Raw Material Developer

Purpose of function

How the function contributes to the business of IKEA

Raw Material Area enable IKEA to influence responsible sourcing and business practices in the world. We secure accessibility of affordable raw material from responsibly managed sources through optimized supply chains and a positive social and environmental impact within and beyond our own needs.

Purpose of job

How the job contributes to the purpose of the function

Secure development and deployment of relevant sourcing requirements and working methods for raw materials including capabilities for compliance in his/her area of responsibility. Together with relevant stakeholders, secure implementation of the strategic direction for sustainable, affordable, and accessible raw materials. Lead the market intelligence work for wood based raw materials in his/her region by monitoring the wood market within the context of IKEA. Serve as a competence center for raw material industry and market in the region and/or area of responsibility.

Assignment

Job specific key tasks and responsibilities 

• Secure development and deployment of relevant sourcing requirements and working methods for raw materials in his/her region and/or area of responsibility, including capabilities for compliance. Work with stakeholders in the region and/or area of responsibility to develop sources of cost efficient, mores sustainable and regenerative resources.
• Build in-depth competence in the raw material industry impact on social and environmental conditions as well as raw materials role in climate change mitigation. Serve as a competence center for raw material industry and market in the region and/or area of responsibility.
• Together with relevant stakeholders, secure implementation of the strategic direction for sustainable, affordable, and accessible raw materials.
• Lead the market intelligence work for wood based raw materials in his/her region by monitoring the wood market within the context of IKEA.
• Establish, maintain, and develop contacts with stakeholders, aiming to influence stakeholders in the raw material sector to make progressive decisions for a good business environment and positive impact.
• Support development of projects aiming to secure 20 % of our wood-based feedstock by own investments, forest ownership, long term leasing.
• Contribute to IKEA due diligence system, including risk assessment for different countries/raw materials in his/her area of responsibility and develop risk mitigation measures to mitigate those risks.

Contribute to verification of compliance, when and where it is relevant to engage his/her raw material expertise.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the IKEA Vision and Business Idea and IKEA Sustainability Strategy and Supply Strategy; 
• Understanding the customers’ expectations on IKEA and sustainability
• Deep knowledge of the IWAY Standard, IWAY Raw material working methods and guidelines 
• Deep knowledge of relevant raw material standards (e.g., FSC Forest Management) and standards for Chain of custody
• Basic understanding of Life Cycle Assessment for specific Raw material
• Awareness of relevant category business plans; Good understanding of the tasks of categories, business teams and support functions in Sourcing Areas; 
• Good understanding of the raw material related laws and regulations
• General knowledge of products, market dynamics, trends, material flows and waste streams for circularity 
• Good understanding of raw material supply chains, cost drivers in value chain 
• Knowledge of specified raw material production systems and understanding of material transformation through the primary and secondary production process
• Deep knowledge of the relevant IKEA information systems (e.g., SRDB, WTS, FTS, Connect etc); 
• Good knowledge of Project management
• Understanding the values of the IKEA Code of Conduct
• Working level in English and local language

Motivation

• Mind-set to always look for better ways and delivering results through involving and engaging people, internally and externally
• Self-starter, curious, open-minded and forward looking
• Embrace challenges and comfortable navigating in the unknown and complex topics and decisive
• Passion for business and people
• Always look for better ways, influence and challenge, look beyond the obvious
• Energetic, enthusiastic acting with sense of urgency and positive energy
• High level of personal integrity and committed to high standards in everything you do
• Passionate about being part of a business that is the leader in life at home, contributing to a better everyday life for the many people and People and Planet positive agenda

Capabilities

Jobspecificcapabilities:

• Strong analytical- and problem-solving skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, you build strong relationships with numerous stakeholders
• Ability to understand complex supply chains and market dynamics
• Capability to manage and deliver projects in complex and global environment
• Strong ability to analyze a business, identifying and navigating risks
• Ability to plan and make change happen though engaging and involving people
• Ability to coach, mentor and hold trainings
• Ability to lead through involving and engaging people, values-based
• Strong in stakeholder management, ability to build strong relationships and to influence and challenge in a constructive way
• Good communication skills
• Holistic view with being comfortable acting on operational, tactical and strategic level

We will appreciate if you will be able to demonstrate:

• Proven successful project management and leadership experience 
• Experience in compliance systems and working methods and from sustainable development initiatives
• Proven experience from stakeholder engagement
• Knowledge of relevant raw material, sustainability and supply chain perspective
• Knowledge from legislation, advocacy
• Have a university degree in business development, innovation &/or sustainability, supply chain management, engineering, business administration and/or relevant working experience
• Broad understanding of relevant aspects of the business, organization and stakeholder management.