IKEA is hiring a Chief Play Officer – and it could be the perfect job for a youngster in your life.
Posting the job description on LinkedIn today, the Swedish retailer says the role is strictly open to children aged 4-12 only. No adults allowed.
Whilst the position sounds like a dream come true, it’s not all fun and games – the successful kid will actually have some responsibility.
For one whole year, the new Chief Play Officer will be in charge of testing new toys before they launch in IKEA stores.
The role is part of IKEA’s mission to encourage play in the home. Recent research revealed that children are spending an average of 254 hours less playing each year than their parents did at the same age.
Despite most parents (70%) agreeing that play is very important to their kids’ development, unfortunately the pressures of daily life seem to be getting in the way, with 86% wishing that they had more time to spend playing with their children.
And, of course, Covid has had a negative impact too. Almost three fifths (59%) of kids are playing less now than they did before the pandemic. Almost three quarters (74%) of parents say they’ve noticed a change in their child’s mood, with 28% saying they seem less playful.
Job Specification
Do your kids love play and adventure? Do they spend hours turning everyday objects into playthings? Have they transformed your sheets and chairs into magical castles and dens or your mattress into a trampoline?
Well, at IKEA UK & Ireland we think it’s incredibly important to encourage play, which is why we’re searching for our very first Chief Play Officer.
The successful candidate will be responsible for testing IKEA’s new toys in 2021 before they go on sale in the UK and Ireland, making sure they’re fun for other children to play with.
Role Summary
– Chief Play Officer
– Part-time role: Testing new products whenever there’s a new launch
– Salary: All tested toys will be yours to keep
– Based at: Home
What We’re Looking For
– A child passionate about toys who enjoys play
– Must be aged between 4-12 years-old
– Strictly no grown-up applicants
– Creativity is key: the successful candidate will have a vivid imagination and enjoy creating things
Next Steps
– Candidates should submit their application to ikeachiefplayofficer@hopeandglorypr.com
– Applications can take the form of an email, video or anything else – be as creative as you want, and have fun with it!
– Applications are open now until 4th January 2021
· The role will last until 31st December 2021
IKEA’s national charity partner is Barnardo’s, the UK children’s charity supporting vulnerable children. IKEA has now released its sixth annual SAGOSKATT collection – a range of soft toys designed by children, for children, selected through an international drawing competition – with all proceeds going to Barnardo’s.
‘Play is an essential part of everyday life and a basic human right – it allows children to tap into their creativity, relieve stress and spend quality time with friends and family,’ says Thomas Parker, children’s business leader at IKEA.
‘Alongside the benefits of helping a child to grow and learn, play offers endless fun for all the family, and brings bursts of joy and energy to the home.
‘When it comes to play, IKEA believes the home is the most important playground. Space and money should never be a barrier, which is why we offer a vast range of affordable games and activities.
‘The creation of the Chief Play Officer role puts the focus back on play, and gives the power of creation to those who really know their stuff.’
So if you’re a parent, or know any kids with a serious passion for toys – it’s time to sharpen up that CV.
Do you have a story to share? We want to hear from you.
Get in touch: metrolifestyleteam@metro.co.uk.
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