JYSK.co.uk
Choose JYSK - a job with a future
There is strong team spirit at JYSK. p. 2.
/career »I have always had the opportunity to develop.« p. 3.
A career at JYSK Are you someone who can create results and motivate others? Are you looking for a job in an international group, offering a wide range of challenges? Do you want to work in a place where hard work, decisiveness and talents are rewarded? Then you should choose JYSK. If you want to create your own career and gain responsibility quickly, JYSK is the place for you. JYSK is an ambitious expanding retail company with a mission to provide everyone with a great offer within 'sleeping and living'. JYSK employees are the most important resource - we are always looking for talented managers with a winning mentality, who want to be at the forefront of a successful organization with a distinctive concept. Excellent opportunities
JYSK recruits on average, four managers per week - individuals who are looking for a challenging career and who are prepared to become part of JYSK's continued expansion plans. "If you can create results through a team, then there are excellent opportunities for you to gain promotion within JYSK. We don’t look for fancy certificates, but for the right attitude. If you have what it takes, we will provide you with targeted training," says Jan Verhoek, HR Director at JYSK. The JYSK group currently has approximately 1,850 stores in 35 countries and opens, on average, three stores a week somewhere around the world.
MARTINA JOINED JYSK AS A STORE ASSISTANT IN 1995. SHE IS NOW A RETAIL MANAGER AND PART OF THE MANAGEMENT TEAM IN SWEDEN.
Find out more about in JYSK by visiting
JYSK.co.uk
Jenni will soon become a Store Manager p. 8.
p. 2.
JYSK.co.uk
CAREER PAPER · JYSK · 2011
Company culture
A strong company culture Working at JYSK can mean hard work, but with a strong team spirit, everyone can work towards the same goal. Lars Larsen, founder and owner of JYSK.
JYSKs HISTORY In 1979, businessman Lars Larsen opened his first JYSK Sengetøjslager; as stores were called until 2001, with great success in Denmark's second largest city of Aarhus. Lars Larsen always wanted to expand, and in 1984 opened in Germany; the first country outside of Denmark. Over the following five years, JYSK opened stores in four more countries, including Norway. Lars Larsen soon became famous in Denmark, appearing on TV screens when national television adverts came to Denmark in 1988; Lars Larsen was one of the first people to use his persona commercially. 10 years later, in 1994 Lars Larsen celebrated his 50th birthday. By this time, JYSK was present in nine countries and things were starting to take off. Over the following five years, five new countries were added to JYSK’s expansion plans; including Poland and the Czech Republic. In 2002, Lars Larsen was nominated for "World Entrepreneur of the Year" in the accountancy firm Ernst & Young's recognised growth creation competition. In 2005, store number 1000 opened. This number has almost doubled with JYSK stores now in 35 countries - the latest additions being China and Serbia. In 2009, Lars Larsen was awarded the Cross of the Order of Dannebrog by the Danish Royal Family. The following year JYSK was able to call itself 'Purveyor to Her Majesty the Queen of Denmark'. To find out more, visit JYSK.co.uk.
Retail Manager Dražen Eldić and others from the head office in the Balkans help serve customers at a store opening in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina.
After more than 30 years, JYSK has grown into a global group as well as a recognised and professional retail chain, with a successful concept. One of the main reasons for JYSK’s success is a strong company culture. This originates from Lars Larsen's entrepreneurial approach and straighttalking way of doing business. All employees are given plenty of responsibility; working hard and pulling in the same direction, in a culture that is very down-to-earth. "The atmosphere is very informal, and cooperation is a key concept for us," says Croatian Dražen Eldić, Retail Manager, JYSK West Balkans. The boss does the vacuuming
By Appointment to The Royal Danish Court JYSK
It comes naturally to him to help JYSK store employees, especially when a new store opens he is well aware of the signal he is sending to the employees.
"It is motivating when people from head office give a helping hand. It encourages team spirit, and I can see the employees talking to each other when I move a box or pick up the vacuum. But it helps to attract and retain our employees, and I know that the news spreads that we help each other," he explains that JYSK in the Balkans receives CV's and applications on a daily basis.
