Visual Merchandiser - IKEA Expansion

Job description / Role

One of the companies bearing Al-Futtaim name is IKEA. IKEA is the world's largest home furniture store, founded in Sweden over 60 years ago. Our operations around the world are constantly increasing with new stores and markets added to the success story.

At IKEA not only our furniture is down to earth, straightforward and inspiring, but so is our work ethics. Despite being the leading home furnishing retail franchisee across the world, we at IKEA still give you the room to grow! At IKEA creating a better everyday life for the many isn't only our vision, it's our way of life! Be the natural source of know how for IKEA new stores during the commercial planning and build up, to be up to date regarding all new solutions and ideas. Always be a good example in all the tasks assigned during the new store projects.

Main responsibilities are:

* To ensure we visualize the uniqueness of the IKEA product range within specialty shops, self serve furniture area and the Swedish Food market to distance us from the competition.
* Optimizing the use of the IKEA store layout and store media by developing and implementing range presentation solutions that strengthen the connection between the IKEA offer and the everyday lives of the many people.
* Securing a very accurate planning of the assigned area during the commercial planning and to secure a very accurate implementation of the assigned area during the commercial build up.
* Securing a deep knowledge of all store media and clarifying the main purpose of each media.
* Reflecting the IKEA brand identity and creating visual impact in all assigned commercial areas.

NEW STORE COMMERCIAL PLANNING AND BUILD UP

* Production of the commercial plans package of the assigned area in the commercial planning and build up phases.
* Actively support the Visual Merchandise Leader Expansion in implementing the commercial brief.
* Using range presentation solutions that are relevant to the many peoples life at home in the national market and that it accurately reflects demographics, living conditions and the visitors needs and wants.
* Securing solutions that reflect a wide variety style expressions and functions to meet individual tastes and stimulate our visitors to change their home furnishings more often, using IKEA style groups and IKEA living situations.
* Plan the store layout in assigned areas so that it is used to create optimal visual impact, a good overview and support the commercial brief priorities.
* Demonstrate a deep knowledge and understanding of people's needs and wants, their living situations and living conditions and consumer buying behaviour in the national market.
* Working with the graphic communication planner expansion, interior design planner expansion to ensure consistency in how we communicate throughout our new stores.
* Working with my SO Com & In colleagues to ensure that all we communicate to the stores is consistent, understandable and cost-effective for them to implement.
* Work towards the agreed time schedules for new store commercial planning and build up periods.
* Create and prioritize the action plan for the assigned areas during the commercial build up.

COACHING

* Sharing good ideas and coaching the new visual merchandisers to improve their competence.
* Work with manuals, global directions and tools within the assigned area of responsibility and educate the new store Visual merchandiser on how to use and work with them.
* Participate in workshops for new store interior designers on IKEA principles in connection to the IKEA range presentation and transfer of know how.

REGIONAL SUPPORT

* Support the SO Interior Design Leader when required to ensure the uniqueness of the IKEA Range Presentation in the current stores  is developed in order to distance us from the competition.
* Working with SO Interior Design Leader in developing solutions that communicate the IKEA product range in a way that reflects its width and depth and strengthens our low-price profile on all levels.
* Working with SO Com & In colleagues and the commercial team to plan and implement new stores and rebuilds to secure that the IKEA Concept reflects our local market needs.

Requirements

To be successful in winning this role, you will be able to demonstrate and hold:

Minimum Qualifications and Knowledge:
* Has thorough knowledge of the role and responsibilities of the Communication & Interior Design department.
* Has a passion for interior design, home furnishings and design.

Minimum Experience:
* 3 years in a similar role.
* Ideally knowledge of the IKEA Concept.

Job-Specific Skills:
* Understands customer buying behaviour and buying decisions.
* Knows the competition on the local market.
* Has experience in incorporating the commercial calendar into the Communication & Interior Design action plan.
* Has thorough knowledge of the role and responsibilities of a Country Graphic Communication Leader.

Behavioural Competencies :
* Practical ability and enthusiasm for completing tasks, interpersonal skills, business acumen, problem solving, confident, positive approach.

About the Company

Established in the 1930's, the Al-Futtaim Group initially operated as a trading enterprise. Rapid development throughout the 1940's and 50's saw it establish itself regionally as an integrated commercial, industrial and services organisation, positioning itself one of the leading business houses in the lower Gulf region. Today, it operates collectively over 40 companies bearing the Al-Futtaim name, dominates many market segments in the UAE, and has expanded its sphere of operation to include Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Egypt.

The Group comprises a diverse range of strategically positioned operating subsidiaries and associate companies, structured to give the Al-Futtaim Group the flexibility and versatility to keep ahead of local competition while keeping pace with the ever-evolving global business scenario. The Groups continued investment in world-class systems technology is clear evidence of its commitment to maintain leading edge performance and service delivery.

The success of the Al-Futtaim Group can be attributed to a business approach that combines the ability to change with the traditional values of integrity, service and social responsibility that define its core business philosophy. This, linked with the Groups belief in decentralisation, gives the heads of the operating companies a high degree of functional autonomy and authority, providing the Group with essential flexibility, and individual employees a clearly defined work culture and sense of responsibility.