IKEA
Business Navigation and Operations Group Leader - MFU
- Permanent
- Al Kuwait City, Kuwait
- Experience 2 - 5 yrs
Job expiry date: 18/05/2026
Job overview
Date posted
03/04/2026
Location
Al Kuwait City, Kuwait
Salary
Undisclosed
Compensation
Comprehensive package
Experience
2 - 5 yrs
Seniority
Senior & Lead
Qualification
Bachelors degree
Expiration date
18/05/2026
Job description
The Business Navigation and Operations Group Leader for MFU at IKEA Kuwait is responsible for steering the MFU towards growth, optimal performance, and sustained long-term profitability in line with IKEA objectives. This includes providing accurate business information for decision-making, analyzing data to identify opportunities, and actively contributing to business development initiatives. The role oversees availability, quality, and service operations while collaborating closely with management and cross-functional teams. The leader drives the financial and strategic planning processes, scenario planning, and follow-up mechanisms to achieve agreed goals. Additionally, the position focuses on risk and compliance management, cost optimization, sustainability considerations in procurement, and implementation of business cases to maximize return on investment and improve customer experience. The role requires aligning business navigation processes across touch points, communicating financial goals and strategic insights to teams, and supporting the development and engagement of leaders and staff within the MFU function.
Required skills
Key responsibilities
- Navigate the growth of IKEA retailing and steer the MFU towards sustained long-term profitability
- Provide accurate, relevant, and user-friendly business information to support effective decision-making
- Analyze business information to identify business opportunities and contribute to business development initiatives
- Establish follow-up mechanisms and ensure alignment of business information across functions
- Lead and develop leaders and teams within the Business Navigation and Operations function, including succession planning
- Drive and coordinate the MFU Business Plan process and financial planning, aligning with country challenges and priorities
- Develop scenario plans to respond proactively to performance deviations and communicate them effectively
- Monitor costs, highlight deviations and potentials, and ensure actions are taken to achieve financial goals
- Encourage team members to discover efficient, cost-conscious ways of working to reduce cost structure
- Negotiate cost-effective contracts with external service providers, considering sustainability and environmental impact
- Work with colleagues to analyze benefits, costs, and investments to develop business cases with good ROI
- Communicate relevant business information and goals to managers and co-workers to inspire meaningful action
- Support management teams in creating action plans based on MFU and country business plans, KPIs, and agreed goals
- Coordinate updated forecasts throughout the year and ensure alignment across touch points and service offices
Experience & skills
- BSc or MSc in Finance or Business Controlling
- Previous experience in a Business Controlling or operations role with strong analytical and numerical skills
- Thorough understanding of profit and loss and key performance measurements for business planning and steering
- Proven record of consistently meeting budgets and goals, setting action plans, and following up on results
- Ability to develop knowledge of national and global market conditions and make informed decisions
- Confident and clear communication skills in English, both verbal and written
- Experience working in fast-paced retail, logistics, or delivery services environments
- Experience and interest in retailing and/or home furnishing
- Proven experience in leading and managing teams, preferably in retail or sales
- High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel
- Ability to adapt to different working styles to maximize team performance (situational leadership)