Community Engagement & Influencer Specialist, IKEA Malaysia

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Community Engagement & Influencer Specialist, IKEA Malaysia

🔹 Company: Ikano-Retail (IKEA Malaysia)

🔹 Location: Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Retail, Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: June 6, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing influencer and KOL strategies for IKEA Malaysia
• Building long-term creator partnerships across lifestyle, home, and design communities
• Managing relationships with influencers, creators, and brand ambassadors across platforms
• Cultivating and supporting a vibrant IKEA digital community through engagement with local voices
• Activating user-generated content, testimonials, and customer spotlights across IKEA Malaysia's digital channels

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of influencer marketing, social media dynamics, and cultural trends to effectively engage local communities and drive brand affinity.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Developing and executing influencer and KOL strategies in alignment with IKEA's brand values and campaign goals

✅ Identifying opportunities to build long-term creator partnerships across lifestyle, home, and design communities

✅ Sourcing, evaluating, and managing relationships with influencers, creators, and brand ambassadors across platforms

✅ Always On Community Management to cultivate and support a vibrant IKEA digital community by engaging with local voices, fans, creators, and loyal customers

✅ Activating user-generated content, testimonials, and customer spotlights across IKEA Malaysia's digital channels

✅ Collaborating with internal teams to ensure influencer content complements broader campaign plans

✅ Ensuring all influencer and community content aligns with IKEA's tone of voice, visual identity, and brand values

✅ Tracking campaign KPIs and delivering post-campaign reports with insights and recommendations

✅ Staying ahead of social, cultural, and content trends to keep IKEA relevant in conversations that matter to Malaysians

✅ Supporting PR-led content or activities primarily for brand building activation

✅ Proactively proposing new ideas, platforms, and formats for influencer and community-driven storytelling

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication, project management, and analytical skills to effectively manage influencer partnerships, community engagement, and campaign performance.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Digital Media, or a related field

Experience: 2-5 years of experience in influencer marketing, social media, or a related field

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in influencer marketing or a related field
• Strong understanding of influencer types, paid vs earned partnerships, and influencer selection criteria
• Knowledge of different social media platforms, content formats, engagement dynamics, algorithms, and audience preferences
• Ability to assess content for different platforms, audiences, and brand moments
• Understanding of local trends, subcultures, and values
• Capable of co-creating briefs and ideas with creators, guiding content that is both creative and strategically aligned with campaign goals

Preferred Skills:

• Certification in Social Media Marketing, Influencer Strategy, or Digital Content Creation
• Experience working with global brands or cross-cultural teams
• Fluency in Malay or another local language

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with relevant experience in influencer marketing, social media, or a related field, along with a strong understanding of local trends and cultural nuances, will be well-suited for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a marketing role in Malaysia with 2-5 years of experience, the estimated salary range for this position is RM 60,000 - RM 90,000 per annum (approximately USD 14,000 - USD 21,000).

Benefits:

• Medical and dental insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Employee discounts on IKEA products
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard office hours (Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM), with flexibility for occasional evening or weekend work as needed.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications. Benefits may be subject to change or may vary depending on the company's policies.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Retail, specifically home furnishings and interior design

Company Size: IKEA Malaysia is part of the Ikano Group, which employs around 8,000 co-workers globally. This makes it a mid-sized company in terms of its global workforce, but it is one of the largest employers in the retail sector in Malaysia.

Founded: Ikano Group was established in 1988, and IKEA Malaysia opened its first store in 1996. The company has since expanded to multiple locations across the country.

Company Description:

• IKEA Malaysia is part of the Ikano Group, which is owned by the Kamprad family, the founders of IKEA
• The company operates in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, with an ambitious expansion plan to bring a little bit of Sweden to new markets in the region
• IKEA Malaysia develops, owns, and operates shopping centers anchored by IKEA and creates walkable communities by including residential, office, and other types of real estate in its development plans

Company Specialties:

• Home furnishings and interior design
• Retail and shopping center development
• Real estate development
• Sustainability initiatives

Company Website: https://www.ikea.com/my/en/

ASSUMPTION: IKEA Malaysia is a well-established company with a strong global brand and a commitment to sustainability and community engagement. This role offers the opportunity to work for a company with a global presence and a strong focus on corporate social responsibility.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a mid-level position within the marketing department, reporting directly to the Marketing Manager.