Find out more about JYSK by visiting JYSK.co.uk
p. 3.
JYSK.co.uk
CAREER PAPER · JYSK · 2011
Career development
Retail Manager Martina Hangby talks to a Store Manager. She particularly likes the short decision-making process and the flat structure within JYSK. “It makes it easier to solve problems and move on. It is easy to contact the relevant people at all levels,” she says.
“I HAVE NEVER BEEN BORED” Martina Hangby started at JYSK in 1995 as a store assistant. Today, she has tried just about everything and is now part of the management team at JYSK Sweden. "I have always moved forward and been given new challenges - both at a personal and professional level. This has been crucial to my motivation and is the reason that I have stayed with JYSK for so long" says 34-year-old Martina Hangby, Retail Manager at JYSK Sweden. Martina joined JYSK at 18 as a store assistant after finishing business school and has created a working life which has continuously taken steps up the career ladder from sales assistant, Store Manager and District Manager to Retail Manager. Today Martina is also part of the management team at JYSK Sweden. "I have constantly wanted to learn more about store operations and management, which I have been able to whilst at JYSK. Our internal training programmes give you a solid foundation for success in your job regardless of the level you are working at, and I have never been bored," says Martina, who has been able to combine her JYSK career with having children. Want to be the best
JYSK opened in Sweden in 1991, Martina has been part of the growth in a country, which is currently
one of JYSK's biggest markets. Her diverse experience means that she understands store operations at all levels. "I work hard at making my region the best within JYSK. I know most of the challenges we face because I have faced them myself," she says about her current job, which includes developing four District Managers who are responsible for generating results together with 35 Store Managers. Despite loving her job, she likes to dream about greater things. "If the job as Country Manager in Sweden should become vacant one day, I would like to apply," she says.
Find out more about JYSK by visiting JYSK.co.uk
+
JYSK has ambitious expansion plans which require many talents. Stores are small, so you quickly gain responsibility.
16.000 - over 16,000 people work within the JYSK group in the following 35 countries: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Iceland, Canada, Greenland, the Faroe Islands, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Kosovo, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Romania, France, Albania, UK, Slovenia, Macedonia, Croatia, Italy, Spain, Bosnia-Herzegovina, China and Serbia. 26-year-old Jimmi Hansen became Store Manager in Skive, Denmark when he was 21. “I thought the retail sector would be boring, but it turns out its not. I was given responsibility early on, and that helped me to mature� he says. Find out more about JYSK by visiting JYSK.co.uk
Responsibility matures +
If you have the ability and the drive, it is possible to move up within JYSK. JYSK believes in equal opportunities for all roles within the company.
JYSK.co.uk
Choose JYSK - a job with a future
/career
p. 6.
JYSK.co.uk
CAREER PAPER 路 JYSK 路 2011
Development
Store operation training mainly takes place in-store at JYSK. Sales Leader Louise L酶jstrup from Skive, Denmark practises her mattress-selling skills.
The best training Developing employees is a strategic focus area at JYSK. All managers in store operations have been through a detailed development program; which is provided for all new managers joining JYSK. JYSK develops its own training and development programmes for all employees in store operations - for those who want to stay where they are and for those who have the ambition and potential to advance within the company. JYSK does not judge people on the basis of their academic ability, but on whether they have the right attitude; because getting on in JYSK requires perseverance. An employee who is not afraid of getting their hands dirty, likes responsibility and generates results has an excellent opportunity to develop within JYSK.
"When we do role play, we use one trainer for four participants. It is effective and unique to JYSK. We focus on feedback and the development of each individual," explains Lise-Lotte Kromann, HR Development Manager at JYSK. Follow-up is important
Training and development programmes are closely combined with regular follow-up and assessment. "You develop by applying the new knowledge you have just acquired, sparring with your manager and qualified colleagues," says Lise-Lotte. On-the-job training Managers have to follow up regularly on A training programme at JYSK is structured in a employee training, evaluate and look forward at practical way and takes place mainly 'on the job'. the annual job appraisal interview. This means that training is based on actual events and challenges that occur in everyday situations in store. 80% of training will take place as practical training in the form of role play, dialogue, group work and competitions in store. Find out more about JYSK by visiting JYSK.co.uk
+
E-learning is an important training tool at JYSK. Store assistants take online courses in e.g. product knowledge, sales and service, store concepts and management. E-learning is used as preparation for a wide range of practical training. This means that all employees have a basic knowledge to build upon.
p. 7.
