What does a material manager do? – Tasks and work environment
A material manager primarily works to ensure the flow of goods and materials in warehouses, terminals, or production. Tasks include receiving, registering, storing materials, inventory, and distribution to internal or external customers. The role requires precision and a sense of responsibility since the quality of material handling directly affects production and deliveries. The work environment is often physically active and may involve shift work, especially in larger warehouses or logistics centers, where high pace and collaboration with other functions are common.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, the salary for material managers has increased steadily. In 2022, the average salary was 31,000 SEK per month, rising to 32 100 SEK in 2023 and further to 33 400 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 7.7% over three years, with a particularly noticeable rise in the last year. The salary development reflects a somewhat increased demand for logistics skills and the overall wage trend in the labor market, while the role also involves more qualified tasks as digitalization and automation increase. Despite this, the salary level remains relatively stable, partly explained by an oversupply of labor in the profession and high competition for positions.
Material manager salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 33 400 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 25,900 SEK/month (male, public sector, lower education)
- Highest salary: 35,500 SEK/month (female, private sector, post-secondary education)
- Hourly wage: 201 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Women earn on average 32 700 SEK, men 33 600 SEK (women 97% of men's salary)
- Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on region and employer
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a material manager often goes via high school with a focus on logistics, warehousing, or transportation, but people with experience from similar roles in warehouse or terminal operations are also recruited. Post-secondary education in logistics or material administration can be advantageous, especially for larger workplaces or more qualified positions. Practical experience and good knowledge of IT systems and warehouse management programs are highly valuable.
- High school education: Focus on logistics, warehousing, or transportation (3 years)
- Post-secondary education: Logistics or material administration (1–3 years, advantageous)
- Certifications: Forklift licenses and safety courses
- Practical experience: Warehouse work, material handling or similar
- IT skills: Familiarity with warehouse management systems and digital tools
Many material managers quickly take on a central role at the workplace and often act as a link between warehouse staff, purchasing, and production. Good communication and prioritization skills are therefore crucial for success in the profession.
Common benefits and compensations
Material managers are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pensions, insurances, and wellness contributions. Overtime allowances for shift work are also common, along with opportunities for further training and internal career paths. In some cases, bonus or incentive systems are used, especially in larger companies.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as a material manager is relatively high, due to an oversupply of labor in the warehouse and terminal workforce. The Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts show limited opportunities for employment nationwide and an expected unchanged demand over the next five years. Digitalization and automation also increase requirements for technical skills and the ability to manage new systems, which can be a challenge for those unfamiliar with IT-supported warehouse management. At the same time, the development offers opportunities for those flexible and willing to further educate themselves to strengthen their position in the labor market.
Tips for those wanting to become a material manager
To succeed as a material manager, it’s good to combine structure and initiative with a genuine interest in logistics. Showing precision in everything from inventory to documentation quickly builds trust with employers, while analytical skills facilitate problem-solving and prioritization. Good collaboration and communication skills are essential for coordinating between different departments, and being flexible helps with changing routines or shifts. A willingness to continuously develop IT skills and learn new systems also provides a clear advantage in the job market.
Key facts about the Material Manager
- Education level: High school, often supplemented with certificates
- Work environment: Warehouse, terminal, or production environment with physical work
- Work hours: Usually shift or daytime, depending on the workplace
- Demand: Limited opportunities for work, oversupply of labor
- Special skills: IT systems, forklift licenses, logistics understanding
Career paths and future prospects
After a few years in the profession, a material manager can advance to roles such as warehouse manager, logistics coordinator, or purchasing assistant. Further education in logistics or supply chain management often leads to greater responsibility or specialized assignments, e.g., process development or digital warehouse management. However, forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicate that job opportunities within the profession are limited and expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, which means competition for qualified positions can be fierce. At the same time, there are several hundred job openings in warehousing and terminal operations, showing that the labor market still offers good opportunities for those with the right skills and experience.
Frequently asked questions about Material Manager
- What is the average salary for a material manager?
- The average salary for a material manager is 33 400 SEK per month.
- What are the highest and lowest salaries for a material manager?
- The highest salary is 35,500 SEK and the lowest is 25,900 SEK per month.
- What do gender differences look like for a material manager's salary?
- Women earn on average 32 700 SEK, men 33 600 SEK per month.
- What education is required to become a material manager?
- High school education with a focus on logistics or warehousing is most common; sometimes post-secondary education and forklift licenses are required.
- What is the job market like for material managers?
- Opportunities for employment are limited nationwide, and competition is high, but there are over 400 job openings within the profession.
- What does a material manager do?
- Responsible for receiving, registering, storing, and distributing materials, as well as inventory and coordination.
- What career opportunities are available for a material manager?
- Further development can lead to roles such as warehouse manager, logistics coordinator, or specialized logistics services.
