Can you really reach out to and influence the whole world, while working in a tranquil idyll in the south of Sweden? In Älmhult, Sweden you can. Älmhult is home to IKEA of Sweden. Here the IKEA range is developed and made available to stores and customers all over the world. It is also in Älmhult where we explore the future to create ideas and innovations for a better everyday life at home for the many people.

Throughout its 70 year history IKEA always had entrepreneurship and development at the core of its DNA. Through Range and Product Innovation IKEA is setting up for the next 70. With the task to capture the opportunities of a changing world, Range and Product Innovation explores 2030 and beyond. We are here to generate and nurture ideas and innovative solutions for the life at home, relevant for the many people.
We are curious, eager to step into the unknown and co-create across borders. We are here to collaborate and challenge known truths in a world of ideas and technology.

With the IKEA vision as a starting point, and without limitations to products, we focus on creating capabilities and solutions that are relevant in the life at home today and tomorrow. Care to join us?

Right now we are looking for a Material & Innovation (M&I) Developer Bio-polymers within the Material and Innovation team. You will lead development projects of new materials & innovations, creating the foundation for an outstanding IKEA range. For us this means fulfilling all aspects of IKEA Democratic Design; meaning quality, function, form, affordability and sustainability.
The position reports to Material and Innovation Development Leader Polymers

IKEA has a clear material direction, and when it comes to plastics, by 2030 only recycled and renewable materials should exist in our plastic applications. We have already made an announcement that we will move away from virgin fossil based raw materials and will embrace circularity example being using our own packaging to make new products. We have also developed partnerships with different Value chain partners to get the renewable plastics starting with injection moulding applications.

In terms of the technology focus and biomass focus we cover from fermentation (bio technology route) to cracking to catalysis. The rationale being to understand which biomass is suitable for which technology to get the most optimal yield and hence lowest possible cost. The very essence of the IKEA vision is “better everyday life for the many people” and hence cost is and will be a driving factor going forward.

As a Material Developer Bio Polymers you will lead and be part of a transformation, not only for IKEA but also for the industry as such. The responsibility and mandate which comes with it is to lead the process for ideation & exploration till developing new materials and technologies till the point that they can be integrated into the normal product development process.
You will take the new bio materials through the material testing and validation phase along with research institutes we work with, product verification with the innovation suppliers that we have identified and support the capacity build up phase with your knowledge and capabilities that you develop while developing new materials and technologies.

You will also be responsible for:
- Based on IKEA directions and knowledge about life at home, market situation and competitors on the IKEA markets, identify, initiate and lead end to end material innovation projects within the Polymers area;
- Test and validate the new materials as well as ensure product verification;
- Secure that all necessary agreements are in place together with legal counsel and support in negotiations and initiate patent application processes together with the patent team;
- Support development of IKEA material strategies in terms of material & innovation objectives and goals.

The Material and Innovation Developer Polymers position is a position with great impact for our Direction and it needs certain qualities to be successful. Curiosity and an open-mind for new possibilities, always with an analytical and structured approach. Passion and capability to connect ideas going from a base chemical to a product application. An ability to lead resources, without formal authority, in order to reach common goals. The capability to build networks, sharing knowledge and coaching others. Strong skills as a communicator and influencer – someone capable of getting ideas and solutions understood by a broader audience.
This person is characterized as a problem solver with the business and customer in focus - making sure things happen. We love what we do and we seek people who love their work too and who share our values in their professional and everyday life.

In order to succeed in this role, you need to have deep insights and experience in Bio Polymers, both materials and processes. You will be well supported by other competences in the team with diverse backgrounds in the Bio based materials industry.

To be able to deliver in this role, you should have:
- Engineering degree (Master level) within Chemical / Polymers engineering or equivalent;
- At least 10 years of experience in industrial bio technology within plastic applications ex. plastics for injection moulding;
- Deep knowledge and successful track record in managing and executing material and technical development projects from applied research and innovation phase to a product application
- Deep knowledge and experience in the specific material and mass production techniques within the area, preferably in consumer goods sector/automotive industry
- Experience managing projects with multiple stakeholders

IKEA of Sweden is a vibrant culture where ideas are heard, where there is opportunity to learn new skills and where the goal always is “to create a better everyday life for the many people”. We give down-to-earth, straightforward people the possibility to grow, both as individuals and in their professional roles.
We offer this position in a fast paced, truly global environment with an endless supply of challenges and development opportunities.

If you are interested in applying, please send us your CV and motivational letter in English latest 5th of November. We are looking forward to getting to know you!
Älmhult has excellent commuting possibilities with hourly trains to Malmö, Lund and Växjö, and an IKEA shuttle bus runs back and forth to Helsingborg three times a day.

If you have any questions regarding the position, please contact Puneet Trehan at +46 723527410. If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Rasika Carlsson +46 70-962 44 34