JYSK.co.uk
CAREER PAPER 路 JYSK 路 2011
JYSK values At the beginning, JYSK owner Lars Larsen was able to do everything himself; Serving customers, writing signage and ordering stock. He opened the store in the morning, and closed it again in the evening. The JYSK store network is now international, but three core values exist throughout all countries: Good leadership, good colleagues and team spirit. These remain the fundamental approach to ensuring that the customers get a great offer every day.
TRAIN THE TRAINER JYSK develops its trainers on the basis of the 'train the trainer' principle. An employee who is to work as a trainer is the first to be trained. This employee then acts as a co-trainer after which they will carry out training alone. A trainer may be a Store Manager who is going to train their employees, a District Manager who is going to train their Store Managers or a person with specialised tasks.
3 The number of stores opened by JYSK each week somewhere around the world.
A strong team spirit is one of the core values within JYSK.
JYSK LEADERSHIP Employees are developed through good management. A JYSK manager must ensure that results are always being achieved. A manager should enforce our values and ensure that our goals and expectations are clearly defined for all employees. A manager is visible and should manage as required. JYSK leadership is characterised by managers possessing good skills as leaders, coaches and communicators. See also page 13.
Roman Praznik 39 years old, National Concept Coordinator, JYSK West Balkans; 3 years with JYSK.
"The JYSK values are followed and are not just empty words. I clearly sense this when I visit the four countries I work in. For example, everyone is able to work together regardless of their job title."
p. 8.
JYSK.co.uk
CAREER PAPER · JYSK · 2011
Nurturing talent
Store Managers ready in the wings One of the most important talent programmes at JYSK is the Store Manager Trainee programme (SMT). It ensures that JYSK has qualified Store Managers ready when the need arises. Participants in the SMT programme are usually Sales Leaders; the no. 2 in the store. But they may also be particularly talented area managers or externally recruited candidates. Who all have the ambition and potential to
become visible and strong leaders. The SMT programme is built up around five teaching modules running for approximately one week each. Between each module participants work on the subjects they have learnt, and each participant has a talented Store Manager assigned as a mentor throughout the period.
Training as Store Manager Jenni Salminen from Finland joined the company as a parttime sales assistant two years ago. She is now training to be a Store Manager and hopes to be given her own store within a few years. As Sales Leader, 26-year-old Jenni Salminen is part of the management team at the JYSK store, Uusikaupunki in southwest Finland, but her next goal is to become the manager. Jenni is well on her way as she is among JYSK Finland's 14 participants in the Store Manager Trainee programme. "I'm provided with the relevant knowledge and I'm learning a lot that I will be able to use every day; for example, about store operations and how to motivate my colleagues. I want to be a good manager who generates results. Having responsibility motivates me a great deal," she says. Jenni hopes that she will be able to manage her own store within a few years. What will happen after that, she doesn’t know, but a job as District Manager sounds good to her.
Find out more about JYSK by visiting JYSK.co.uk
Finnish Jenni Salminen is training to become Store Manager and she is looking forward to being in charge of her own store.
p. 9.
JYSK.co.uk
CAREER PAPER · JYSK · 2011
What the SMT programme looks like Module 1
Module 2
Module 3
Module 4
Module 5
On the first day, participants get to know each other through team building. The module ensures that JYSK's history, culture, business concept, values and management framework get known by everyone. Concepts, planning tools, communication channels and JYSK's way of doing business are reviewed.
This module is about stock control and regulations as well as product ordering. The module also focuses on the working environment and safety, including money handling and theft/robbery.
Participants are now familiar with most aspects of store operations and routines so this module focuses on management skills and how to develop and motivate employees. The module includes lessons in store finance, goal management and key figures.
This module trains efficient planning of staff, meetings, feedback methods and JYSK leadership in practice. Between modules 4 and 5, participants are responsible for the management and operation of one store over an extended period.
