This survey provides insight into the salaries, benefits and bonuses commanded by professionals working within the consumer sector across a wide range of disciplines in Spain.
2. Introduction
Welcome to Nigel Wright Group’s Spanish salary survey 2017, which is
specifically designed to provide you with an insight into the salaries
commanded by professionals within this sector.
Nigel Wright Group has earned a strong reputation within the consumer
sector across Europe for providing a high-quality recruitment service that
is built upon our industry knowledge. We consider it important to continue
to bring you relevant, useful information that you can use, in an accessible
format.
This survey has been compiled from the responses of respondents who completed our online questionnaire in the
first quarter 2017 as well as data from our own extensive database of candidates. The survey represents a cross-
section of respondents with the following profile:
• Consumer sub-sector: Advertising and Media; Clothing, Footwear and Accessories; Consumer Electronics; Food
& Drink; Health & Beauty; Home Construction / DIY; Retail; Telecommunications; Toys & Games, Travel & Leisure,
Sports / Sporting Goods, Warehousing & Logistics Services;
• Male 73%, female 27%;
• 40% of respondents are in their thirties and 44% in their forties;
• 89% of respondents are educated to degree level or above; 65% have a Master’s degree and 3% a PhD;
• 35% have been in their current position less than two years; 39% for between two and five years, 15% for
between five and ten years and 11% for 10 or more years.
The first three parts of the survey focuses on some general points of interest, such as levels of satisfaction,
respondents’ motivation to change jobs as well as attitudes towards skill shortages and the qualities needed to
succeed in the industry. This is followed by discipline-specific analyses of salaries.
For further information or to discuss your recruitment requirements please contact us on +34 917 88 31 74 and
you will be directed to a consultant specialising in your area. For more information on our services please visit
es.nigelwright.com.
2 Spanish Consumer Sector Salary Survey 2017
3. in their forties
educated to
degree level
F:
M: 73%
44%
in their thirties
40%
89%
have a
master’s degree65%
have a PHD
3%
GENDERCONSUMERSUB-SECTOR
AGE
EDUCATIONCURRENT
POSITION
< 2 years 2-5 years
5-10 years
35% 39%
15%
>10 years
11%
Advertising
and Media
Retail
Telecommunications
Toys and
Games
Travel and
Leisure
Sports /
Sporting Goods
Warehousing &
Logistics Services
Clothing, Footwear
and Accessories
Consumer
Electronics
Food and
Drink
Health and
Beauty
DIY / Home
Construction
27%
Respondents’ profiles
4. The ten-month political deadlock which ended in October didn’t stifle
Spain’s economic recovery as many feared it would. With annual growth
set at 3.2 percent, it’s fair to say the year ended positively; 2016 also
being the third consecutive year Spain has enjoyed favourable economic
conditions. Although the rate of growth is expected to slow over the
next few years, it will likely still exceed 2.5 percent - year-on-year -
at least until 2020.
There are various factors driving Spain’s resurgence. Firms expanding overseas have boosted exports, of course,
though consumer spending has perhaps been a more prominent catalyst. It was Spain’s shoppers, in the main,
which helped the European grocery industry grow at its fastest rate for a year in 2016. At 3.6 percent, the
performance of the Spanish sector far outstripped that of its peers’ in Germany, the UK, France and Italy.
Job creation is another major contributor to growth and recent reports suggesting that Spain’s unemployment
rate will fall below 17 percent in 2017 is a further sign of a country heading in the right direction. Around 500,000
jobs will be created this year surpassing 2016’s record by 30%, and confirming an overall 10 percent reduction in
unemployment from its peak back in 2013.
So, what are the negatives? Well … despite these improvements in the data, its salaries that have taken a hit for
Spain’s progress. This is certainly reflected in the results of our 2017 salary survey. A recent study confirmed that
salaries in Spain are 17.8 percent lower than average wages in the EU, and the average monthly wage in Spain
hasn’t changed, for better or worse, since 2013. Further analysis of the economic situation reveals that inhibiting
wage growth, however, has been a major factor in facilitating a competitive business environment at home while
positioning Spain as a contender in international markets.
Incremental economic growth together with expected job creation this year suggests the employment market
would benefit from salary increases in 2017. One of the knock-on effects of lower unemployment has been a
reduction in overall productivity due to the high number of temporary jobs coming on to the market. The pressure
is on, therefore, for Spanish companies to create better, more highly paid jobs to help reduce the precarity of the
employment market, while accelerating growth and acting to offset the pressure of the rising prices of food and fuel
on consumers.
We hope you enjoy reading the report and find the perspectives offered to be useful. Should you have further
questions, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team who would be more than happy to clarify any
of the information presented.
