Job Description
You will work in a small, 3-member micro-team with a Business Developer who negotiates prices and take care of the overall commercial relation with the supplier and a Supply Planner who handles logistics. As part of the annual action plan, you will be responsible for the constant improvement of the quality of IKEA products as well as the production process and workflow through tools such as 5S, Lean, and machine capacity utilization. All with the aim of reducing production inefficiencies, in terms of sustainability and business ethics. You will perform in the followings:
* Developing relationships with suppliers – the micro-team regularly travels to the field in order to understand and solve issues firsthand, we see production from the ground up, help with the implementation of action plans, and cooperate in audit processes,
* Data analytics – this will be a primary function.
* Operation – helping suppliers with entering up-to-date product documents into the system to secure compliance, resolving claims from A to Z, regular communication with suppliers (emails, calls), meetings with management and the team
Your tasks will also include:
* Being accountable for quality performance at suppliers
* Perform product audits and production risk assessments
* Secure full compliance of IKEA quality requirements
* Secure production process control
* Work with continuous improvement
* Develop suppliers according to IKEA Supplier Operating Standard
* Being an IKEA ambassador towards external partner
Qualifications
To be successful in this role, below competences are important for you:
* Proven experience in Quality & Compliance / Production environment, good knowledge of materials properties, production processes and technologies, as well as Scientific or technical background (materials engineering, industrial engineer, mechanical engineering…) or equivalent experience
* The ability to think out-of-the-box and critically in the constant search for ways to improve our products,
* Analytical thinking, which you will use in analysing processes from the beginning of product implementation, to data evaluation and finding improvements, cost savings, better design or quality,
* Patience and good communication to help you find common ground with suppliers of different nationalities and to meet IKEA’s business demands, as well as a preferred experience in suppliers management within quality/technical roles in multinational companies
* The ability to manage time well, to balance between the factory floor and office work.
Additional Information
This position will be based in Assago (Milano). Travelling is a part of the assignment since our Engineers work closely with our suppliers. The selection process will take place continuously, so please send in your application in English latest 18th April 2025.