The final module includes lessons in recruitment and the introduction of new employees. Profile analysis of potential employees are reviewed and management skills are taught. The module concludes with an assessment of the whole course.
On the way to becoming District Manager 28-year-old Azam Chrakie has reached both first and second place in Denmark as Store Manager in an annual competition called ‘Store of the Year’. Now he is taking a step further and training to be District Manager in another of JYSK's talent programmes: District Manager Trainee. "I set myself high expectations. This is why I'm very motivated by the greater challenges which I will face in gaining responsibility for 10 Store Managers," he says.
Find out more about JYSK by visiting JYSK.co.uk
Danish Azam Chrakie has been very successful as Store Manager. Now he wants to move on.
80% The percentage of the Store Manager Trainee programme participants that will become Store Managers within six months of completing their development programme.
Qualified in less than a year The Store Manager Trainee programme runs once or twice a year, and the course must be completed within one year. For internally recruited participants, the course runs for 7-10 months, where as external candidates have to complete an 8-12-week induction course in addition to this.
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JYSK.co.uk
CAREER PAPER 路 JYSK 路 2011
Working week
At work with Bernadett Hungarian Bernadett F枚ldi, 30, has worked at JYSK for over four years. She joined JYSK as a sales assistant, quickly became Sales Leader and for the past 18 months has managed one of JYSK's 11 stores in Budapest. Her dream is to become District Manager, but at the moment she is enjoying working as a Store Manager. Bernadett's typical working week could look like this: Monday
Before I open the store, I gather my staff for a team briefing in the morning, I stock check and make a list of the day's tasks so that everyone knows what needs to be done. Our internal auditor arrives for an audit, and we prepare the stock room for tomorrow's deliveries. We sell two expensive mattresses just before we close, and the audit ends with a super result - great! Tuesday
I start early as deliveries arrive at 8.30 am. There are only 10 pallets, but they are big enough to make the stock room employees sweat. Many reserved mattresses arrive so we are now able to inform customers. Then we need to prepare for the up and coming sale. Wednesday
We start to get ready for the next campaign. The afternoon is busy as many customers arrive to collect their mattresses. At the end of the day, we change prices and marketing materials to fit in with the campaign. Before I go home, I give my employees feedback on the day. Thursday
First I brief everyone on the day's campaign kick-off. We complete role plays based on actual customer enquiries to prepare our sales technique. I order products for tomorrow based on feedback from my Area Managers and we finish as one of the top five stores in Hungary. Everyone is tired, but no one leaves without seeing the sales figures. Seeing the smiles makes all the hard work worth it. Friday
I check that all products are ready for the weekend and that all prices are correct. I also check how many products we sold yesterday to see if anything else needs adjusting. The main tasks of the day are to sell and ensure that the shelves are fully stocked. I spend a lot of time at the store, and we are well on our way to winning an internal sales contest. Saturday
Day off.
Sunday
Day off.
Find out more about JYSK by visiting JYSK.co.uk
Bernadett F枚ldi from Hungary dreams of becoming District Manager, but right now she is happy to be Store Manager.
p. 11.
JYSK.co.uk
CAREER PAPER 路 JYSK 路 2011
Did you know...
JYSK.tv
That in 2004 JYSK's owner Lars Larsen distributed his autobiography free of charge to 2.4 million Danish households to celebrate JYSK's 25th anniversary? The book has since been translated into 10 languages and a copy is given to all new employees.
On JYSK.tv you will find many films about JYSK, including films about JYSK's owner Lars Larsen, the company itself and the career opportunities available. New films are added constantly, so keep an eye on it!
Contest
Contests encourage team spirit Team spirit means a lot at JYSK. Employees run, party and compete together - because a JYSK employee loves to win. Competitions and team spirit are part of everyday life at JYSK. Each store checks its sales figures every day - to see how the store is doing in comparison to other stores in the country. And are there red or green figures compared to last year? "I'm very interested in the sales figures. It gives me a kick competing against other stores, and it motivates me to do that little bit extra," says Jimmi Hansen, Store Manager in Skive, Denmark. The best are chosen
During the year many competitions are organised between stores, they may be; who provides the best service or sells the most in a certain period, who is able to reduce absence due to illness the most or who sells most of a certain article. When the year is over, some competitions are totalled up and the three best stores of the year are selected.
