Safety & Security Leader

You see things a little differently. So do we. Leadership at IKEA is simple, clear and humble. We’re not fans of bureaucracy and complicated hierarchy. We believe that what you value is more important than what your CV says. Come see things a little differently with us.  

Stepping into this senior leadership role, you will take responsibility for the Safety and Security standards that guide our franchisees across the world under our franchisee code of conduct program, IConduct. You will play a crucial role in supporting our franchisees by providing insights and advice and ensuring our safety and security program suits the IKEA’s business today and is fit for the future. Your responsibilities span the scope of our support to retailers, you will guide and review safety and security planning for new and existing operations, and most importantly, build competence across the IKEA franchise system.   

As a member of our Group Safety and Security team you will also share your leadership and competence to drive improvements across our internal Inter IKEA safety and security program.  

You have the opportunity to co-develop and design an innovative safety and security program, challenge and improve existing ways of working, and actively contribute to our journey of creating a better everyday life for the many people.  

Most of all you have an opportunity to work with great people, and you yourself believe that collaborators win. You know that by building strong relationships with our franchisees and internal teams you can best contribute to a successful IKEA.  

About you  

You are a result-oriented and hands-on professional with a strong background across safety and security and specialisation in safety, security or fire protection. You are capable of developing usable and easily understandable standards and methodologies based on best practice but at the same time addressing the actual risk identified in an appropriate way.   

You have a deep understanding of the retail side of the IKEA value chain and its supporting structures, our safety and security governance and steering documents and a good understanding related to the design, constructions and operations of safety and security systems. (Or can demonstrate equivalent from a similar organisation). 

You are humble, straight forward and curious. You are driven by content and at the same time you value good relationships highly. You possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, enabling you to articulate complex issues in a structured and comprehensive but simple way.  

You love to learn and develop together. As a team player, you enjoy discovering new ways to enhance your own skills and knowledge, as well as those of others around you. You like to share your knowledge and learnings and by doing so, coach your fellow safety and security professionals. 

You like to get to the bottom of things. As a critical thinker you don't mind asking probing questions if it helps to achieve the right outcome. You do not overlook the essential aspects of safety and security, yet you adopt a pragmatic and effective approach. 

You are a down-to-earth leader, who enjoys leading, developing, and inspiring people to achieve results and build trustworthy relationships. You thrive in a dynamic international setting and are open to occasional. You adapt easily and feel comfortable managing multiple assignments concurrently. 

Apart from that, the following knowledge, skills and experiences would be valuable: 

• Experience in leading assignments and leading through others in an international and culturally diverse work environment

• In-depth experience implementing and developing systematic Safety and Security programs  

• At least ten years of proven track record in one or more of the following fields: safety, security or fire protection

• Proficiency in English language, with capability to communicate effectively with non-native speakers

• Tactical mind that allows you to break down complex information, organise it, present it in a clear and engaging way and influence decision makers

• Ability to foster collaboration and establish long-lasting trusting stakeholder relationships across all levels 

• A university degree, and preferably a postgraduate qualification in areas related to the position or comparable equivalent.  

You will work in a small dedicated and energetic team having fun while delivering high quality output. This role is full-time (40 hours per week) and ideally you are able to be based in Delft, the Netherlands. The role may require some travel, typically 10-20% of the time. This role sits in Risk & Compliance of Inter IKEA Systems and reports to the Group Safety and Security Manager.  

We warmly welcome applications from talented individuals across Europe, eager to join our diverse and collaborative team. Please note that at this time, we are focusing our search exclusively within Europe and will not be considering applicants outside of this region. 

Tell us, as part of your application, why you think you would be a good fit for this role. Interested? Submit your CV and motivation letter, in English. We are continuously interviewing candidates for this role, so don't hesitate to submit your application. In case you have any questions about the role, please reach out to Danny Nugent (Group Safety and Security Manager) via danny.nugent@inter.ikea.com.