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Hector Bianchi

Project Controller,Project Management

“I see that when we do things that are good for customers and environment they are usually good for IKEA too.”

How did you get started in IKEA and what have you done so far?
My journey with IKEA started in USA as a customer. I was a fan of IKEA. My girlfriend got a job with IKEA and we moved to Sweden. I figured I would love to work for IKEA and after some months I started at IKEA Communication as product communicator. I had worked with web design and online marketing in the USA. I went to work with symbols, instructions and packaging. It was quite fun with assembly instructions, trying to communicate with just images. It was fantastic because we were always trying to make it better and easier to understand. I was itching for project management experience, so I started exploring in IKEA of Sweden (Range & Supply). I met with a recruiter and got a job as a Project Controller. We take ideas into an action plan and turn them into physical products in the store. Specifically, I keep the project on time and manage the time plans and risks.

Why did you want to work with IKEA?
One of the things that drew me to IKEA is the company values. I share these values as a person. I think the values are common sense. A lot of the things we do are good for customer and the environment. Then as a consequence they are good for IKEA. We don’t start the other way around. We really want to create a better life.

What are the most inspiring responsibilities or tasks you have in your current role?
I feel like we are literally changing people’s lives. I come to work every day and I feel I can make a lot of small differences. I am responsible for keeping projects on time, but it’s a team effort. We build the plan together and we have to keep it on track together. For me it’s the most rewarding task because we get to build it as a group.

What advice would you give someone thinking about this job?
It’s really, really fun. And IKEA has so many different aspects in the furniture business. We have supply, product development, retail and more. There are many ways you can contribute. It’s a fantastic place to grow as a person and professionally.

What is your favourite aspect of the IKEA culture and values?
One of the big values that I relate to is cost consciousness. It doesn’t mean making cheap furniture. It means making furniture that will last and that is good for your home. We are inclusive and we want everyone to have a better life. We have the space to experiment. It’s okay to make mistakes and try things because we know that in the end that’s the way to success. IKEA values are something that make me feel welcome. But they also challenge me.


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