Having fun
Each country also organises plenty of activities which are about competition, but also about having fun together. In Denmark, for example, employees from head office participate in an annual campaign to get more people to ride a bike to work whilst others participate in company sports such as football, bowling and badminton. Many employees take part in a wide range of races in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Hungary and Great Britain. And then there are all the parties... Socialising with your colleagues outside work means a lot - luckily, this happens all the time at JYSK.
Find out more about JYSK by visiting JYSK.co.uk
20 Hungarian and Slovenian employees spent two days team building in Slovenia when JYSK opened its first store in that country in 2008.
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JYSK.co.uk
CAREER PAPER 路 JYSK 路 2011
Worked hIS way to the top Rami Jensen, 35, joined JYSK in 1994 behind the till, then became Store Manager, District Manager, Retail Manager in Hungary, Country Manager in Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia, before he became Retail Director. He is currently responsible for day-to-day store operations in 10 countries.
"When I started at JYSK, I didn't think I would stay this long, but every time I've wanted to do something new, I've been able to."
INTERNATIONAL
A world of possibilities With stores around the world, JYSK offers excellent international opportunities. Justyna from Poland has worked in both Great Britain and China. With a fast-growing global store network, JYSK offers excellent job opportunities abroad. For example, store openings in new countries may require skills in setting up the store, employee training or in store operations such as sales assistants or, at a higher level, District Manager.
Bigger, bigger, biggest JYSK has always expanded and in 30 years the company has expanded from being just one store to being a global group. Continued expansion and development of the store network is vital to the future of JYSK. Lars Larsen, JYSK's owner, has repeatedly said that he wants JYSK to become bigger than McDonald's.
More tolerant
One of the people to jump at the chance was Justyna Grajko, 38, from Poland. Firstly, she worked in Manchester, Great Britain for 15 months before going to Shanghai, China for a year. In both instances, she was sent out to help with JYSK's first store opening in those countries as National Concept Coordinator with the responsibility of ensuring that the new stores follow JYSK's concepts. "I love change and have met many new people. It has been interesting to get to know two different cultures, and it has expanded my horizon - also on
a personal level. I have become more patient and tolerant," says Justyna who has also improved her English skills which has been very important to her. Wants to go again
Now back in Poland where she also works on concept development; but her suitcase has hopefully not seen the last of its travels. "I was a bit concerned about going to China which is so different to Europe, but after having lived there, I'm ready for anything," she says.
Find out more about JYSK by visiting JYSK.co.uk
Wants to be Country Manager Zhu Xiao Hu, 30, National Concept Coordinator, China; one year with JYSK.
"I have already been promoted twice and I like my current job, but I want to be District Manager and then Retail Manager within five years. In the long term, I dream of becoming Country Manager in another Asian country."
Promotion to top level JYSK International Retail Academy (JIRA) is JYSK's elite development programme for managers with the potential to reach the very top in JYSK. The programme supports JYSK's expansion strategy and ensures that Country Managers are ready for the new countries.
Justyna Grajko from Poland joined JYSK as a sales assistant nine years ago. After a few years as Store Manager, she applied for new challenges and got them in the form of being sent to both Great Britain and China.
How to be a good manager at JYSK:
Coach - you are developing, involving, focused and give feedback. You enter into dialogue with your employees.
LEADER - you are result-orientated, decisive, responsible and proactive.
You set up frameworks, goals and have an appreciative approach. But you are also able to provide honest feedback if things are going less well.
You take responsibility and generate results. You are at the forefront of observing JYSK values and are able to make decisions. But you are also prepared to change a decision if it turns out to be wrong.
Communicator - you are visible, motivational, convincing and informative. You communicate a lot with your employees. You get everyone to work towards the same goal and pull in the same direction. But you show the way with a positive attitude.
