Group manager, Swedish Customs

What does a group manager at the Swedish Customs do? – Tasks and work environment

A group manager at the Swedish Customs is responsible for leading and developing a team of customs officers with a focus on ensuring that Sweden's borders are protected against smuggling, illegal trade, and other violations of customs legislation. The tasks include operational leadership and administrative duties such as scheduling, staff development, and quality monitoring of work routines. The group manager acts as a link between operations and management, often working closely with other authorities. The work environment is varied and may involve both office work and presence at border controls, requiring flexibility and the ability to handle urgent situations.

Salary development over time

The salary for a group manager at the Swedish Customs has shown a steady increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,300 SEK per month, increasing to 38 800 in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has risen further to 41,000 SEK, which is an increase of just over 7% over the period. This salary trend reflects an increased demand for experienced leaders within customs and security sectors, as well as an overall improved salary structure within government agencies. Salary differences can also be explained by changing job responsibilities and increased leadership requirements. The positive trend indicates that the profession is increasingly valued, especially in light of rising security challenges at Sweden's borders.

Group Manager, Swedish Customs salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 41,000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 38,500 SEK/month (female, public sector, post-secondary education < 3 years)
• Highest salary: 46,100 SEK/month (male, private sector, high school education < 2 years)
• Hourly wage: 246 SEK
• Men's average salary: 42 000 SEK
• Women's average salary: 39 600 SEK (94% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a group manager at the Swedish Customs, a university degree in law, social sciences, economics, or similar fields is usually required, combined with experience in customs operations or other relevant authority work. Leadership experience is often a prerequisite, and many employers also seek training in leadership and labor law. The role demands high integrity, communication skills, and teamwork abilities.

• Formal education: University degree (3–4 years) in a relevant field
• Leadership training: Internal or external courses/certifications
• Practical experience: Several years of work within customs, security, or public administration
• Prerequisites: Very good Swedish, basic English, Swedish citizenship
• Recruitment: Often internal career progression within the Swedish Customs

Common benefits and compensations

Group managers at the Swedish Customs are often covered by government collective agreements that include occupational pension, extra vacation days, wellness allowances, and opportunities for skills development. Other common benefits include flexible working hours, subsidized lunch, and insurance coverage in case of work-related injury or illness. Some positions may also offer access to staff housing and relocation support.

Competition and challenges

The job market for group managers at the Swedish Customs is influenced by the agency's budget and changes in government investments in border security. Since leadership skills and specialized knowledge are required, competition for these positions is often fierce, especially in larger cities and at international border crossings. The role involves significant responsibility, particularly during urgent operations or in response to changing threat levels, which can be challenging for less experienced leaders. Currently, there are 191 available jobs in the profession, but no specific forecast is made for this role due to limited statistical data. Changes in agency missions and new technological solutions may also impact future requirements and opportunities within the profession.

Tips for aspiring group managers at the Swedish Customs

To succeed as a group manager at the Swedish Customs, it is beneficial to develop strong analytical skills, as the work often requires quick decisions based on complex information. Being communicative and clear facilitates leadership and builds trust within the team. Good teamwork skills are essential since the role involves extensive collaboration both internally and externally. It is also important to demonstrate a strong commitment to societal missions and to handle stressful situations with calmness and integrity. Experience in authority operations or security work provides an advantage during recruitment. Finally, a flexible attitude makes it easier to adapt quickly to changes in the organization.

Key facts about Group Manager, Swedish Customs

• Education level: University degree or equivalent experience
• Work environment: Varied between office and operational tasks
• Typical employment: Full-time with government employment
• Available jobs in the profession: 191
• Gender equality: Women earn 94% of men's salary

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a group manager at the Swedish Customs, there are opportunities to advance to higher managerial roles, such as department head or operational director within the agency. Some choose to specialize further in investigation work or international cooperation, while others move on to leadership roles in other government agencies or security companies. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's statistics, there are 191 available jobs in the profession, but due to limited data, no detailed future forecast is made for this specific position. Nonetheless, the profession is considered to have stable demand, especially given increased global trade and evolving security challenges.

Frequently asked questions about Group Manager, Swedish Customs

• What does a Group Manager at the Swedish Customs earn?
  - A group manager in the Swedish Customs has an average salary of 41,000 SEK per month.
• What are the salary differences between women and men?
  - Women earn an average of 39 600 SEK, which is 94% of men's average salary of 42 000 SEK.
• What education is required to become a group manager at the Swedish Customs?
  - Typically, a university degree in a relevant field and experience in leadership and customs operations are required.
• What is the job market like for group managers at the Swedish Customs?
  - There are 191 available jobs, but no detailed forecast is provided for this specific role.
• What are the common benefits?
  - Occupational pension, extra vacation days, wellness allowance, and opportunities for skills development are common benefits.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - No detailed information about regional differences is available for this profession.
• What are the career opportunities?
  - Further career within the Swedish Customs towards roles such as section chief, or specialization in investigation and international cooperation.