Marketing Executive | Retail | IKEA Doha

Job Requisition ID: 175969 

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands. Al-Futtaim Group’s entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables the organization to continue to grow and expand; responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate. 

By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration and integrity; Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers each and every day

• As a Marketing Specialist, you'll work closely with the GCC Marketing Manager to enhance IKEA's brand presence through various advertising campaigns. You'll be pivotal in driving customer engagement and sales by executing strategic marketing and PR activities across the GCC region, including UAE, Qatar, and Oman. Your role involves coordinating market research, budget management, and overseeing PR events while maintaining IKEA's market position against competitors. Success in this role means effectively implementing strategies that meet visitor volume targets and sales objectives while fostering IKEA's brand awareness among consumers.

Strategic Marketing Planning

• Assist the marketing manager in creating long-term marketing strategies and opening strategies for existing and new stores in the covered territories.

Vitality Calendar

• Execute vitality calendar activities ensuring strategic priorities are reflected in the campaigns.
• Liaise with range for product selections and pricing.
• Coordinate day-to-day work with the agency and inform the store about marketing support prior to activity launch.

Market Research

• Assist and execute briefs for market research needs based on regional long-term research strategy.
• Coordinate with contracted research companies to assess market position and align with IKEA positioning objectives.
• Conduct market analysis to understand target demographics, catchment areas, lifestyles for business planning and territory penetration plans.
• Assist in analyzing new or existing territories using macroeconomic indicators.

Budgeting

• Assist with budgeting for covered territories, keeping updated on media costs and effectiveness.
• Ensure cost-consciousness by obtaining multiple quotes and negotiating better prices.
• Participate in cost effectiveness initiatives and spend within the allocated budget to achieve strategic objectives.

Projects

• Assist in new store opening projects by executing overall strategy and independently managing media and PR liaisons.
• Contribute ideas and liaise with necessary departments (internal and external).

Annual PR and Events Execution

• Recommend and finalize the annual PR calendar to promote long-term priorities and IKEA UAE's business needs.
• Liaise with store management and event companies to execute planned events efficiently.
• Communicate events with co-workers and ensure commitment.
• Organize activities for press members and industry insiders to engage with the IKEA brand and products.
• Plan and execute press trips aligned with IKEA Brand priorities.

• Strong organization and planning skills.
• Excellent communication and proofreading skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to meet deadlines consistently.
• Capability to work in a team, demonstrating personal leadership and continuous improvement.

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in retail marketing, communication, or advertising.
• Arabic language proficiency required; skilled in English writing.
• Computer literate with advanced skills in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

About Al-Futtaim Retail

Al-Futtaim Retail has established itself as one of the leaders in Retail across the Middle East, Africa & Asia over the past 30 years. We have developed partnerships with some of the biggest and most respected Brands in the world including IKEA, ACE and Toys R Us in the Middle East and the Inditex Group of Brands (Zara, Mango, Bershka and P&B) across Asia. We are also one of the largest Global partners of Marks and Spencer’s in both regions with over 75 stores offering both fashion & food options.
 
Most recently we have been responsible for bringing brands to the Middle East for the first time with the exciting launches of Watsons and B&Q and we aim to continue to be agile and adaptive to our markets with new launches and further development. For this to be possible we aim to recruit the best talent from all backgrounds who will continue to challenge and develop our diverse workforce which includes over 100 nationalities across 12 countries. Join us today and make a difference…

About Al-Futtaim IKEA

GROWING TOGETHER...

We are a values-driven company with a passion for life at home. Our vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people.

Al-Futtaim IKEA holds the franchise rights for IKEA in Egypt, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.