Image that illustrates Head of department, grocery sales

Head of department, grocery sales

37 800 kr

Sales-oriented store managers and department managers in stores

34 600 - 41 000 kr / month

Women earn 101% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Head of department, grocery sales

Average salary 37 800 kr
Males 37 500 kr
Females 38 000 kr

What does a Department Manager in Grocery Sales do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Department Manager in grocery sales is responsible for leading and developing a team within a retail environment, often focusing on food and other daily goods. Tasks include planning staffing, optimizing product flow, ensuring quality customer service, and achieving sales targets. The role involves daily contact with staff and customers, as well as close collaboration with the store manager and other department managers. The work environment is often fast-paced and requires the ability to handle rapid changes, while high demands are placed on leadership, structure, and problem-solving skills.

Salary Development Over Time

The salary for a Department Manager in grocery sales has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 35,500 SEK per month, rising to 36 800 SEK in 2023. For 2024, the average salary has reached 37 800 SEK, representing a total increase of nearly 6.5% over the period. This positive trend can be explained by an increased need for qualified leaders in grocery retail, as well as higher demands for skills in both staff management and sales. The demand for experienced managers has contributed to rising salary levels, alongside employer initiatives on gender equality and skills development.

Department Manager, Grocery Sales Salary – Complete Overview

  • Average salary: 37 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 34,600 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 41,000 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 227 SEK
  • Women's average salary: 38 000 SEK
  • Men's average salary: 37,500 SEK
  • Women earn: 101% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on the store's geographic location and size

Education and Qualifications

To work as a Department Manager in grocery sales, a high school diploma is usually required, preferably with a focus on commerce and administration. Many employers view post-secondary studies in leadership or retail economics positively, along with experience from retail environments. Practical experience in grocery retail and documented leadership skills are often crucial for success in the role.

  • High school education: Business and administration program (3 years)
  • Post-secondary studies: Short leadership courses or YH programs (up to 2 years)
  • Certifications: Internal leadership programs and occupational health and safety training
  • Practical experience: Work in retail, preferably with responsibility for staff or a department
  • Prerequisites: Good knowledge of Swedish, mathematics, and communication skills
  • Tips for choosing: Combine education with part-time work in retail to build experience

Many grocery retail department managers get the opportunity to influence product assortment, campaigns, and store layout directly. This offers a unique chance to combine creativity with business thinking, which is uncommon in other managerial roles at a similar level.

– statsskuld.se

Common Benefits and Perks

Department Managers in grocery retail are often offered benefits such as employee discounts, bonus programs based on sales results, wellness contributions, and sometimes additional vacation days. In some cases, educational support, extra days off, and access to corporate health services are included in the employment package.

Market Competition and Challenges

The market for Department Managers in grocery sales is competitive, especially in larger cities where many store chains are established. The fast pace of the industry demands flexibility, resilience under stress, and the ability to quickly adapt to changing customer behaviors. Digitalization and increased demands for efficiency have also led to role development, where leadership skills and technical understanding have become increasingly important. For those wishing to advance, documented experience and a strong network within the industry are often required.

Tips for Aspiring Department Managers in Grocery Sales

To succeed as a Department Manager in grocery sales, it is important to have a strong sense of responsibility, as the role requires making many decisions independently under time pressure. Good communication skills are essential for engaging and clarifying expectations among staff, while a solution-oriented mindset helps when unexpected situations arise. It is also important to show initiative and dare to suggest improvements in store operations. Being attentive to the needs of both customers and colleagues builds trust and long-term relationships. Lastly, an analytical ability in working with sales statistics and resource planning facilitates reaching set goals.

Key Facts About Department Managers in Grocery Sales

  • Education level: High school diploma, often supplemented with shorter post-secondary studies
  • Work environment: Retail environment with high pace and varying working hours
  • Typical working hours: Full-time, sometimes shift work
  • Demand: 550 job openings within the profession according to latest data
  • Gender distribution: Women earn on average 101% of men's salaries in the profession

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years as a Department Manager in grocery sales, it is common to move on to roles such as store manager, district manager, or specialist in procurement and product assortment. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, demand remains strong, especially in larger cities and growing retail chains. Digitalization and increased competition from e-commerce mean that leaders with good technical skills and change management experience are particularly attractive in the job market. For those looking to develop further, opportunities also exist in central offices or in training new managers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Department Managers in Grocery Sales

  • What does a Department Manager in grocery sales earn?
    - The average salary is 37 800 SEK per month, but it may vary depending on experience and region.
  • Are there salary differences between women and men?
    - Yes, women earn on average 101% of what men do within the profession.
  • What education is required to become a Department Manager in grocery retail?
    - High school diploma, preferably supplemented with courses in commerce and leadership, as well as experience from retail.
  • What are the career opportunities?
    - There are good opportunities to advance to store manager, district manager, or specialist roles after a few years of experience.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Leadership skills, resilience under stress, communication ability, and analytical thinking are highly valued.
  • How high is the demand for this profession?
    - There are approximately 550 job openings within the profession right now.
  • What are the most common benefits?
    - Employee discounts, bonuses, wellness allowances, and sometimes extra vacation days are common.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Head of department, grocery sales is 41000 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Privately employed officials with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 37500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Head of department, grocery sales is 34600 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 37500 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 32000 kr 32700 kr
25-34 91% 38100 kr 39300 kr
35-44 93% 35800 kr 36100 kr
45-54 89% 36400 kr 36800 kr
55-64 37600 kr 0 kr
Snitt 101% 37000 kr 37800 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Head of department, grocery sales has the SSYK code 5221, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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