Marketing Specialist

Job description / Role

Overview of the role

The marketing specialist plays a vital role in enhancing the visibility and perception of the IKEA brand in Egypt through strategic marketing campaigns, research, and event planning. Success in this role is marked by increased brand awareness, optimized visitor numbers, and effective marketing support across all territories. The specialist will collaborate closely with the marketing manager to implement strategies that align with IKEA's goals and ensure financial efficiency.

What you will do

Strategic marketing planning
Assist the marketing manager in developing long-term marketing strategies and opening strategies for new and existing stores within covered territories.

Vitality calendar
Execute vitality calendar activities under the supervision of the marketing manager, ensuring strategic priorities are incorporated into campaigns. Coordinate product selections and pricing with the range team; manage day-to-day agency coordination and store notifications prior to activity launches. Possess a good understanding of digital campaign monitoring and planning.

Market research
Carry out briefs from the marketing manager for market research across covered territories in alignment with the regional long-term strategy. Coordinate with contracted research companies locally and from our principles to evaluate our market position and achieve IKEA's predefined positioning objectives. Analyze markets to understand target demographics, catchment areas, and lifestyles, aiding business planning and territory penetration. Support analysis on new territories or re-evaluate existing ones using macroeconomic indicators.

Budgeting
Assist the marketing manager in budgeting by maintaining files on media costs and effectiveness, monitoring department invoices. Implement cost measures by obtaining three quotes for external work and negotiating better prices consistently. Engage in cost-efficiency initiatives and adhere to the allocated budget to achieve strategic objectives.

Projects
Support the marketing manager extensively on new store opening projects, managing media and PR independently and coordinating agency artwork. Propose ideas and actively liaise with internal and external departments to ensure smooth project executions.

Annual PR and events execution
Develop and finalize the annual PR calendar, promoting IKEA’s priorities and business needs. Collaborate with store management and third-party event companies to execute events; ensure co-worker engagement and presence during events. Organize activities for press and industry insiders to engage with and promote the IKEA brand. Plan and host press trips aligned with IKEA brand priorities.

Required skills to be successful

• Organization and planning skills to execute detailed marketing activities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for liaising with agencies and teams.
• Attention to detail for proofreading and ensuring accuracy in marketing content.
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks efficiently.

What qualifies you for the role

• Bachelor's degree is required.
• Minimum of 3 years experience in retail marketing, communications, or advertising.
• Proven background in digital marketing.
• Strong proficiency in Arabic and good English writing skills.
• Advanced computer skills, especially in Microsoft Office applications such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

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.