We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Business Development Manager to join our team and help us to be leaders in delivering excellent performance, proudly serving happy IKEA customers. Our team’s objective is to design and implement warehousing and logistics solutions with focus on total supply chain cost whilst fulfilling defined service levels related to logistics capacity, operational excellence, and sustainability.
As a Business Development Manager you will lead the business team which includes Business Developers and Service Provider Operations Developers. Your role will involve overseeing recruitment, development, performance management, employee retention and succession planning for your team members. You will drive initiatives focused on leadership and competence enhancement to meet both immediate and long-term business goals. Furthermore, you will be responsible for the overall business development and performance in various areas, including pricing and costs, sustainability, quality, safety, and security, within your scope in East Asia and in collaboration with the relevant logistics service providers. Cross functional collaboration is the key to ensure coordinated execution of logistics solutions.
Additional key tasks and responsibilities include:
- Secure effective cooperation with relevant internal stakeholders.
- Build and sustain strong relationships with existing partners (logistics service providers) while identifying new strategic partners through the IKEA way of doing business, based on the IKEA business model and values, trust and transparency.
- Monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to business development initiatives and provide regular reports and analysis.
- Support the team preparing and leading commercial activities and price negotiations.
- Responsible for co-creation, implementation and compliance with the frame agreement/ overall framework, internal processes and ways of working.
- Assist the creation and lead the implementation of the category business plan and business concepts.
- Develop and implement action plans, aligned with the category business plan, securing excellent results in operational performance, to achieve growth objectives aligned with IKEA’s goals.
- Act as role model for collaboration, togetherness and change management.
To be successful in this role:
- Networking capabilities: You established a strong network within the logistics industry, including connections within IKEA, with proven ability to foster lasting and productive relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
- Leadership skills: You are an effective leader with a strong track record in driving performance through strategic decision-making, clear communication and team empowerment.
- Industry knowledge: You have proven experience in contract logistics, warehousing, and distribution, with a strong understanding of market conditions, macroeconomic trends, and industry-specific factors.
- Supply Chain Management: You possess comprehensive knowledge of supply chain management principles, along with insights into key production costs and cost drivers relevant to warehousing operations.
- IKEA insight: You have a strong understanding of IKEA’s supply chain and associated processes, as well as of IKEA’s strategic landscape, business model, governance structure, IKEA culture and values, and adherence to business ethics.
- Business development mindset: You are passionate about business growth, with a drive to identify and pursue new opportunities.
- Negotiation and project management skills: You possess excellent negotiation abilities and project management proficiency; you are skilled in developing and assessing fact-based business cases that involve multiple stakeholders when necessary.
- Legal and contractual knowledge: You have in-depth understanding of legal frameworks and contractual processes, along with expertise in cost calculation models.
- Strong communication skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, you are capable of engaging effectively with audiences in both virtual and physical settings, while demonstrating a strong team player mentality.
- IKEA ambassador: You represent IKEA with integrity, fulfilling business responsibilities with a commitment to values and a fact-based approach.
- Educational background: You have a university degree in logistics/ economics/ business administration and possess relevant experience in a similar role, with a minimum of 5 years in the field.
- Fluency in English: You are proficient in both spoken and written English, ensuring clear and effective communication with different stakeholders.
This role is full time and is based in our office in Shanghai, China. IKEA is supporting international relocation for this role. You will report to the Category Manager Contract Logistics.
About why to join us
We believe in you!
You get the privilege and the responsibility to lead your assignment in a diverse team and partner with world class service providers, while finding innovative ways to drive the business for IKEA.
We grow with you!
In regular conversations with your manager, you can explore your development and career opportunities, and we will support you on the way. We embrace making mistakes and learning from them. For us at IKEA, this is the best way forward.
We develop together with our partners!
We are good listeners and can build relationships. We are committed to helping our partners grow and develop their full potential together with us.
About the recruitment process
If the above appeals to you, you might be the one we are looking for! The selection process will take place continuously, so please send in your application in English as soon as possible, however not later than 31 January 2025. We are looking forward to receiving your application. For questions about the recruitment process, please contact People & Culture Recruiter Martie Ma, email: [email protected].
