Workforce Planning Specialist

About IKEA

IKEA is dedicated to fostering a better everyday life for a vast number of people globally by emphasizing home furnishing, responsible sourcing, and sustainable practices. The company is grounded in values of equality, diversity, inclusion, care for people and the planet, health and wellbeing, and continuous development opportunities.

Benefits and Work Conditions

• Five weeks of paid annual leave along with paid parental and family/community leave
• 24/7 access to an Employee Assistance Program for health and wellbeing
• 15% discount for co-workers on purchases
• Affordable nutritious meals and complimentary drinks in the employee restaurant
• Provided uniform and free employee parking
• Membership benefits offering savings and discounts across various retailers and service providers
• Novated leasing and electric vehicle subscription options
• Superannuation salary sacrifice facilities and bonus and loyalty programs where applicable
• Membership available for fitness programs

Additional Role Information

• This is a permanent, full-time position with 76 hours per fortnight of work
• Position is based at IKEA Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
• Internal title: Unit People Planning Specialist
• Reports directly to the Unit People & Culture Manager
• Role requires flexibility to work a rotating roster, including day, evening, and alternating weekend shifts as the store operates seven days a week

Role Overview

The Workforce Planning Specialist is essential for aligning workforce resources to customer demand while optimizing labor budgets and operational effectiveness. This role works collaboratively with leaders throughout the business to ensure the right number of people with the right skills are scheduled at the right times, enhancing the experience for both customers and co-workers.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the complete workforce planning cycle including forecasting, planning, scheduling, and publishing rosters to ensure alignment with operational priorities and labour budgets
• Partner with business leaders to design workforce schedules that balance customer needs, operational demands, co-worker availability, capability, and financial goals
• Analyze workforce, scheduling, and labor data to detect trends, risks, and opportunities, transforming complex data into actionable insights
• Enhance leader capabilities through coaching on workforce planning principles and practices to promote accountability and consistency
• Review workforce structures and contract arrangements to optimize both operational performance and co-worker experience
• Support continuous improvement efforts by implementing efficient people planning strategies and fostering a data-driven planning culture
• Ensure all workforce planning processes comply with company policies, employment standards, and relevant legislation

Candidate Profile

• Experience in workforce, labor, resource planning, scheduling, or analytical roles is highly valued
• Commercial acumen to understand and balance customer demand, workforce capacity, and budget considerations
• Strong data analysis skills with the ability to convert complex information into clear insights for decision-making
• Meticulous attention to detail with excellent organizational skills to manage dynamic priorities
• Proficient in Excel and workforce management systems, with experience in UKG preferred
• Proven ability to influence and build strong relationships with stakeholders, providing guidance and constructive challenges
• A proactive and solution-oriented approach, constantly seeking ways to improve processes for the benefit of customers, co-workers, and the business

Work Environment

Working at IKEA offers more than just a career; it is a chance to be part of a culture deeply committed to people and planet, inclusion, and continuous growth.