At IKEA, we’re passionate about creating safe, sustainable, and high‑performing spaces for the many. As our UKIE Estates & Engineering Manager, you will play a critical role in shaping, maintaining, and evolving our estate—ensuring every building is compliant, efficient, technically strong, and ready to support our customers and co‑workers.
This role is ideal for someone who brings deep engineering or construction expertise, enjoys influencing technical decision‑making, and thrives in a multi‑site operational environment.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS ROLE:You’ll be the technical heartbeat of our UK & Ireland portfolio—applying engineering judgment, driving asset performance, partnering with Construction Project Managers (CPMs), and leading improvement initiatives that impact our buildings for years to come.
You won’t own full lifecycle project delivery. Instead, you’ll bring engineering insight to active and upcoming projects, support decision‑making, and strengthen our renewable, sustainability, and infrastructure programmes.
It’s a role for someone who can shift seamlessly between strategic, tactical, and operational levels.
WHAT YOU NEED TO HAVE:We’re looking for someone with strong engineering credibility and real estate operational experience:
- 5+ years’ experience in engineering design, construction, building services, or technical project delivery
- Degree in Engineering (mechanical, electrical, civil, structural, building services or similar)
- Experience within multi‑site estates, ideally in retail, commercial, industrial or complex environments
- Hands‑on exposure to building systems, compliance, renewables, and estates operations
- Ability to lead, influence, and collaborate across technical and non‑technical teams
- Strong problem‑solver who can balance strategy, operations, and on‑site realities
Engineering & Technical Leadership
- Provide expert engineering guidance across our estate, with a focus on building systems, sustainability, safety, and asset performance.
- Support Construction Project Managers (CPMs) with technical decisions, design reviews, risk assessments, and project scopes.
- Contribute to renewable energy, carbon reduction, and infrastructure initiatives.
Estate Operations & Compliance
- Lead day‑to‑day real estate operations across the UK & Ireland.
- Ensure all properties meet statutory requirements, safety standards, and IKEA engineering expectations.
- Shape and maintain technical standards for property, asset, and building services management.
Performance, Innovation & Efficiency
- Strengthen asset lifecycle planning, capital investment decisions, and preventative maintenance strategies.
- Support budgeting, cost planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Drive digital tools and smarter ways of working to optimise estate performance.
Collaboration & Leadership
- Work closely with internal teams (CPM, Facility Management, Sustainability, Retail and more).
- Build strong relationships with external partners, contractors, and technical specialists.
- Share best practices, mentor others, and ensure an inclusive, values‑driven culture.
Questions - Reach out to janice.chalkley@ingka.ikea.com – I'm happy to help!
Learn more about working at IKEA: Work With Us
WE CARE FOR THE PEOPLE
It takes the diversity of thought, background, and culture to make great ideas a reality. We welcome candidates from all walks of life, including those with disabilities, to join us, and feel valued in the workplace.
Come see the wonderful workday where we create a better everyday life for the many