Maintenance manager, textile, wood etc.

What does a maintenance manager in textiles and wood do? – Tasks and work environment

A maintenance manager in the textile and wood industries is responsible for leading and developing maintenance work in production facilities. Tasks include planning and executing preventive and corrective maintenance on machinery, technical systems, and properties. The role also involves budget responsibility, personnel management, and coordination with production and other departments to ensure high operational reliability and minimize downtime. The work environment is often industrial, ranging from office work and scheduling to inspections in production areas where safety routines are central.

Salary development over time

The salary for a maintenance manager in textiles, wood, etc., has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 42,200 SEK, followed by 43 700 SEK in 2023 and 45 600 SEK in 2024. This development represents a total increase of approximately 8% over three years, reflecting the increased demand for qualified technical skills in Swedish industry. Contributing factors include technological development and digitization of production systems, requiring new knowledge in automation and IT. The profession's attractiveness has also increased as more companies prioritize proactive maintenance to reduce downtime and enhance competitiveness.

Maintenance Manager in textiles, wood, etc. – complete overview

• Average salary: 45 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 38,900 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 52,700 SEK/month (male, public sector, postgraduate degree)
• Hourly wage: 274 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: men earn 46 500 SEK, women 43 100 SEK (women earn 93% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Variations may occur depending on industrial city and employer size

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a maintenance manager in textiles and wood often involves technical university studies in areas such as mechanical engineering, production engineering, or industrial economics. Many employers also seek experience in leadership, project management, and specialized knowledge of maintenance systems. Practical experience from production or technical maintenance is often a key merit.

• Formal education: Engineering degree (3–5 years) in a relevant technical field
• Certifications: Courses in maintenance technology, work environment, or leadership
• Internship/Trainee: Internship in a production technical environment is recommended
• Prerequisites: High school diploma with a technical focus
• Tips for choosing: Combine technical education with leadership courses for the best career opportunities

Common benefits and compensations

Maintenance managers in the textile and wood industries are often offered benefits such as pension schemes, wellness allowances, health insurance, and opportunities for further training in technology and leadership. In addition to base salary, bonuses may be awarded for achieving results or improving operating costs. Flexitime and remote work options are available to some extent, depending on the workplace's technological infrastructure and needs.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a maintenance manager in textiles and wood is moderate to high, depending on region and economic climate. Challenges in the profession include balancing resources, managing rapid technological changes, and ensuring that facilities meet high standards of operational reliability and environmental compliance. Digitalization and automation increase the need for skills development, while the recruitment pool is limited by the demand for both technical and leadership experience. Employers often seek individuals capable of quickly adapting to new technologies and processes.

Tips for those who want to become a maintenance manager in textiles and wood

To succeed as a maintenance manager in textiles and wood, it is beneficial to combine technical curiosity with the ability to structure and prioritize tasks. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with technicians and management, while analytical skills help identify and solve problems quickly. A good leader motivates their team and demonstrates clear responsibility, while flexibility and stress resistance are important traits when unexpected downtime occurs. Continuing education in new technologies and sustainable solutions is also valuable. Building networks, both within and outside the organization, can open doors to interesting projects and future career opportunities.

Key facts about Maintenance Manager in textiles and wood

• Salary range: 38,900–52,700 SEK/month
• Average salary: 45 600 SEK/month
• Education level: Engineering degree or equivalent technical education
• Typical employment form: Full-time, day or shift work
• Demand: 564 job openings within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a maintenance manager in textiles and wood, career development can lead to overall technical management roles such as technical director or production manager. Specialization in automation, sustainable production, or project management is also possible for those wishing to broaden their responsibilities. According to forecasts from the Swedish Employment Service, demand for experienced maintenance managers is expected to remain stable, especially with increased automation and sustainability focus in industry. The profession is considered to have good future prospects, not least due to the ongoing need to optimize and modernize production processes.

Frequently asked questions about Maintenance Manager in textiles and wood

• What does a Maintenance Manager in textiles and wood earn?
  - The average salary is 45 600 SEK per month, with a range between 38,900 and 52,700 SEK.
• What are the gender differences in salary?
  - Men earn on average 46 500 SEK, women 43 100 SEK, which means women earn 93% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a maintenance manager in textiles and wood?
  - A university degree in a relevant technical field is most common, often complemented with leadership training and practical experience.
• What are the duties of a maintenance manager?
  - Planning and leading maintenance, personnel management, coordination with production, and optimizing operations and safety.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - The outlook is good, with many job openings and increased demand for technical skills in industry.
• What benefits are common in this profession?
  - Pension schemes, wellness allowances, health insurance, and opportunities for further education are common.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Yes, salaries can vary depending on region, industrial city, and employer size.