Master Data Administrator - Job Opportunity at IKEA

Pratteln, Switzerland
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: July 10, 2025
On-site
CHF 75,000 - 95,000 per year (approximately USD 82,000 - 104,000). This estimate reflects the mid-level position requirements, Switzerland's high cost of living, and IKEA's competitive compensation structure. The role's strategic importance in global operations and the specialized nature of master data management in retail environments support the upper end of this range.

Benefits

Collaborative and inclusive work environment that fosters open communication and teamwork, providing exceptional opportunities for professional networking and cross-functional learning
International company exposure with global supply chain operations, offering unparalleled insights into multinational business practices and career mobility
Continuous improvement culture that encourages innovation and best practice sharing, positioning employees at the forefront of operational excellence
Access to comprehensive business development processes and tools, providing valuable experience in enterprise-level data management systems
Direct involvement in strategic business operations affecting global distribution centers, offering high-impact work experience

Key Responsibilities

Lead the maintenance and quality assurance of critical article, supply, and customer data across global operations, directly impacting business efficiency and accuracy metrics for one of the world's largest retail organizations
Drive strategic product information management by ensuring accurate and comprehensive data population according to established processes, serving as the cornerstone for effective business development initiatives
Execute comprehensive supplier and customer system setup operations, establishing foundational relationships that support international supply chain operations and business growth
Ensure enterprise-wide data integrity and completeness within assigned operational areas, meeting critical business deadlines that affect global distribution and customer satisfaction
Manage operational master data requests with focus on timely resolution, supporting seamless business operations across multiple international markets
Implement and monitor business rule compliance during range change execution processes, ensuring operational consistency and risk mitigation across assigned responsibility areas
Spearhead collaborative development of operational methodologies and tools, contributing to organizational knowledge sharing and best practice implementation across global teams
Establish and maintain performance excellence standards with proactive deviation detection and resolution, ensuring continuous operational optimization and risk management

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional qualification

Experience

3-5 years of experience in master data management and business operations

Required Skills

Good knowledge in master data management, business controlling & business information processes Good knowledge of supply chain operations in wholesale business Good knowledge in Office and related IT tools Fluent in both spoken and written English Good or Basic knowledge in Project management Strong communication skills; ability to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders Passion for details, master data management, processes, business Information, administration and excellence in operations
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Digital transformation in retail operations is driving unprecedented demand for data quality professionals, with companies investing heavily in master data management systems to support omnichannel customer experiences and real-time inventory optimization. The integration of AI and machine learning into supply chain operations requires highly accurate master data as the foundation for predictive analytics and automated decision-making processes. Global supply chain disruptions have elevated the strategic importance of data administrators who can ensure data integrity across complex international networks. Companies are recognizing that master data quality directly impacts their ability to respond quickly to market changes, manage supplier relationships, and maintain customer satisfaction during volatile periods. The shift toward sustainable business practices is creating new data management requirements, with companies needing to track environmental impact, supplier sustainability metrics, and circular economy initiatives. This trend is expanding the role of master data administrators beyond traditional operational data to include ESG reporting and compliance data management.

Role Significance

Typically works within a team of 3-5 data specialists, collaborating closely with supply chain analysts, business controllers, and IT professionals. The role involves regular interaction with stakeholders across multiple departments and geographic regions, requiring strong coordination skills and the ability to work effectively in a matrix organization structure.
This is a mid-level specialist role with significant operational impact but limited direct management responsibilities. The position requires independent decision-making within established frameworks and serves as a critical link between technical data systems and business operations. The role holder acts as a subject matter expert who influences cross-functional teams while reporting to senior management.

