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- Tasks: Shape and deliver the Public Affairs strategy for IKEA in the UK and Ireland.
- Company: Join IKEA, a purpose-driven company transforming retail and business.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a supportive workplace culture.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment welcoming candidates from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on policy and societal issues while working with senior leaders.
- Qualifications: 5-8 years in Public Affairs with strong communication and networking skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 77000 £ per year.
Join us as UK & Ireland Public Affairs Manager. We’re looking for a Public Affairs manager to join our UK & Ireland Communication team for a one-year maternity cover, in IKEA we call this a Public Affairs Leader. Reporting to the head of Public Affairs, you’ll help navigate policy, regulation, and parliamentary processes during a time of transformation for IKEA, retail, and business, in both the UK and in Ireland. You’ll also support our senior leaders, spokespeople, stores and units on national and local issues, ensuring IKEA’s voice is heard where it matters.
WHAT YOU NEED TO HAVE
- Education level: University degree or equivalent in politics or a related field
- Minimum of 5-8 years of Public Affairs, political, and/or related experience.
- Expertise in using insights to formulate and leverage the Public Affairs agenda and develop strategies to drive the IKEA business and enable better business outcomes, today and tomorrow.
- Knowledge of UK and Irish market policy and regulatory processes and institutions, with a well–developed external network.
- Effectively builds relationships within and across organisations, including influencing at senior levels, to help achieve business outcomes.
Capabilities & Skills
- Skilled communicator and influencer with proven interpersonal and networking skills to lead strategic advocacy, communication, and stakeholder engagement by defining, planning, executing and follow‑up to relevant stakeholders and influencers (such as governments, policy makers, trade bodies, and NGOs).
- Demonstrated strategic development skills, and ability to link closely with the internal and external business reality.
- Comfortable working in agile structures and cross‑functional teams to lead change through fully integrated communication with the business goal and the key target audiences in focus.
- Ability to understand the complexity of the IKEA business and the role of communication as an integrated part of the business.
WHAT YOU WILL DO DAY TO DAY
- Responsible for shaping and contributing to the development and delivery of the market Public Affairs strategy and agenda, aligning with global Public Affairs plans.
- Help secure effective alignment of Public Affairs objectives to formulated business goals and stakeholder objectives for the market.
- Apply effective stakeholder management to develop a deep understanding of stakeholder drivers to manage Public Affairs effectively in the market.
- Feed insights into strategy development process.
- Provide advocacy and leadership on topics of strategically relevant positive societal impact across all departments in the market, engaging not only external, but also internal stakeholders.
- Monitor and manage key regulatory and non‑regulatory developments in the market, feeding back learnings into the strategy development process and other key functions, like Legal, Risk etc.
- Lead and develop specific strategies for influencing market policy and regulation, impacting the IKEA market agenda.
- Help to create a positive policy and regulatory environment for a transforming and growing, people and planet positive IKEA business.
- Contribute to the overall positioning movement in the market, integrating into communications department and contributing to relevant 360‑degree campaigns.
- Act as a strategic PA business partner for relevant internal stakeholders, functions, and departments.
- Be a coach and sparring partner to the head of Public Affairs, Country Communications Manager, and senior leaders including members of the Country Management Team.
- Represent IKEA in appropriate external and internal forums, conferences and meetings.
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 and diverse social backgrounds, to join us, and feel valued in the workplace.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Starting Salary of £55,000 per annum.
- Duration: 12 months maternity cover.
- Full‑time: 39 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
- Location: UK Service Office, Wembley, Hybrid working, 12 days’ workplace presence, of which 8 must be in Wembley, with the remaining 4 in an individual's nearest unit.
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 and cover letter outlining your motivation for applying for the role, so we can get to know you better. Application Closing Date: 16th January 2026. Interviews will begin to take place during the application phase. We understand not everyone will be successful, but we promise to keep you informed either way. If you have any questions regarding the recruitment experience, please contact Janice Chalkley, Janice.chalkley@ingka.ikea.com.
UK&IE Public Affairs Manager, 12 month maternity cover. in Wembley employer: IKEA Gruppe
Contact Detail:
IKEA Gruppe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land UK&IE Public Affairs Manager, 12 month maternity cover. in Wembley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the public affairs space. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research IKEA’s current public affairs initiatives and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to shaping their agenda and navigating the regulatory landscape.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! When you get the chance to meet with potential employers, highlight your ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed public affairs strategies in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the IKEA team and making a difference in public affairs.
We think you need these skills to ace UK&IE Public Affairs Manager, 12 month maternity cover. in Wembley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to express your passion for public affairs and how your experience aligns with IKEA's mission. Keep it engaging and personal, showing us why you're the perfect fit for this role.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Highlight your relevant experience in public affairs, especially any work that showcases your ability to influence policy and engage stakeholders. We want to see how you can contribute to our goals!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Public Affairs Manager, communication is key. Use your application to demonstrate your writing skills and ability to convey complex ideas clearly. This is your opportunity to show us how you can effectively represent IKEA’s voice.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at IKEA Gruppe
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on UK and Irish market policies and regulations. Familiarise yourself with IKEA's current Public Affairs agenda and how it aligns with their business goals. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand the landscape you'll be navigating.
✨Showcase Your Network
Highlight your existing relationships within the public affairs sphere. Be ready to discuss how you've leveraged these connections in the past to influence policy or drive business outcomes. This is crucial for a role that requires effective stakeholder management.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
As a skilled communicator, you need to demonstrate your ability to engage with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led strategic advocacy or communication efforts. Use clear, concise language to convey your points during the interview.
✨Be Agile and Adaptable
IKEA values agility, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked in cross-functional teams or adapted to changing circumstances in previous roles. Share specific instances where your flexibility has led to positive outcomes, showcasing your ability to thrive in dynamic environments.