80%
The percentage of managers that are recruited internally at JYSK. Find out more about JYSK by visiting JYSK.co.uk
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JYSK.co.uk
CAREER PAPER · JYSK · 2011
Career paths
Protects rain forests in Brazil
See all the options In this summary you will find all the options and career paths that JYSK has to offer. You can pursue a career at several levels - either in the retail organisation, administration or distribution. But there are also many opportunities in store if you want to gain more responsibility than you have as a sales assistant - even if the Store Manager job is not for you just at the moment. You can always advance at a later stage.
JYSK supports a Brazilian project, in which one million square metres of rain forest are protected by the Climate Tree which JYSK has helped to develop. The Climate Tree is something companies can use to become involved in rain forest projects. Find out more at www.tft-forests. org/climate-tree.
Country Manager Retail Manager District Manager
Concept Coordinator
District Manager Trainee
Store Supporter
Did you know... That all hardwood furniture at JYSK is FSCcertified? FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council, and in an FSC forest no more trees are cut down than the forest can naturally replace. Animals and plant life are protected, and the people who work in the forest are provided with training, safety equipment and a decent wage.
Store Manager
Supports disabled sports
Store Manager Trainee Administrative Responsible
Sales Leader
Logistics Responsible
Area Responsible Sales Assistant
JYSK is the main sponsor of the disabled sports associations in Denmark, Norway and Sweden. JYSK Franchise also supports disabled sports in Canada, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, as well as in Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
New colleagues Approximately 1,000 new employees join JYSK every year as a result of the company's fast expansion plan - which means many store openings. See the latest updated number of stores on JYSK's interactive, historical timeline at kortlink.dk/8p9n
Various jobs abroad
Various jobs in the head office, e.g. • • • • • • • • • •
Purchasing Human Resources Finance Retail Development IT Service Centre Internal Audit Sales and Expansion Marketing Communication
Various jobs in the distribution centres
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JYSK.co.uk
CAREER PAPER · JYSK · 2011
Ambassadors
reasons to choose JYSK:
Michelle Potts
Juray Karvay
Zlatan Bajić
"As an employee you have a high degree of independence regardless of your specific job. JYSK is open to both change and new processes that can improve the company, and it is proactive more than reactive."
"The company's greatest strength is its approach to its employees who are helped to develop their careers through a wide range of development programmes. In addition, the company's strong focus on good customer service is very positive."
"The atmosphere itself is really good and very down-to-earth. My job is dynamic, and promotion prospects are good. JYSK is a well-established company which is well-organised and salaries are always paid on time."
35 years old, Store Manager in York, Great Britain; 2.5 years with JYSK.
27 years old, Sales Leader in Prague, the Czech Republic; 2.5 years with JYSK.
33 years old, Store Manager in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, one year with JYSK.
Interested in A CAREER WITH JYSK? If you want to find out more about the opportunities JYSK has to offer, please contact JYSK's head office. You will find the contact details at www.jysk.co.uk where you can also find out more about JYSK.
Micko Savic
42 years old, former Store Manager in Stockholm, Sweden - now Store Manager in Belgrade, Serbia, 4 years with JYSK. "There are many of opportunities. I was born in Serbia, but came to Sweden when I was two months old. I have always dreamt of returning with my family and getting to know my native country, and that is now possible with JYSK. I will be one of the first employees in JYSK Serbia so hopefully I can grow with the company."
Svein Ove Beheim
Vladimíra Zmeškalová
"JYSK is a robust and professional company with a sound economic base. If things go badly for a single store or country, we don't close down because we have the resources to keep on fighting. This provides a sense of security, particularly with the financial crisis still fresh in our memories. It is also fun to work in an expanding company."
"JYSK looks after its employees, and the company's bonus scheme is motivating. The company also provides good career opportunities, and my current job is far beyond what I ever expected when I started working in a JYSK store."
40 years old, Retail Manager in Norway, 3.5 years with JYSK.
45 years old, District Manager in Central Slovakia; 5 years with JYSK.
JYSK.co.uk
Choose JYSK - a job with a future
/career Marc Oost Store Manager in Emmen, the Netherlands 36 years old
All JYSK employees in this paper appear under their own names, with actual ages and workplaces indicated.