Marketing manager, business-oriented manager

What does a marketing manager – operationally close manager do? Tasks and work environment

A marketing manager with operational responsibility leads and develops the marketing department’s work within companies and organizations. The role involves planning, executing, and following up on marketing strategies, as well as managing budgets, personnel, and results. Tasks often include coordinating campaigns, analyzing market trends, leading marketing teams, and collaborating closely with sales and product development departments. The work environment is usually office-based but may also involve travel and participation in trade shows or customer events. The pace is often high, demanding both strategic thinking and operational leadership.

Salary development over time

The salary for a marketing manager, operationally close manager has shown a clear upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 63,800 SEK, increasing to 70 100 SEK in 2023, which is an increase of about 9.9%. In 2024, the average salary continued to rise to 72,500 SEK, a further increase of just over 3.4% from the previous year. This positive salary development can be linked to increased demand for strategic leaders in marketing, where digitalization and changing consumer behaviors require new skills. At the same time, competition for experienced managers has intensified, pushing up salary levels. Gender differences remain, with women still earning a lower proportion of men's salaries in the profession.

Marketing manager – operationally close manager salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 73 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 55,600 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, less than 3 years of education)
• Highest salary: 78,900 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, at least 3 years of post-secondary education)
• Hourly wage (average): 440 SEK
• Women: 66 300 SEK/month (87% of men's salary)
• Men: 76 100 SEK/month

Education and qualifications

To work as a marketing manager with operational responsibility, a post-secondary education in marketing, economics, or a similar field is usually required. Many employers also seek leadership experience and documented knowledge in strategic marketing. Relevant work experience, preferably from leadership roles in the business sector, is often advantageous.

• Post-secondary education: Bachelor's degree in marketing, economics, or similar (3 years or more)
• Leadership courses: Certifications and further training in leadership and project management
• Internship/trainee: Early practical experience through trainee programs or internships
• Prerequisites: High school diploma with focus on economics, marketing, or society
• Online courses: Opportunities for supplementary studies in digital marketing and analysis

Common benefits and compensations

Marketing managers in operational roles are often offered company cars, occupational pensions, bonus schemes, and wellness allowances. Other common benefits include flexible working hours, remote work options, skills development, insurance packages, and subsidized lunches.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as marketing manager in operational areas is high, especially in metropolitan regions where many companies operate within marketing and communication. Digitalization and rapid changes in customer behaviors place high demands on continuous skills development. Success requires both strategic insight and the ability to quickly translate analyses into practical actions. Challenges also include balancing personnel responsibilities, budgets, and results, while external changes and new technologies influence the marketing landscape.

Tips for those aspiring to become a marketing manager with operational responsibility

To succeed as a marketing manager with operational responsibility, it is good to be both analytical and communicative, as the role requires transforming complex marketing data into clear strategies and messages. Strong leadership is essential, so early experience with personnel responsibility and team management is beneficial. Flexibility is an important trait, as the market changes rapidly and new tools and working methods often need to be implemented. Continuing education in digital marketing and project management increases the chances of success. Initiative is highly valued, especially in situations where quick decisions must be made. Good collaboration skills facilitate work with other departments and external partners, and the ability to inspire and engage the team is often crucial for achieving set goals.

Key facts about marketing managers – operationally close managers

• Education level: Post-secondary degree, often at least 3 years
• Work environment: Office-based, fast-paced
• Work form: Full-time, often daytime but with flexible options
• Demand: 758 available jobs within the profession according to current statistics
• Gender differences: Women earn 87% of what men do in the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a marketing manager with operational responsibility, further development can lead to roles such as marketing director, business area manager, or CEO, depending on the company's size and structure. Many also choose to specialize in digital marketing or strategic business development. The Swedish Public Employment Service considers the future outlook to be good, especially for candidates with experience in digital transformation and change management. The demand for competent marketing managers remains high, confirmed by the fact that there are 758 available jobs in the profession according to current statistics.

Frequently asked questions about marketing managers – operationally close managers

• What does a marketing manager, operationally close manager earn?
  - The average salary is 73 100 SEK per month, but varies depending on experience, education, and employer.
• What are the gender differences in salary for a marketing manager, operationally close manager?
  - Women earn 66 300 SEK on average, which corresponds to 87% of men's salary at 76 100 SEK.
• What education is needed to become a marketing manager with operational responsibility?
  - Post-secondary education in marketing, economics, or similar is recommended.
• What are the lowest and highest salaries within the profession?
  - The lowest salary is 55,600 SEK, and the highest is 78,900 SEK per month depending on gender, education, and employment type.
• What career opportunities are there after a few years in the profession?
  - Advancement to marketing director, business area manager, or CEO is common for experienced marketing managers.
• What is the job market like for marketing managers?
  - The job market is strong with 758 available positions according to current statistics.