Decoration manager

What does a Decorations Manager do? – Tasks and work environment

A Decorations Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating all work related to decoration, scenography, and environment creation within contexts such as stores, events, theaters, or film productions. The role includes designing overall decoration concepts, planning and budgeting projects, as well as leading and delegating tasks within a team of decorators, carpenters, and other creative professionals. The work environment varies depending on the nature of the business, involving both office work and practical work on-site. The Decorations Manager often needs to work under tight deadlines, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and maintain good communication with both creative colleagues and clients or suppliers.

Salary development over time

The salary for a Decorations Manager has shown steady positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,300 SEK per month, while in 2023 it increased to 39100 SEK. The latest data for 2024 indicates a further rise to 41 100 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 7.3% over the period. This salary trend reflects an increasing demand for skilled leaders in decoration and scenography, where expertise in project management and creative work is increasingly valued. The level of education and experience among practitioners has also risen, contributing to the upward trend. Market demands for specialization and efficiency have made the role more complex, often reflected in salary levels.

Decorations Manager salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 41 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 36,200 SEK/month (female, high school education, private sector)
• Highest salary: 45,600 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, unspecified education)
• Hourly wage: 247 SEK
• Women: 40 200 SEK/month
• Men: 44,400 SEK/month
• Women earn: 91% of what men earn
• Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a Decorations Manager, a combination of relevant education in areas such as interior decoration, scenography, design, or art, along with several years of practical experience in decoration work or leading roles in creative projects, is usually required. A strong visual sense, project management skills, and good communication abilities are essential. Formal education is often supplemented with specialized courses and internships.

• Formal education: University or vocational college education in design, interior decoration, scenography, or art (2–4 years)
• Certifications: Courses in project management and work environment are advantageous
• Internship: Experience in decoration work, preferably with responsibility for teams or projects
• Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of drawing techniques, color theory, and materials
• Tips: Build a portfolio with documented projects and work samples

Common benefits and compensations

Typical benefits for Decorations Managers include wellness allowances, pension schemes, and sometimes access to training and courses in leadership or project management. Flexible working hours, remote work options for certain tasks, and compensation for unsociable hours during major projects or events are also common.

Competition and challenges

The profession of Decorations Manager is highly competitive, especially in metropolitan areas and within established companies or institutions with well-known brands. Challenges often involve balancing creative visions with limited budgets and tight deadlines. Since the role requires both leadership and solid material knowledge, staying updated on new techniques and trends is crucial. The work environment often involves rapid shifts between office planning and physical work on-site, which can be physically and mentally demanding. To stand out, a strong portfolio and good industry relationships are essential.

Tips for aspiring Decorations Managers

To succeed as a Decorations Manager, combining creativity with organizational skills and clear communication is key. Developing a strong portfolio showcasing various projects demonstrates style and versatility, while experience in leading teams makes you more attractive on the job market. Flexibility and the ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions are vital, especially during fast-paced project shifts. A good sense of color and form, along with technical understanding of materials and construction, facilitates collaboration with both creative colleagues and craftsmen. Taking initiatives for further education in project management or digital visualization can also be advantageous. Lastly, building a network is important, as many assignments and positions are obtained through personal contacts and recommendations.

Key facts about Decorations Managers

• Average salary: 41 100 SEK/month
• Education level: University or vocational college education recommended
• Work environment: Varied – both office and fieldwork
• Gender distribution: Women earn 91% of men's salaries
• Available jobs: 620

Career paths and outlook

After three to five years as a Decorations Manager, opportunities open up for roles such as creative director, scenography head, project manager within larger interior design or event companies, or self-employment in design and decoration. The forecast from the Swedish Public Employment Service for the profession of interior decorators, decorators, and scenographers is difficult to specify due to limited data, but the job market is considered stable with a continuous influx of available positions – recently, a total of 620 jobs were reported. Those combining technical understanding with leadership and creativity often have good prospects for career development within related fields, such as project management, concept development, or education.

Common questions about Decorations Managers

• What is the average salary of a Decorations Manager?
  - The average salary for a Decorations Manager is 41 100 SEK per month.
• How do salary differences between men and women look?
  - Men earn an average of 44,400 SEK while women earn 40 200 SEK, which means women have a salary corresponding to 91% of men's.
• What education is required to become a Decorations Manager?
  - Usually, a university or vocational college education in design, interior decoration, or scenography, along with leadership experience, is required.
• What does the job market look like for Decorations Managers?
  - There are approximately 620 available jobs, but no exact future forecast due to limited data.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a Decorations Manager?
  - The highest salary is 45,600 SEK (male, private sector), the lowest is 36,200 SEK (female, high school education, private sector).
• What are the job responsibilities of a Decorations Manager?
  - Responsibilities include leading decoration projects, creating concepts, budgeting, organizing teams, and coordinating collaborations between various professionals.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Current statistics on regional salary differences for Decorations Managers are not available.