IKEA to employ over 500 New Zealanders ahead of store opening

With the highly anticipated arrival of IKEA in Aotearoa New Zealand, the company has significantly expanded its recruitment efforts. Originally planning to hire 400 co-workers, by the time the Sylvia Park store opens, and online shopping goes live across the country in late 2025, IKEA will have welcomed over 500 new co-workers. 

As of 25 May, 15,000 New Zealanders had applied for advertised roles, highlighting the strong interest in a career with the world’s largest home furnishing retailer. Although most of the roles will be open for applications from early July, recruitment has already started with 66 co-workers onboard and more co-workers onboarding every two weeks from now until 2 November. 

Lauren Clegg, People & Culture Manager, IKEA New Zealand, says: “We’re excited to welcome self-starting, values-driven New Zealanders who are passionate about creating a better everyday life at home. We’re not just offering jobs, we’re offering the opportunity to build a meaningful career in a purpose-led, global business.”

Nutritious, low-cost meals served daily in the co-worker restaurant are just one of the many benefits on offer, adding flavour to every shift and making breaks that much better. Roles span a wide range of departments, supported by inclusive policies and a strong commitment to work-life balance. Co-workers enjoy five weeks of paid annual leave, along with paid parental, family, and community leave, supporting them through every stage of life and career.

Lauren adds, “At IKEA, we call our employees ‘co-workers’ because no matter the role, we work and grow together. Our Swedish heritage fosters a strong sense of togetherness, ensuring everyone feels welcome, included, and treated equally.”

A Range of Roles Available 

Set to be one of New Zealand’s largest retail employers this year, IKEA is recruiting across various departments:

• Fulfilment – Positions in warehouse logistics, including forklift drivers, stock replenishment, and order picking.
• Sales – Help customers discover the IKEA range and create inspiring solutions for every area of the home.
• Food – Serve up iconic Swedish favourites like meatballs, plant balls, and cinnamon buns in the IKEA Restaurant and Bistro, or support the Swedish Food Market with packaged goods for customers to take home.
• Customer Relations – Ensure a smooth shopping experience through greeting, managing checkouts and payments, and assisting with returns and exchanges.
• Product Quality and Recovery Department – Focused on product checks, internal transaction management, repacking, reusing and recycling as part of IKEA’s sustainability efforts.
• Remote Customer Meeting Points (RCMP) - Support customers beyond the store with remote sales, resolution services, and product guidance through digital channels.

Key Benefits for IKEA Co-workers
Joining IKEA means becoming part of a global brand that puts people first, whether they’re full-time or part-time, hourly or salaried.

• Generous Leave: Enjoy five weeks of paid annual leave, plus paid parental, family, and community leave to support every stage of life.
• Affordable Meals: Nutritious, low-cost meals provided in the co-worker restaurant.
• Employee Discounts: Get 15% off IKEA products to enhance life at home.
• Digital Entertainment Perks: A range of exclusive discounts and cashback offers can be accessed via the My rewards+ program, helping co-workers and their families save on everyday expenses, retail, entertainment, and wellness.
• Performance Bonuses: Eligible co-workers may benefit from IKEA’s bonus program, at IKEA we perform together and achieve our bonuses together, ensuring every co-worker is rewarded for great work.· 
• Loyalty Superannuation Contributions: Through the co-worker loyalty program, additional contributions may be made to superannuation funds where eligible.
• Wellbeing Support: Access 24/7 health and wellbeing assistance through our Employee Assistance Program.

Unlock your career with IKEA: Interactive Billboard Activation
To celebrate the recruitment drive, IKEA will launch a giant interactive billboard at Eastern Viaduct on Friday, 11th July, from 7:30am to 2:00pm, followed by an appearance at the Warriors game at Go Media Stadium on Sunday, 13th July, between 2:00pm and 4:00pm.

This public activation invites the many New Zealanders to assemble a new career with IKEA. The installation features a giant Allen key, a playful nod to IKEA’s flatpack heritage. When turned, the key reveals a QR code linking directly to IKEA’s job portal, where visitors can explore open roles and apply. 

 As a memento, everyone who engages with the activation will receive an information card along with a giveaway, either an iconic FRAKTA blue bag or an IKEA Allen key keyring.

Lauren explains, "The Allen key, known to many New Zealanders as the hex key, has long been a symbol of IKEA’s hands-on spirit. It represents the self-starting, practical mindset that defines a career at IKEA and the idea that anyone can make it with the right tools and mindset.”

Ready to build your future with IKEA? Explore roles and apply now at www.IKEA.co.nz/careers