Eu Public Affairs Leader

Who you are

We are looking for an experienced EU Public Affairs Leader to join our team within Ingka Group Public Affairs and Advocacy. You will work with us on our exciting EU topics and be a key partner to our global PA team as well as country teams in our many IKEA markets.

Who you are.

You are passionate about working with and influencing EU policymakers, thought-leaders, like-minded purpose-led companies, and NGOs as well as our many IKEA colleagues.

You are motivated to work in an agile way and being constantly open to change.

You are able to lead yourself and others in existing, evolving, and emerging topic areas.

You thrive on taking responsibility and finding solutions, both in areas you know and also in the unknown.

You are energized by working both independently and interdependently with our company network and across functions.

You share our IKEA vision; to create a better everyday life for the many - and want to have an impact working through IKEA as a purpose led company.

You see things a little differently. So do we. We believe in discovering and developing the talent in each of us. We offer a position that challenges your skills and inspires you to grow. Come see things a little differently with us

What you'll need to have

We are looking for someone who knows how to lead EU public affairs topics and activities, strategic advocacy, fore-sighting, communication and stakeholder engagement.
- You know how to unleash radical collaboration by establishing and maintaining relationships and building networks through dialogue and engagement, both internally and externally.
- Who has the ability to communicate complex topics in a clear, concise and inspirational way.
- Who understands the IKEA values and tone of voice and can connect and collaborate with our many Ingka markets to support their country plans and opportunities.

You have extensive (7 years minimum) experience working in EU Public Affairs, strategic fore-sighting, stakeholders’ engagement, and/ or strategic communications:
1.Senior experience in working with strategic planning, engagement, and external communication on one or several of our key business and social topics in the EU: people, planet, retail, corporate issues.

2.Proven experience in working with and advising senior, influential leaders, internally and externally.

3.Experience in working with and influencing EU regulatory affairs and policy, focusing on sustainability, circularity, transparency and waste.

As an EU Public Affairs Leader, you will:

- Lead EU Public Affairs strategy and plans on your key assigned sustainability topics (circularity, circular business models, green claims, packaging, and waste), ensuring approach and content are aligned with other business strategies and directions in close collaboration with relevant senior business leaders, key stakeholders, functions, and other IKEA entities.
- Actively participate in and support Ingka’s global Public Affairs network within Group Communication.
- Lead EU foresight processes and advise senior internal stakeholders on relevant EU geopolitical trends, opportunities, risks, regulatory and non-regulatory developments.
- Build and maintain EU partnerships and stakeholder networks, representing and advocating for Ingka Group in appropriate external and internal forums in line with our values and our advocacy principles.
- Represent Ingka Group in European trade associations and partnerships across a broad group of stakeholders, as well as in relevant events.
- Lead and develop approaches for influencing EU policy and regulations that impact IKEA/Ingka Group, while contributing to the creation of a positive EU policy and regulatory environment for our business and our planet.

Our team within Ikea

You will be part of a highly motivated, collaborative and diverse team who appreciate you for who you are.

In EU Public Affairs and as part of our wider Ingka Group Public Affairs and Advocacy team, we strongly position IKEA as a truly meaningful and trusted brand in the hearts and minds of our stakeholders, focusing on us as a retailer and on our positive societal impact.

We strategically enable IKEA to be perceived as a unique, meaningful, and trusted brand and company and to reach our value creation goals of Better Homes, Better Lives, Better Planet and Better Company.

Questions and support? Let's connect

Ingka Group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We celebrate difference and encourage everyone to join us, and be themselves at work no matter your age, sexual orientation, religion, disability, race or colour.

You will report to Gemma Lemmers, EU Affairs Manager, Ingka Group, and the position is based out of Zaventem & Brussels.