Forest manager, large or medium-sized company

What does a forest manager do in larger companies? – Tasks and work environment

A forest manager in a large or medium-sized company has overall responsibility for the company's forestry assets. Tasks revolve around strategic planning, forest management, budget responsibility, and personnel leadership. The role often involves leading a team of forest technicians, supervisors, and sometimes specialists in conservation or machinery. The forest manager ensures sustainable management, compliance with laws and certification requirements, and optimizes both economic and ecological returns. The work is largely office-based, but field visits to forests are a natural part of daily routines. The work environment combines strategic leadership with practical decision-making in close contact with both land and staff.

Salary development over time

The salary for a forest manager in larger companies has shown a stable and cautious increase in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 54,500 SEK per month. The following year, the average rose to 55 000 SEK, and in 2024, it reached 56 100 SEK. This development corresponds to an increase of about 3 percent over three years. The salary increase can be linked to continued strong demand for qualified managers in the forestry sector, where sustainability issues and digitalization demand higher leadership and specialized knowledge. The limited supply of experienced forest managers also helps keep salary levels high. The market is influenced by economic conditions and investments in Swedish the forestry industry, meaning salaries in this profession often follow industry trends.

Forest manager salary in larger companies – complete overview

• Average salary: 56 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 43,100 SEK/month (female, public sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 64,000 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Hourly wage (average): 337 SEK
• Gender differences: Men earn on average 55 500 SEK/month; highest known female salary is 53,000 SEK, lowest 43,100 SEK
• Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a forest manager in a larger company typically involves higher education in forestry science, forest technology, or natural resource management. Many have an academic degree combined with experience from operational forestry work and leadership roles. In addition to education, certifications and further training in areas such as environmental legislation, economics, and occupational safety are often required. Practical experience is highly valued, especially from larger forestry companies or consulting firms.

• Formal degree: Higher education, e.g., forestry engineer (5 years) or forest manager (3 years)
• Certifications: Courses in occupational safety, environmental management, and PEFC/FSC certification
• Internships: Longer internships or trainee programs in larger forestry companies
• Prerequisites: Science or technical high school education
• Tips for choosing: Combine forestry education with economics or leadership for broader competence

Common benefits and compensations

Benefits for forest managers in larger companies often include company cars, wellness allowances, options for remote work, and extra vacation days. Other common compensations include pension contributions beyond statutory levels, health insurance, and sometimes performance-based bonuses. Opportunities for further training and leadership development are also common.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a forest manager in larger companies is significant, especially for senior roles with strategic responsibilities. The shortage of experienced candidates with both forestry and economic expertise makes recruitment processes lengthy. The profession also involves managing complex interests between profitability, environmental standards, and social responsibility. Political decisions and legislation can quickly impact working conditions. Digitalization and new technological tools require ongoing skills development, demanding flexibility and a willingness to learn.

Tips for those aspiring to become a forest manager in larger companies

To succeed as a forest manager in a larger company, it is beneficial to have strong analytical skills and a genuine interest in both nature and economics. Demonstrating leadership by developing good communication with employees and partners is crucial to building trust and driving projects forward. Gaining practical forestry experience early on provides a deeper understanding of operations. Engagement in sustainability issues and a willingness to follow industry technological developments are valuable traits. Being flexible to change and able to make decisions with incomplete information helps manage unexpected situations. Additionally, attention to detail and strategic thinking are important for long-term planning and achieving company goals.

Key facts about forest managers in larger companies

• Education level: University degree in forestry science or equivalent
• Work environment: Combination of office work and field visits
• Work form: Full-time, often with personnel responsibility
• Demand: 175 available jobs according to latest data
• Special skills: Sustainability issues, environmental certification, leadership

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a forest manager in larger companies, it is common to advance to broader managerial roles such as regional manager or business area manager within the forestry sector. Other career paths include expert roles in sustainability, environmental certification, or consulting. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, demand remains strong, especially with increased requirements for sustainable forestry and digitalization. Opportunities to work internationally or as a consultant are also growing, as Swedish forestry models are highly valued globally. The profession has relatively good future prospects due to generational change and increased investments in the forestry industry.

Frequently asked questions about forest managers in larger companies

• What does a forest manager earn in larger companies?
  - The average salary is 56 100 SEK per month, but it can vary between 43,100 SEK and 64,000 SEK depending on experience, education, and sector.
• What education is required to become a forest manager?
  - Typically, higher education such as a degree in forestry science, e.g., forest engineer (5 years) or forest manager (3 years), often supplemented with leadership courses.
• What is the job market like for forest managers?
  - Demand remains stable with 175 available jobs according to recent statistics and good future prospects due to generational change and increased sustainability demands.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Analytical ability, leadership, communication skills, and interest in sustainability are key qualities for the profession.
• Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
  - Yes, men earn on average 55 500 SEK per month. The highest known salary for women is 53,000 SEK, and the lowest is 43,100 SEK.
• What benefits are common for forest managers?
  - Company cars, wellness allowances, extra vacation days, pension contributions, and training opportunities are typical benefits.