Ikea plans to hire 150 people in data and technology roles over the next year, according to sources reported by Computer Weekly.

The Swedish furniture giant told the publication that it hoped the new recruitment campaign, called ‘taste the future’, will help it hire more staff in the Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, and Switzerland.

Ikea told Computer Weekly that targets for recruitment included “future architects, down-to-earth data scientists, unboxed engineers, cyber guardians and common-sense makers” and that its teams will use artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and virtual reality in “rebellious ways” for business and product innovation.

In addition, Ikea told the publication that the campaign will feature an alternative interview process involving 3D-printed vegan meatballs.


The news comes after the furniture giant recently announced that it will open its first UK small size format store in Hammersmith, West London.

Ikea has made several investments into its technology over the past year.

Last month Ikea parent company Ingka Group invested in Swedish climate data platform Doconomy, via its Ingka Investments arm, which provides a platform which allows consumers and businesses to measure their CO2 output.

“Ikea is at the start of a journey to embrace data and technology to become more affordable, accessible and sustainable in an omnichannel environment,” chief information officer at Inter Ikea Group Pascal Pauwels told Computer Weekly. “Naturally, people with imagination will play a big role in that quest.

“So, here we’re looking for people who want to create a better everyday life with us.”

He added: “This campaign is a great way to start the conversation.”

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