Key Projects

Implementation of master data governance frameworks that establish data quality standards and validation processes across global operations Supply chain optimization initiatives that require comprehensive data cleansing and harmonization to support advanced analytics and reporting capabilities Digital transformation projects focused on integrating new business systems while maintaining data integrity and ensuring seamless information flow between platforms Regulatory compliance projects that require accurate data management to support financial reporting, tax management, and customs documentation across international markets

Success Factors

Developing deep expertise in both technical data management systems and business process understanding, enabling effective translation between technical capabilities and business requirements while identifying opportunities for process improvement Building strong stakeholder relationships across multiple departments and geographic regions, facilitating effective communication and collaboration in a complex international organization with diverse cultural backgrounds and business practices Maintaining exceptional attention to detail while managing high-volume data operations, ensuring accuracy and consistency in fast-paced environments where data errors can have significant downstream impacts on business operations Demonstrating proactive problem-solving abilities and continuous learning mindset to adapt to evolving business requirements and technological changes in the rapidly advancing field of data management

Market Demand

High demand driven by digital transformation initiatives and supply chain optimization needs. The combination of technical data management skills with business process understanding creates a specialized skill set that is increasingly valuable in the current market, particularly for companies with complex international operations.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Master data management expertise is absolutely essential as it forms the foundation for all business operations, requiring deep understanding of data governance principles, quality assurance processes, and system integration challenges that directly impact business efficiency and accuracy Supply chain operations knowledge is crucial for understanding the business context of data management activities, enabling effective prioritization of data quality issues and alignment with operational requirements in a complex international distribution network Strong communication and collaboration skills are vital for success in this role given the extensive stakeholder interaction required across multiple departments, geographic regions, and cultural contexts within IKEA's global organization

Beneficial Skills

Project management capabilities would enhance effectiveness in leading data improvement initiatives and coordinating cross-functional activities, particularly as the role involves contributing to development of new processes and tools Advanced analytical skills and business intelligence knowledge would provide competitive advantage for career advancement, especially as companies increasingly seek professionals who can bridge the gap between data management and strategic insights Additional language skills beyond English would be valuable given IKEA's international scope and the potential for career mobility across different European markets and global operations

Unique Aspects

Direct involvement in global supply chain operations affecting hundreds of distribution centers worldwide, providing exceptional exposure to international business operations and logistics complexity that few companies can match
Opportunity to work with cutting-edge retail technology and data management systems while contributing to sustainability initiatives that have measurable environmental impact
Access to IKEA's comprehensive business development processes and continuous improvement culture, offering professional development opportunities that are highly valued across the retail and supply chain industries
Integration with Switzerland's business environment and central European location, providing unique advantages for international career development and quality of life

Career Growth

Advancement to senior specialist roles typically occurs within 2-3 years with demonstrated performance and expanded responsibilities. Progression to management positions generally requires 4-5 years of experience plus additional leadership development and strategic thinking capabilities.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Master Data Manager positions with expanded scope covering multiple business areas and direct team leadership responsibilities Business Intelligence Analyst roles focusing on data analytics and insights generation for strategic decision-making Supply Chain Analytics Manager positions that combine data management expertise with strategic supply chain optimization Data Governance Manager roles responsible for establishing enterprise-wide data standards and compliance frameworks

Company Overview

IKEA

IKEA is a global leader in home furnishing retail with a unique business model combining design innovation, cost efficiency, and sustainability initiatives. The company operates through a complex franchise system with multiple legal entities managing different aspects of the business, from retail operations to supply chain management. IKEA Supply AG specifically handles wholesale operations and global distribution, making it a critical component of the company's international supply chain infrastructure.

IKEA maintains a dominant position in the global furniture retail market with significant competitive advantages in supply chain efficiency, product design, and brand recognition. The company's focus on sustainability and circular economy initiatives positions it well for future market trends, while its global presence provides stability and growth opportunities across diverse geographic markets.
The Pratteln location serves as a key operational hub for IKEA's European operations, with Switzerland providing strategic advantages including political stability, favorable business environment, and central location for coordinating across European markets. This positioning offers employees exposure to international business operations while benefiting from Switzerland's high quality of life and professional development opportunities.
IKEA's culture emphasizes collaboration, openness, and continuous improvement, creating an environment where employees are encouraged to contribute ideas and take initiative. The company's focus on sustainability and social responsibility attracts professionals who value purpose-driven work, while the international scope provides opportunities for cross-cultural learning and career mobility across global markets.
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