In IKEA we want to continue working closely with hundreds of our suppliers in more than 25 countries with a common goal and plans to optimize our value chain, resulting in better products at lower costs. To strengthen IKEA Supply Chain and the quality of our products we need a Manufacturing Developer to join the team in Category Area Electronics & Home Accessories.

In Category Area Electronics & Home Accessories we are working with nine different categories – Ceramic, Glass, Candles & Chemicals, Green Plants, Custom Made Worktops, Natural Fibres, Paper, Appliances and Lighting & Home Electronics. We have an ambitious plan to influence and transform this Industry during the coming years. Moving from traditional labour-intensive processes to more flexible, efficient and automated setups.

We are looking for a manufacturing developer with experience and the ability to improve production processes in our existing supplier base as well as to challenge entire industries by applying innovative approach. A professional who is not only caring an extensive knowledge in Lean Manufacturing but also has a strong desire and leadership ability to apply it and transfer the knowledge to our suppliers and category business teams.

In this role you will actively lead and participate in this transformation process by running manufacturing improvement projects aiming to raise efficiency and quality in favour of lower cost. You will implement the Lean Manufacturing concept throughout the Category Area by both competence initiatives and by establishing new ways of working towards suppliers.

Having in mind Vietnam as your expected home location, a major part of your time at the start will be dedicated to one category – Natural Fibres meaning your knowledge of rattan, bamboo etc. materials and manufacturing techniques connected to them will be considered as an advantage.

If you want to play a key role when it comes to continuous improvements, it might be you that we are looking for! 
 
We have 1 vacancy within Category Area Specific HFB now and this one has the location in Ho Chin Minch, Vietnam.

The assignment
The Manufacturing Developer role contains the following main tasks:

• Lead Manufacturing Assessments evaluating the supplier’s manufacturing performance, systems and competence to produce IKEA products and to create manufacturing/Quality improvement plans.
• Lead improvement and develop efficient production processes, including packing line process, from incoming components to finished goods shipment to enable lower total cost and improve quality.
• Perform Kaizen activities at suppliers, securing right preconditions are in place.
• Develop and implement Lean concept within the categories through competence initiatives and implementation of ways of working towards suppliers
• Secure knowledge sharing and lead trainings to suppliers and IKEA co-workers in Lean Manufacturing.

Is this the next challenge for you?
In order to meet the requirements you should have deep knowledge of production as well as supply chain preconditions with both customer and cost in focus. You already have the overview of the value chain from raw material to finished goods, with solid understanding of capacities and lead time in production.

Furthermore, we expect you to:

• Have good knowledge about Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen and Six Sigma tools in order to be an excellent Lean ambassador, focusing on both the reduction of total cost as well as improving quality.
• Have a proven track record of performing lean operations on the factory floor.
• Be able to work independently and remotely.
• Feel comfortable on the factory floor.
• Have the capability to transfer knowledge and working methods to co-workers and suppliers, therefore it is an advantage if you have experience from leading or facilitating training sessions.
• Be hands on in your way of working with a clear and structured approach towards your stakeholders.
• Be strong in informal leadership and working in teams.
• Be a good communicator in English, both verbal and written.

We look forward to receiving your application in English at the latest on June 15th.
Please apply online through the recruitment system when possible. If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process and/or the positions: About the role, contact Nikita Gureev, Category Area Electronics & Home Accessories  Supplier Development Manager, [email protected]  and about recruitment the People and Culture Huong Le Thi My [email protected].

We look forward to receiving your application!