AI Management & Operational Excellence Leader | Data & Product Enabling Functions | Inter IKEA

Tech & Innovation

We are on a journey to establishing operations across Inter IKEA, bringing core business processes, people, data, and technology together. This change will enable IKEA to become an even better home furnishing retailer in the future. We need passionate people who embrace change, dare to question, and want to make a difference. If that sounds like you, come and join us. Together, we can do great things! 

About the Area 

Inter IKEA Group is organized into three core businesses: Range, Supply, and Retail Concept, along with five enabling functions. Together, we contribute to the success of IKEA and share responsibility for the franchise offer. The enabling functions are Operations Management, Business Performance & Support, Communication, Sustainability, and People & Culture. 

Operations Management works together with operations teams across Inter IKEA to lead and develop the overall IKEA operating model, and to enable strategic movements towards IKEA goals. It includes teams for business insights, capability and process development, strategy and roadmap, data, and technology. 

About the Job 

This role involves leading and maintaining the IKEA AI direction as an evolving framework that aligns with the organization’s business objectives and enhances operational efficiency.

In this role, you will be accountable for managing the AI agenda connected to the Inter IKEA AI direction focusing on operational excellence. Ensuring synergy across the Inter IKEA Group, and optimizing AI implementation for measurable operational improvements to its end user, suppliers, and customers. You will spearhead initiatives leveraging AI to enhance efficiency, data integration, and competitive positioning while supporting long-term business objectives.

You will be responsible for implementing principles, best practices, and structures to guide and support efficient and effective AI integration across all four business capability dimensions (people, process, data, and technology) in the explore, develop, and preparing for next phase where AI can accelerate and support IKEA's uniqueness.

You will work closely with all operations across to strengthen human productivity, reduce complexity and increase quality and decision precision and automation for cost out.

Additionally, you will define the future setup for the AI-team and lead a network close to the data network to coordinate it across.

About You 

To be successful in this role, you should have several years of experience in:

• Leading AI-driven digital transformation initiatives and overseeing AI strategy development.
• Implementing AI systems and frameworks within large organizations, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
• Working in a delivery organization with agile development practices and/or a DevOps setup.
• Managing and developing high-performing AI and data teams.
• Experience with AI applications in different types of businesses like retail, supply chain management, and/or product development.
• A degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related technical field or similar is essential.
• Understanding of the importance to prioritize the totality of an integrated value chain and at the same time test and learn.

To be successful in this role, the following knowledge, skills, and experiences would be valuable:

• Deep knowledge in the craftsmanship of data and AI
• Extensive knowledge of AI frameworks, standards, and European Union AI regulations.
• Strong understanding of AI-driven business models and their impact on operations.
• Deep knowledge of digital technology, data infrastructure, and IT services within retail and supply chain-driven environments.
• Ability to develop, lead, and inspire high-performing, cross-functional AI teams.
• Strategic thinking combined with the ability to execute and drive measurable outcomes.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to break down complex information and communicate it clearly and engagingly.
• Hands-on experience with AI model deployment, data-driven decision-making, and agile development processes.
• Understanding and experiences within the IKEA value chain, would be an advantage.

Additional Information 

This role is full-time (40 hours per week) and based in Malmö, Sweden or Delft, the Netherlands. We believe in working together and we work the majority of the time from the office, a hybrid solution between the office and working remotely will create the best environment for us to be creative, productive, and find a work-life balance.

At IKEA, we believe everyone deserves a seat at the table. You’re welcome no matter where you come from, what you believe, or what you look like. We don’t even care how you have furnished your home. We’re interested in you simply because you’re you. We believe that people’s different perspectives, backgrounds, and personalities make us better at understanding our customers' dreams and needs. At IKEA, we’re all on the same project. If you have a special need that requires accommodation in the recruitment process, just let us know.