Reporting Structure: The Community Engagement & Influencer Specialist will report directly to the Marketing Manager and collaborate with internal teams, including social media, public relations, and other marketing departments.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position based in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. The role may require occasional travel to other IKEA stores or events within Malaysia.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a senior role within the marketing department, such as Marketing Manager or Marketing Director
• Expanding responsibilities to include regional or global influencer marketing campaigns
• Transitioning to a related role within the company, such as public relations or event management

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the marketing department and the broader organization. Candidates should be proactive in seeking out opportunities for advancement and demonstrating their value to the company.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, professional office environment with open-plan workspaces and dedicated meeting rooms

Office Location(s): 2, Jalan PJU 7/2, Mutiara Damansara, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

Geographic Context:

• Petaling Jaya is a bustling city located in the Klang Valley, adjacent to Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia
• The office is situated in a modern commercial district with easy access to public transportation, shopping, and dining options
• Malaysia is a multicultural country with a diverse range of languages, religions, and traditions, providing a rich context for community engagement and influencer marketing

Work Schedule: Standard office hours with flexibility for occasional evening or weekend work as needed

ASSUMPTION: The office environment is modern and professional, with opportunities for collaboration and growth. The location in Petaling Jaya provides easy access to urban amenities and cultural experiences, making it an attractive place to work.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening with the HR department
• In-depth interview with the Marketing Manager and/or other relevant stakeholders
• Final interview with the Store Manager or another senior leader

Key Assessment Areas:

• Understanding of influencer marketing and social media trends
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity to local trends and preferences
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Project management and organizational skills
• Creativity and strategic thinking

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant experience in influencer marketing, social media, or a related field
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of local trends, subcultures, and values
• Showcase your ability to create engaging and culturally relevant content
• Prepare questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the company

ATS Keywords: Influencer marketing, social media strategy, community engagement, content creation, public relations, digital marketing, trend analysis, partnership development, campaign management, cultural awareness, user-generated content, brand advocacy, cross-functional collaboration, data analysis, creative briefing, relationship management

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, and candidates should highlight their relevant experience and skills to increase their chances of success.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc.)
• Influencer marketing platforms (e.g., Grin, Upfluence, BrandSnob)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
• Data analysis tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Hootsuite Insights, Sprout Social)

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable using social media platforms, influencer marketing tools, and data analysis tools to effectively manage influencer partnerships and community engagement campaigns.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Simplicity
• Togetherness
• Cost-consciousness
• Renewal
• Respect

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and open to feedback
• Results-driven and proactive
• Culturally sensitive and inclusive

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you share IKEA's company values, and how have you demonstrated these values in your previous roles?
• How do you approach building and maintaining relationships with influencers and community members from diverse backgrounds?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt your content strategy to better resonate with a specific audience or cultural context?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be able to demonstrate a strong fit with IKEA's company values and work style, as well as a commitment to cultural sensitivity and inclusivity.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a high volume of influencer partnerships and community engagement activities
• Balancing the need for authenticity in influencer content with IKEA's brand values and tone of voice
• Keeping up with rapidly evolving social media trends and platforms
• Navigating cultural sensitivities and ensuring that content is relevant and appropriate for local audiences

ASSUMPTION: This role presents both opportunities and challenges, and candidates should be prepared to manage a high volume of work and adapt to a dynamic and evolving landscape.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike traditional marketing roles, this position focuses specifically on influencer marketing and community engagement, requiring a unique set of skills and experience
• While the role is based in Malaysia, the influencer partnerships and community engagement strategies developed may have regional or global implications, providing opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration and learning
• This role offers a unique opportunity to work for a global brand with a strong focus on sustainability and community engagement, providing a platform for professional growth and development

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be aware of the unique nature of this role and the opportunities it presents for professional growth and development within the marketing department and the broader organization.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a regional influencer marketing campaign to launch a new IKEA product line
• Creating a user-generated content series that highlights the stories and experiences of IKEA customers from diverse backgrounds and communities
• Managing a long-term influencer partnership to drive brand awareness and advocacy for IKEA's sustainability initiatives

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and opportunities presented by this role, from campaign development and execution to long-term partnership management and community engagement.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the current influencer marketing landscape in Malaysia and how this role fits into IKEA's broader marketing strategy?
• How does IKEA Malaysia support and collaborate with internal teams, such as social media, public relations, and other marketing departments?
• What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how will success be measured?
• How does IKEA Malaysia approach sustainability and corporate social responsibility, and how can this role contribute to these efforts?
• What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within this role and the broader organization?

ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate a strong interest in the role and the company, as well as a proactive approach to understanding the key responsibilities and opportunities presented by the position.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the IKEA Malaysia careers portal
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills in influencer marketing, social media, or a related field
• Prepare a portfolio or examples of your previous work, demonstrating your ability to create engaging and culturally relevant content
• Follow up with the HR department one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.