Deputy Category Manager

Company Description

At IKEA, we want to create a better everyday life for the many people. To do that, we need strong supply chain and logistics solutions that help us move products safely, efficiently and sustainably across the world.

We are now looking for a Deputy Category Manager to join Category Food Logistics Services.

In this role, you will play an important part in developing and managing logistics service solutions that support the IKEA Food business globally. You will work closely with colleagues across the IKEA value chain and with external logistics service providers to secure business performance, develop long-term partnerships and help us meet future business needs. The role combines business development, procurement, category management, stakeholder management and people leadership.

About the role

As Deputy Category Manager, you will contribute to the development and execution of category and sourcing strategies that support the long-term direction of IKEA Food logistics services. You will lead procurement activities, support service provider development and drive performance across cost, service, sustainability, quality, safety and security dimensions.

You will work in a global environment with many stakeholders and play an active role in developing the business, improving ways of working and supporting the growth and development of co-workers.

Your responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing and category strategies for Food Logistics Services.
• Lead procurement and negotiation activities and secure implementation of agreed business results.
• Drive business performance across cost, service, sustainability, quality, safety and security.
• Build, manage and develop long-term partnerships with logistics service providers and other external business partners.
• Analyse market developments, industry trends and business opportunities to support fact-based decision making.
• Lead and develop co-workers through coaching, feedback and competence development.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across Supply Chain Operations, IKEA Food and other parts of IKEA.
• Contribute to strategic projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Act as a role model for IKEA culture, values and leadership.

Who you are

You are a strong leader and business professional who enjoys working in a global and changing environment. You build trust quickly, create engagement around common goals and feel comfortable balancing strategic priorities with operational business needs.

You are motivated by developing people, building partnerships and finding new opportunities that create value for the business and for our customers. You lead through collaboration, curiosity and a strong belief in the IKEA values.

To be successful in this role, you have

Required qualifications

• University degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Economics, Engineering or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in a strategic logistics, procurement, category management or supply chain leadership role within IKEA, Inter IKEA Group, Ingka Group or another IKEA organisation.
• Extensive experience working within the IKEA value chain and a strong understanding of how different IKEA functions interact to deliver business results.
• Proven experience leading strategic sourcing, procurement or category management activities within IKEA.
• Experience leading, developing and coaching people and teams.
• Experience managing relationships with food logistics service providers, suppliers and external partners.
• Strong knowledge of the IKEA strategic landscape, business model, governance framework, culture and values.
• Knowledge of relevant IKEA business processes and ways of working within Supply Chain Operations.
• Strong understanding of the logistics and transportation industry, including market conditions and business drivers.
• Experience building and evaluating business cases and supporting fact-based decision making.
• Strong communication, presentation and negotiation skills.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience working at strategic level with global food supply chains.
• Experience leading international business development initiatives.
• Experience managing complex logistics networks and service provider portfolios.
• Experience working across multiple markets and regions.

What we offer

At IKEA, we believe that everyone has something valuable to contribute. We offer a collaborative and international environment where you can grow your leadership, deepen your expertise and help shape the future of global food logistics services.

Together, we work to create better solutions for our customers, our business partners and the many people around the world.

Please note: This position is based in Almhult, Sweden and requires the ability to work effectively in a global environment with stakeholders across different countries and time zones.