Coasties dreaming of a career with IKEA won’t have to wait much longer.

The Swedish homewares giant is set to open its first New Zealand store at Sylvia Park later this year, and it’s hiring big.

Over 500 roles, up from the 400 initially planned.

Recruitment is already under way, with 66 new team members, called “co-workers” at IKEA, onboard and more joining every fortnight through to early November.

Most of the roles, spanning everything from sales to warehouse logistics and the iconic Swedish meatball-serving team, will open to applications in early July.

As of late May, more than 15,000 Kiwis had thrown their hats in the ring.

That says a lot about IKEA’s appeal as a workplace.

From five weeks of paid annual leave to low-cost daily meals in the staff restaurant, the perks go well beyond flat-packs and Allen keys.

“Whether you’re helping a customer pick a sofa or sorting stock in the warehouse, everyone’s in it together,” says Lauren Clegg, People & Culture Manager for IKEA New Zealand. “We’re building careers here, not just filling shifts.”

The Sylvia Park location is about 44.9 kilometres from the Hibiscus Coast, so locals considering the commute will need to weigh up the travel.

That said, some flexible or remote roles in customer service could be a great fit for Coasties keen to join the global brand without the daily drive.

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