Legal Leader Sustainability

At Inter IKEA, we do things a little different. We think differently, act differently, and work differently as well. We like to break things. Like habits. And then make things. Like music-playing lamps. And beds disguised as sofas. Even plant balls that help us look after our planet. It’s all part of our vision - to create a better everyday life for the many. And it’s been keeping our co-workers going for over 80 years. By 2030, we hope to help millions more look forward to going home. Maybe you can help us? Inter IKEA Systems B.V. is the worldwide IKEA franchisor, with 12 different groups of companies operating IKEA stores and other IKEA sales channels in over 60 different countries across the world, under franchise agreements with Inter IKEA Systems. The Legal & Governance team at Inter IKEA Systems has a full range of legal responsibilities including certain group tasks and consists of around twenty legal professionals of many different nationalities, backgrounds, cultures and legal expertise areas. The team works closely together with legal functions in IKEA Range and IKEA Supply.

We are strengthening our Legal & Governance team and therefore we are looking for a Legal Leader Sustainability based in Delft, The Netherlands. The Legal Leader will focus on minimizing legal risks while embracing entrepreneurship and fostering business opportunities by providing legal advice on sustainability related topics.  

As a Legal Leader Sustainability, you will work closely together with the sustainability legal counsel in IKEA Supply, with the Legal Counsels IP, the Sustainability Managers and their teams and with the General Counsel of Inter IKEA Group. You will be part of (or lead) a legal network of expertise around sustainability-related topics and provide practical, business-oriented legal advice to the finance, sustainability and business teams of Inter IKEA Systems. You will also have group wide responsibilities and tasks to steer the topic across the Inter IKEA Group and act as a sparring partner with specialist knowledge.

Within your assignment, you will be pro-actively advising or consulted on various Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) and Corporate Sustainability Reporting (CSR) topics. Together with the sustainability teams, you will keep the IKEA business abreast of important ESG risks that (could) affect the Inter IKEA Group and its business in respect of laws and regulations and case-law implications globally. You will also support the business in the contracting around sustainability-related partnerships.

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to advise on Inter IKEA Group communications regarding human rights and social topics, the energy transition & climate change, and risks and opportunities arising from the operationalization of sustainability targets.

You will support with the development and delivery of long-term plans for the Legal & Governance team and contribute to the implementation of an effective and efficient Inter IKEA Group governance structure that embeds sustainability requirements.

We are looking for an experienced, hands-on Legal Leader Sustainability that has an overall and in-depth knowledge of legal aspects of sustainability related topics, including ESG, CSR, and more specifically binding regulations applicable to Inter IKEA Group and across the value chain.

You have a growth mindset, are curious to explore and eager to learn. You gained your knowledge and experience as an in-house legal counsel or attorney-at-law in an international legal or business environment. In addition, you enjoy being a flexible team player who embraces collaboration in cross-functional teams in a fast-paced and diverse global environment.

Apart from that, you have:

• A university degree in Law (EU University)
• 7+ years of professional experience as an in-house legal counsel or attorney-at-law in an international legal or business environment. Managerial experience is a plus
• Overall in-depth knowledge of (legal) sustainability topics in the broadest sense
• A flexible and business-oriented approach, while thoughtfully managing legal and compliance risks
• A broad business perspective and ability to quickly gain understanding of business situations and identify root causes
• Confidence and the ability to effectively manage complex situations with internal and external stakeholders
• The energy, drive and commitment to deliver business-oriented and pragmatic results
• You are excellent in written and oral communication and have strong interpersonal skills
• The ability to create trust and build strong networks and relationships in a diverse global business environment.

As English is the main language within the company, you need to be fluent in English for this role (Dutch is a plus).

If that sounds like you, we look forward to meeting you!

Inter IKEA Group brings together three core businesses: Retail Concept, Range and Supply. Together we work constantly to improve the IKEA home furnishing offer and make it more accessible for the many people.  

Our aim is to provide our partners in the franchise system with the best conditions to implement and operate the IKEA Concept, and to create a strong foundation for future expansion and growth.  

An important part of our success is our unique culture and open working environment. Together, we create a workplace where everyone feels free to be themselves – to experiment, try new ways, and dare to ask, “What if…?” We believe in everyday personal growth and offer the opportunity to develop your career globally.  

Read more about us at: https://about.ikea.com/ and inter.ikea.com.

We offer an exciting work environment in a global marketplace with exceptional opportunities to grow and develop together with us. You will be part of a flexible, values-driven and open organization and will get the opportunity to work with a fantastic brand! This is a full-time position based in Delft, The Netherlands, with occasional travel abroad.

Please send your application – CV and letter of motivation – 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 Hannes Bierman (Legal Counsel Manager IP at IISBV) via hannes.bierman@inter.ikea.com