Interior Design Manager

Ingka External; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company in Milton Keynes is seeking an Interior Design Manager to lead a team focused on delivering innovative home furnishing solutions. Responsibilities include inspiring the team, translating customer insights, and developing effective design strategies. Ideal candidates will have strong leadership skills, a background in interior design, and proficiency in design software. This role also offers a starting salary of £35,145 per annum with various employee benefits such as discounts and life assurance.

Benefits

15% IKEA discount

Life assurance of 4x pay

Pension contributions

Free healthy meal options

Qualifications

• Leadership and interior design experience in retail.
• Possess an interior design-based education.
• Confidence to express ideas effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the Interior Design team.
• Translate insights into customer-oriented home solutions.
• Ensure customer-focus and minimize disruption.
• Recruit and develop Interior Design team members.

Skills

Leadership experience

Interior design experience

Customer focused mindset

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving abilities

Education

Interior design education

Tools

Autodesk REVIT

AutoCAD

Adobe Creative Suite

Microsoft Office

Job description

• Job ID: 322853
• Date posted: 18/12/2025

IKEA Milton Keynes are looking to welcome a Interior Design Manager to their team.

WHAT WE OFFER

• The Start Date of employment will be: January 2026
• Starting salary of £35,145 per annum, based on competence and experience.
• 39 Hours working 5 days over 7days per week and every 2nd weekend.
• We can discuss flexibility to match your life and our business needs during the interview.

WORKING WITH US HAS ITS REWARDS

Our co-workers bring unique ideas and talent to work every day, and we offer a variety of benefits that suit their and their family's everyday needs.

• 15% IKEA discount & discount portal helping you save £100's on High-street retailers.
• Life Assurance of 4 times your pay, enhanced statutory pension contributions & interest free loans.
• iBenefits - Rewards & discount portal.
• Free healthy meal option, salad bar, fruit, and hot/cold drinks

...as well so much more! https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/this-is-ikea/work-with-us/why-work-with-us-be...

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.
• Possess an interior design-based education and have knowledge in design software such as Autodesk REVIT, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office.
• Confidence to express ideas and opinions effectively through effective interpersonal and communication skills to influence and build effective relationships across all levels.
• You are people focused with the ability to assist, support and develop in a innovative environment.
• The possess the skills needed to devise and implement action plans, set expectations, provide clear direction and follow up goals.
• You have 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 to use knowledge of IKEA home furnishing and people's life at home to grow the business.
• Be responsible for gathering and translating insights from home visit interviews into locally relevant, functional, aesthetic and commercial home furnishing solutions that inspire customers and reflect home furnishing the IKEA way.
• Act quickly to capitalise on commercial opportunities, maintaining deep and up-to-date knowledge about home furnishing, retailing and trends in order to continue to inspire our customers and make IKEA a home furnishing brand of choice.
• Ensure the team always keep visitors in mind, disruption is minimised and communicate changes when working on the shop floor.
• Ensure interior designers create visitor-focused home furnishing solutions, minimise disruption and communicate changes effectively using global tools and best practices.
• Be responsible for the recruitment and competence development of Interior Design co-workers, you will work with succession to identify talent, whilst ensuring you have the right number of competent co-workers in the right place at the right time.

WE CARE FOR THE PEOPLE

It takes the diversity of thought, background, and culture to make great ideas a reality. We welcome candidates from all walks of life, including those with disabilities, to join us, and feel valued in the workplace.

Come see the wonderful workday where we create a better everyday life for the many

RECRUITMENT PROCESS INFORMATION

• Let us know if you require any adjustments to be made during the interview process as soon as possible.
• Please attach an updated CV, cover letter and portfolio with your application so we can get to know you better.
• Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete and submit 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 for the UK already in place.

We understand not everyone will be successful, but we promise to keep you informed either way.

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