Visual Merchandising & Activity Group Leader

About the role

The Visual Merchandising & Activity Group Leader will lead and inspire the Visual Merchandising/Activity Managers, developing their competence in visual merchandising and range presentation to reinforce IKEA’s unique identity in stores. This role combines creative direction, commercial insight and people development to deliver inspiring, seasonally relevant home‑furnishing experiences.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and inspire Visual Merchandising/Activity Managers, developing their competence in visual merchandising and range presentation to reinforce IKEA’s unique identity in stores.
• Support the creation of inspiring, seasonally relevant range presentation solutions that reflect life‑at‑home activities and drive commercial performance.
• Collaborate with Communication and Interior Design teams to translate customer insights into creative, aesthetic home‑furnishing solutions that exceed expectations.
• Contribute to the country business plan and department action plan, ensuring store design initiatives support long‑term profitability.
• Coach managers on using global tools and best practices, adapting them locally to guarantee high quality, simplicity and efficiency.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of home‑life trends and retail developments, leading workshops that generate creative visual directions.
• Ensure security protocols are followed on the shop floor and report any breaches.

Required profile

• Significant experience working with vitality and commercial activities in a retail environment.
• Design‑based education and proven success in managing, inspiring and developing people and creative processes.
• Strong visual competence with a keen eye for aesthetics and a customer‑focused mindset.
• Excellent communication and coaching abilities, able to explain concepts verbally and visually.
• Demonstrated ability to set and implement multi‑year action plans, prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Fluent English communication skills.