by 13th February.