Material planner, civil engineer

What does a materials planner do in industry? – Tasks and work environment

A materials planner with a background in engineering is responsible for ensuring that the right materials are available at the right place and time in the production process. Tasks include forecasting material needs, delivery planning, coordination with suppliers and production departments, and optimizing inventory levels. The role requires advanced knowledge of logistics, production economics, and often experience with digital planning systems (ERP). The work is mainly in an office environment, but regular meetings in manufacturing settings and close collaboration with purchasing and production are common. A high pace, accuracy requirements, and managing complex flows characterize the work environment for a materials planner in industry.

Salary development over time

The salary development for materials planners with a master’s degree has been clearly positive in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 46,600 SEK per month, which increased to 49 200 SEK in 2023 and further to 51 000 SEK per month in 2024. This represents a salary increase of nearly 9.4% over three years. This trend reflects increased demand for logistics specialists with technical backgrounds, especially as industry digitalizes and supply chains become more complex. The shortage of experienced materials planners and engineering graduates in logistics has also pushed salaries upward, while employers compete for expertise in this key role.

Materials planner, civil engineer salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 51 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 44,300 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 54,100 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Hourly wage (average): 307 SEK
• Women: 49 700 SEK/month (96% of men's salary)
• Men: 51 600 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Data varies, but higher salaries are often seen in metropolitan regions and larger industrial clusters

Education and qualifications

To work as a materials planner with a master’s degree, a university or engineering degree in logistics, industrial economics, mechanical engineering, or equivalent is usually required. In addition to formal education, experience in production planning, knowledge of advanced planning systems, and the ability to analyze and optimize logistical flows are highly valued. Internships during studies and relevant certifications can improve employability.

• Education: Master’s degree (5 years) or bachelor’s degree (3 years) in logistics/production
• Courses/certifications: APICS, Lean Six Sigma, ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
• Internships: Recommended during studies for industry experience
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility, mathematics, technology, and science from high school
• Tips: Choose specialization in logistics or production for best alignment with the profession

Common benefits and compensation

Materials planners with a master's degree are often offered competitive benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowances, and flexible working hours. Other common compensations include bonus incentives, remote work options, and subsidized lunch or employee discounts. The extent of benefits varies depending on employer and sector, but conditions are generally good within industry.

Competition and challenges

The market for materials planners with engineering skills is characterized by high competition for the most attractive positions, especially within larger industrial companies and export-oriented businesses. At the same time, the role has become more complex due to digitalization and increased demands for sustainability and risk management in the supply chain. Challenges include quickly adapting planning during delivery disruptions, managing global flows, and working effectively in cross-functional teams. For newcomers, it can be difficult to quickly take responsibility for larger projects, but experience and further education increase advancement opportunities.

Tips for those who want to become materials planners in industry

To succeed as a materials planner with a master’s degree, it is good to have an analytical mindset and a meticulous work approach, as the role requires handling large amounts of data and making planning decisions quickly. An interest in technology and logistics makes it easier to understand the overall production flows and identify improvement opportunities. Communication skills are crucial, as collaboration with suppliers and internal departments is close. Flexibility and problem-solving skills facilitate handling unforeseen obstacles in the supply chain. Being proactive and initiating process improvements is also valued by employers. Keeping updated on new IT systems and digital tools can provide a competitive edge. Finally, working systematically and meeting deadlines are keys to success in this profession.

Key facts about materials planners in industry

• Average salary: 51 000 SEK/month
• Salary range: 44,300–54,100 SEK/month
• Education level: Master’s or bachelor’s degree (3–5 years)
• Work environment: Office-based with elements of manufacturing environment
• Demand: 564 job openings within the profession (May 2024)

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years as a materials planner in industry, opportunities open for roles such as logistics manager, production planner, or project manager within supply chain management. For those wanting to specialize further, tasks within process development, procurement management, or international logistics may become relevant. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, a detailed future outlook is limited due to sparse data, but the number of job openings and the industry’s growing need for qualified planning skills indicate good career prospects. Continued digitalization and increased sustainability requirements are expected to further strengthen demand for this type of specialist competence within Swedish industry.

Frequently asked questions about materials planners, civil engineer

• What does a materials planner, civil engineer, earn?
  - The average salary is 51 000 SEK per month, with a range between 44,300 and 54,100 SEK depending on experience, education, and sector.
• What education is required to become a materials planner in industry?
  - Usually, a master’s or bachelor’s degree in logistics, industrial economics, or production is required.
• Are there gender differences in the salary for materials planners?
  - Yes, women earn on average 49 700 SEK, while men earn 51 600 SEK, which means women earn approximately 96% of men's salaries.
• What is the work environment like for a materials planner?
  - The work environment is mainly office-based but involves regular contact with production and suppliers; the pace is often high, and accuracy is required.
• What career paths are available after a few years in the profession?
  - Possible paths include logistics manager, production planner, or project leader within supply chain or process development.
• What are the future prospects?
  - Demand is expected to remain good, although no exact forecast exists, and there are currently 564 job openings within the profession.
• What benefits are common?
  - Occupational pension, wellness allowances, bonuses, flexible working hours, and sometimes remote work options are common benefits.