Simon Winkler

Background

About Simon Winkler

Hi, I'm based in Vienna and working as Retail Solutions Manager for IKEA Austria Here’s a snapshot of my experiences within IKEA, developing competence and managing creative teams. Prior to Malaysia, I was working in Helsingborg, Sweden with Inter IKEA Systems as Visual Merchandising Specialist for Expansion. This position has given me confidence in providing proven solutions to IKEA retailers across the globe. Using the commercial brief process in global Expansion projects, taught me how to analyze different markets and apply that to the commercial planning. Hence the layout and the range presentation reflect the local market and its buying behaviour. As IKEA retailers became more experienced and knowledgeable my task shifted from doing the job for “them”, to explaining, coaching and letting “them” do the job with confidence. During these five years I participated in store establishment projects in six different countries. Since 2006 I’ve been supporting the global Com & In trainings at Inter IKEA Systems and have been Programme Leader since 2013. During my years of coaching and mentoring Communication & Interior Design managers from all over the world I have been known to be a structured, open minded and an energetic person with clear and expressive communication skills. I believe that I can act as a motivating leader who can confidently coach and inspire others. Having worked in many countries where the English language is not always soundly spoken, I have learned to use non-verbal communication skills to convey messages. One of my most memorable experiences within IKEA was working in Saudi Arabia, where I was managing the Com & In department in Jeddah. During this period I learned a great deal in leading and developing a team of 23 people, consisting of eleven different nationalities with diverse religious and political views. Raising the percentage of Saudi employees within the organization became increasingly important but finding the right competence was challenging. Here’s what have some of my colleagues said about me? According to them I am well organized and driven by common sense. Whilst being passionate and a real people’s person I understand and drive the commerciality of the business and achieve goals within a given timeframe. While having the ability to adapt and being an easy going person, I set high standards and am someone you can always rely on.