Interior Design Manager

IKEA; Bletchley; On-site; GBP 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading home furnishing retailer in Bletchley is seeking an experienced Interior Design Team Leader to drive the design strategy and inspire the team. Candidates must have strong leadership skills and a background in interior design, along with expertise in design software. The role involves managing customer insights to create appealing home furnishing solutions while ensuring an innovative and supportive workplace. Flexible work arrangements and various employee benefits are offered.

Benefits

15% discount portal

Life assurance (4× pay)

Enhanced pension contributions

Free healthy meal option

Qualifications

• 5+ years of leadership experience in home furnishing retail.
• Strong knowledge of design software and interior design principles.
• Ability to develop action plans and provide clear direction.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Interior Design team to inspire customers.
• Translate customer insights into home furnishing solutions.
• Recruit and develop design co-workers for optimal team performance.

Skills

Leadership in retail

Interior design experience

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Customer-focused mindset

Education

Interior design education

Tools

Autodesk REVIT

AutoCAD

Adobe Creative Suite

Microsoft Office

Job description

What we offer

• Start date: January 2026
• Salary: £35,145 per annum, based on competence and experience
• Hours: 39 hours, 5 days over 7 days per week, every 2nd weekend
• Flexible working arrangements will be discussed during the interview

Working with us has its rewards

• 15% IKEA discount portal – save on high‑street retailers
• Life assurance (4× pay), enhanced statutory pension contributions and interest‑free loans
• iBenefits – rewards and discount portal
• Free healthy meal option, salad bar, fruit and hot/cold drinks

What you’ll need to have

• Leadership and interior design experience in a home furnishing retail environment, with a passion for home furnishings and a customer‑focused mindset
• Interior design education and knowledge of design software such as Autodesk REVIT, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to influence and build effective relationships across all levels
• People‑focused with the ability to assist, support and develop in an innovative environment
• Action‑plan development, setting expectations, providing clear direction and following up goals
• Effective problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities, particularly when faced with operational challenges inherent to the retail industry

What you’ll be doing day to day

• Lead and inspire the Interior Design team using knowledge of IKEA home furnishing and the customer’s home life to grow the business
• Gather and translate insights from home visit interviews into locally relevant, functional, aesthetic and commercial home furnishing solutions that inspire customers and reflect the IKEA way
• Act quickly to capitalize on commercial opportunities, maintaining deep and up‑to‑date knowledge about home furnishing, retailing and trends to inspire customers and make IKEA a home furnishing brand of choice
• Ensure the team keeps visitors in mind, minimises disruption and communicates changes when working on the shop floor
• Recruit, develop and assess Interior Design co‑workers, working with succession planning to ensure the right talent is in the right place at the right time

We care for the people

We welcome candidates from all walks of life, including those with disabilities, and strive to make everyone feel valued in the workplace.

Recruitment process information

• Please attach an updated CV, cover letter and portfolio with your application
• Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete a pre‑work task prior to interview
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited by email to attend a face‑to‑face interview
• Only domestic relocation support is offered, international candidates must have the right to work in the UK already in place

For any advice or support, email Recruiter [e-mail] and I will be happy to help!