Logistics Operations Specialist

Supply Chain Operations (SCO) connects our customers with IKEA products in a simple, affordable and sustainable way. SCO delivers excellent transport and logistic solutions today, tomorrow and over time by (a) optimizing replenishment solutions (b) defining physical goods flow capacity needs (c) sourcing and developing transport & logistics capacities (d) managing the goods flow (e) leading & securing supply quality.

The purpose of the job is to secure highest product availability for our retail markets by working closely together with internal and external IKEA supply chain partners to find proactive solutions in case of deviations in our end-to-end goods flow. Work independent on monitoring our end-to-end goods flow to track and assess the performance of supply operations using a set of supporting tools to provide fact-based area of improvements. Support the end-to-end goods flow of IKEA with a variety of operational tasks. Securing efficiency of processes by digitalization and automatization of tasks.

Assignment
Job specific key tasks and responsibilities 

• Plan the execution and manage, control, and monitor our end-to-end goods flow in an end-to-end perspective (for goods leaving supplier to reaching retail market) together with our internal and external IKEA supply chain partners.
• Securing that we keep a high share of automatization and standardized business rules, ways of working are followed. case of deviations from the plan, act to find short-term solutions. Intervene in the planning and booking delivery process if needed.
• Relationship Management: Be the first point of contact for our internal and external IKEA stakeholders (e.g., suppliers, transport service providers, and retailers). Be active on the phone with our partners and secure clarification in written (written protocol). Building and maintaining strong relationships with our business partners.
• Customer Service: Secure a strong communication flow with our stakeholders and provide clear and professional guidance in topics and questions related to the end-to-end goods flow
• Deviation Handling: Proactively take the lead in coordinating IKEA supply chain partners to find the most efficient solutions to supply constraints and deviations in the daily end-to-end goods flow. Responsible to act fast in case of deviations based on a pre-defined set of rules (e.g., selection of alternative transport service providers, right prioritization of deliveries).
• Act as an independent party that monitors our end goods flow to track and assess the performance of supply operations using a set of supporting tools. In case of performance challenges secure a proactive monitoring
• Performance development: Based on analysis, improving the performance of our end-to-end goods flow. Provide fact-based analysis and areas of improvements to Global Operations Forum and Market Operations Forum.
• Data Management: Secure correct data in our systems to secure proper visibility and provide reason codes for any deviation in our planning and execution process. Alerts concerned parties about incorrect or missing information required for the end-to-end goods flow.
• Securing efficiency gains in our ways of working by digitalization and automatization of tasks.
• Contribute to define requirements and support the development of needed monitoring and reporting.

• Strong interest and business understanding in end-to-end goods flow
• Motivated and resilient with a proven ability to work as part of a team as well as independently
• Always put the customer in the focus
• Experience in finding solutions in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Problem-solving experience as well as working within set deadlines
• Good speaking, reading, and writing skills in English, second language and/or high interest in learning new languages
• Ocean Export experience is preferred.
• Experience in Transport and Logistics operations is highly advantageous.

Knowledge

• Good knowledge in logistics and end-to-end goods flow or relevant working experience in the industry
• Good communication skills in English and preferable another language (according to serviced markets)
• Capability of building effective and trustful relationships
• Computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel
• Analytical skills and negotiation skills
• Good knowledge in ITM

Motivation

• IKEA values reflect personal values
• Passion for work in an international environment
• Enjoy interacting with many different business partners within and outside IKEA
• Eager to operate in a fast moving and problem-solving environment
• Always strives to reach goals with a high level of energy and motivation
• A desire to constantly improve business performance and become better
• Act independent of different business needs and puts the IKEA customer in the focus

Capabilities

• Building strong relationships with our internal and external partners, make them responsible for common achievements of availability for our customers
• High commitment to business goals by delivering results and a make it happen attitude
• Go the extra-mile in case needed and offer a variety of fast solutions
• Firm, proactive, and fact-based decisionmaker with the ability to escalate when and if needed
• Ability to translate business needs across various business partners and functions
• Analytical, structured and organized