The posting
Company Description
At IKEA, we believe that we are better when we are physically together for collaboration, dialogues, and conversations. We believe in the power of human interactions, the informal chats, the energy, belonging, and creativity generated by people being in the same place. Our approach is that we spend most of our time in the IKEA workplace, with the flexibility to work from home.
Our vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. We do this by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing and food products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them.
Supply Chain Operations is a global business unit within IKEA Supply, connecting customers with IKEA products in a simple, affordable, and sustainable way. With over 700 co-workers, we lead, plan, and execute the supply of products between suppliers and retailers. We deliver excellent transport and logistics solutions by optimizing replenishment, managing goods flow, sourcing and developing transport and logistics capacities, and securing supply quality.
Category Contract Logistics is responsible for sourcing and operating outsourced warehouses and logistics services at optimal cost, while meeting high service and quality standards. We ensure safety, security, and sustainability, continuously contributing to the IKEA vision. Operating in one of the most dynamic areas of logistics, we embrace innovation and technology to keep improving.
Do you have a passion for developing business? Do you get your energy from turning a warehouse challenge into a working solution, both on the warehouse floor and at the negotiation table? Do you enjoy bringing service providers, IKEA colleagues and your own team together behind one plan, and then making it happen? Then this role could be for you.
Job Description
We are looking for a hands-on Business Development Manager to lead our Contract Logistics business in South Asia and South East Asia. You will own the results of our outsourced warehousing and logistics services in the region: cost, capacity, operational performance, quality, safety, security and sustainability, together with our logistics service providers.
You will lead a committed team of Business Developers and Service Provider Operations Developers, and you will be responsible for their recruitment, development, performance and succession. You will work close to the operation with our partners, lead negotiations, and be the person IKEA stakeholders turn to when a solution is needed.
Key tasks and responsibilities
- Lead commercial activities in the region together with your team: RFQs, business cases, price negotiations and contract implementation.
- Drive operational performance at our service providers: follow up KPIs, get to the root cause of issues, and make sure improvements are implemented and sustained.
- Build strong, long-term relationships with our existing logistics service providers and identify new strategic partners, based on the IKEA business model, our values, trust and transparency.
- Work closely with internal stakeholders across the IKEA supply chain to secure coordinated execution of logistics solutions.
- Develop and deliver the regional action plan in line with the category business plan, and contribute to shaping the category business plan and business concepts.
- Secure implementation of and compliance with frame agreements, internal processes and ways of working.
- Report KPIs and give clear, fact-based analysis and recommendations to category management.
- Develop your team's leadership and competence to meet both immediate and long-term business goals.
- Act as a role model for collaboration, togetherness and change.
Qualifications
You are a hands-on leader who brings solutions, not problems. You are as comfortable walking a warehouse floor as you are presenting a business case to senior management, and you build trust with people inside and outside IKEA.
What you bring
- Experience: at least 5 years in contract logistics, warehousing or distribution, with a proven track record in both operations and commercial roles.
- Leadership: you have led teams and delivered results through them, with clear communication, empowerment and fact-based decisions.
- Solution focus: you go and see for yourself, understand the problem, and come back with a solution and a plan to implement it.
- Stakeholder management: you build lasting relationships with service providers, internal partners and senior management, and you can hold a firm position when the business needs it.
- Commercial strength: excellent negotiation skills, a solid understanding of warehouse cost drivers and cost calculation models, and experience building fact-based business cases.
- Contracts: good understanding of logistics contracts and the legal frameworks around them.
- Project management: you keep several topics moving at the same time in a fast-paced environment.
- Education: a university degree in logistics, economics, business administration or a related field.
- Language: fluent spoken and written English.
What will make you stand out
- Warehousing experience and an industry network in South Asia and/or South East Asia.
- Knowledge of the IKEA supply chain, business model, governance, culture and values.
- Additional languages relevant to the region.
Above all, you represent IKEA with integrity and a commitment to our values and business ethics.
Additional Information
This is a full-time role based in our office in Port Klang, Malaysia, with regular travel within the region. IKEA supports international relocation for this role. You will report to the Category Manager Contract Logistics.
About why to join us
You make a visible difference
The solutions you build decide how IKEA products flow to customers across a fast-developing region. You get the privilege and the responsibility to lead your assignment in a diverse team and to partner with world-class service providers.
We grow with you!
In regular conversations with your manager, you explore your development and career opportunities, and we support you on the way. We embrace making mistakes and learning from them. For us at IKEA, this is the best way forward.
We develop together with our partners!
We listen, we build relationships, and we are committed to helping our partners grow and reach their full potential together with us.
About the recruitment process
If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you. Selection takes place continuously, so please send your application in English as soon as possible, and not later than 6 November 2026. We are looking forward to receiving your application.
