Regional Shop Design Direction Leader | Retail | IKEA Regional Office

Al Futtaim Private Company (LLC); Dubai; On-site; AED 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

IKEA UAE in Dubai invites an experienced Regional Shop Design-Visual Merchandise Leader to drive store experiences and profitable growth through innovative design and visual merchandising strategies across the region.

You will lead planning, coaching, and implementation of shop design and range presentation, collaborating with Marketing, Communication and Interior Design teams to adapt global solutions to national needs while preserving IKEA brand identity.

Qualifications

• Experience in interior design and visual merchandising within retail environments.
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Ability to align regional needs with global IKEA concepts and brand objectives.
• Experience planning and presenting range presentations and store layouts.
• Proven track record in achieving commercial performance through design.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mobilize teams in planning home furnishing following regional calendar.
• Plan and implement new shop design and visual merchandising solutions.
• Influence and coach co-workers to innovate and inspire range presentation.
• Utilize consumer behavior knowledge to meet current and future demands.
• Strengthen competitiveness of IKEA product range across the Region.
• Plan, present and implement range presentation solutions for the Region.
• Develop store layout for optimal visual impact and commercial priorities.
• Implement global solutions adapted for national needs.
• Serve as reference on visual merchandise competence.
• Coach and supervise Interior Designers and Visual Merchandisers in IKEA stores.
• Mentor and transfer knowledge to aspiring professionals.
• Support Regional Expansion Plans including build-up and openings.
• Improve current ways of working and business practices.

Skills

Interior design knowledge

Leadership

Project management

Strategic thinking

KPI understanding

Communication in IKEA tone

Job description

The Regional Shop Design-Visual Merchandise Leader is responsible for positioning the IKEA store as the leader in life at home optimizing sales and long-term profitability through innovative store design and visual merchandising strategies. This role includes designing store layouts that enhance customer experiences across channels while ensuring sustainable growth to inspire home furnishing trends. Collaborating within the Marketing, Communication, and Interior Design team, the leader utilizes knowledge of consumer behavior to adapt global solutions to local markets ensuring a perfect balance between maintaining IKEA brand identity and addressing regional needs.

What You Will Do

• Lead and mobilize Communication & Interior co-workers in planning home furnishing following the regional business calendar
• Take the lead in planning and implementing new shop design and visual merchandise solutions
• Influence and coach Shop Design co-workers to innovate and inspire range presentation in retail spaces
• Utilize consumer buying behavior knowledge to meet current and future demands
• Strengthen competitiveness of IKEA product range across the Region
• Plan, present and implement range presentation solutions for the Region in all store areas
• Ensure IKEA product range presentation reflects the needs of people in national markets
• Develop store layout for optimal visual impact and commercial priorities
• Implement global solutions adapted for national needs
• Serve as the reference on visual merchandise competence
• Act as a change sponsor planning and coaching co-workers in understanding processes
• Support Shop Design activities and improve customer experience through home furnishing expertise
• Contribute to the Marketing & Com-In team s plan to achieve common objectives
• Measure performance in own areas to maximize efficiency and ensure performance excellence
• Coach and supervise Interior Designers and Visual Merchandisers in IKEA stores
• Mentor and transfer knowledge to aspiring Interior Designers and Visual Merchandisers
• Support Regional Expansion Plans including commercial planning, build-up and opening phases
• Improve current ways of working and business practices

What Qualifies You For The Role

• Thorough knowledge of the Communication & Interior Design department's role and responsibilities
• Passion for interior design, home furnishings, and design principles
• Broad knowledge of project management and creative processes
• Understanding of IKEA's concept, brand objectives, and operational plans
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a similar role, preferably with IKEA knowledge
• Leadership abilities to inspire peers and stakeholders within the organization
• Ability to prioritize decisions and take a holistic view of regional operations
• Competence in measuring performance and understanding KPIs
• Leadership capabilities to effectively communicate with the IKEA tone of voice
• Strategic thinking to identify and capitalize on business opportunities