Foreword by
Miriam Cruz,
Country Manager -
Iberia & Latam
Spanish Consumer Sector Salary Survey 20174
5. Contents
1.0 Non-monetary indicators
1.1 Job satisfaction by job level & salary
1.2 Job satisfaction by discipline & hours worked
1.3 Factors influencing a change of roles
1.4 Methods used to search for a new role
2.0 Salaries, benefits and bonuses
2.1 Average salaries by job title
2.2 Average percentage of salary increase received and expected
2.3 Importance of benefits as part of a remuneration package
2.4 Benefits and bonus entitlement
2.5 Bonus rates received and expected
2.6 Pensions
2.7 Flexible Working Options
2.8 Nights away from home
3.0 Skills and attitudes
3.1 Skill shortages
3.2 Qualities needed to be successful
4.0 Analysis of salaries in relation to discipline
4.1 Executive
4.2 Marketing
4.3 Sales
4.4 Digital
4.5 Operations
4.6 Support
Contact information
Spanish Consumer Sector Salary Survey 2017 5
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13
14
15
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19
20
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23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
7. Executive (board level)
ALL % JOB %
Over 70,000 €
Management Non-management
ANNUAL SALARY %
Under 70,000 €
1.1 Job satisfaction by job level
Respondents were asked to rate their level of job satisfaction on the following five-point scale:
Executive (C-suite & board level) unsurprisingly display the highest levels of job satisfaction.
The results show that almost a fifth (21%) of the workforce are dissatisfied, but the majority are satisfied with
60% saying they are either moderately or very satisfied. Although there are variations between the strength of
respondents’ satisfaction there is a correlation between levels of satisfaction and position/salary. The challenge,
then, is to find out why employees are dissatisfied and what can be done to change this, whilst ensuring that the
satisfaction level of the rest of the workforce is maintained.
1. Very satisfied
4. Moderately dissatisfied 5. Very dissatisfied
2. Moderately satisfied 3. Neither satisfied or dissatisfied
14
46
19
19
2
15
43
18
20
4
13
36
23
24
4
13
59
13
15
0
6
56
19
19
0
14
58
14
14
0
Spanish Consumer Sector Salary Survey 2017 7
8. Spanish Consumer Sector Salary Survey 20178
1.2 Job satisfaction by discipline and
hours worked
Respondents were asked to rate their level of job satisfaction on the following five-point scale:
Marketing & HR people are happier in their jobs than
other disciplines – and sales people show higher levels
of dissatisfaction than average.
We also examined number of hours worked against job
satisfaction, but other than people working under 40
hours, there were no great differences to be seen.
1. Very satisfied
4. Moderately dissatisfied 5. Very dissatisfied
2. Moderately satisfied 3. Neither satisfied or dissatisfied
Sales
DISCIPLINE %
ALL %WEEKLY HOURS WORKED %
Operations & supply chain
Marketing
HR
11
53
18
13
5
14
46
19
19
2
0
12
64
12
12
14
45
17
20
4
15
43
22
20
0
24
31
21
17
7
13
46
18
23
0
7
57
21
15
0
Under 40
Under 40
40-50 50+
40-50 50+
9. Spanish Consumer Sector Salary Survey 2017 9
1.3 Changing jobs - factors influencing
a change of roles internally or
externally to another organisation
Respondents were asked to select the top three factors that would motivate them to change jobs, both within their
current company (internally) and to another organisation (externally).
In the consumer sector, although money is important, the opportunity to experience new challenges is a persuasive
factor for employees considering their next move. Achieving an improved work-life balance is also an increasingly
important factor for job seekers today.
Internal External
Increased remuneration Different environment / culture
Promotion Change location
New challenges Flexible working
Achieve an improved work-life balance Change discipline
Gain new skills Nothing would motivate me to change jobs internally
49
69
15
26
57
63
13
21
46
40
19
19
32
40
9
11
30
31
9
CHANGING JOBS %
10. Spanish Consumer Sector Salary Survey 201710
1.4 Methods used to search for a
new role
Respondents were asked to select all methods that they would utilise when looking for a new role. Social
networking is the most important method for job seekers in Spain, but a high proportion will also make approaches
directly to employers. Using social networking sites and online job boards to identify job opportunities now
completely surpasses the use of printed media such as newspapers and magazines.
Social
networking
sites
Online job
boards
Direct
approaches to
employers
Internal bulletin
boards / employer
intranets
Other
recruitment
consultancies
Trade
magazines
Nigel Wright
website
Regional
or local
newspapers
62 30
49 11
43 2
38 1
NEWS
JOB SEARCH %
11. 2.0 Salaries,
benefits and
bonuses
This section presents information from respondents from all disciplines
and levels of the Spanish consumer sector on their salaries, benefits and
bonuses.
12. Spanish Consumer Sector Salary Survey 201712
2.1 Average salaries
SALARY PER ANNUM %
ROLES €
28
27
45
Up to 50,000 €
50,000 € to 70,000 €
70,000 € +
It should be noted that salary levels can vary depending on company size, industry sector and the availability of
candidates in a specific discipline, and in section 3 of this report, we draw on our extensive database of salary data
for the Spanish marketplace.
CEO
Executive eg Marketing Executive or Sales Executive
Operational Director (below main board level)
Scientist
Analyst
Executive Director
Head / Controller
Non-Executive Director
Officer
Developer
Managing Director / General Manager
Manager
Senior Manager
Consultant
Assistant Manager
160,000
69,000
97,000
45,000
43,000
145,000
63,000
95,000
45,000
41,000
120,000
50,000
70,000
45,000
35,000
13. As part of their last salary review half of respondents (49%) received an increase of between 1% and 5%. At all
levels, there is a degree of positivity regarding this year’s annual raise, with 28% anticipating an increase of at least
3% (6% anticipate 10% or more).
27 21
11 13
23 21
5 3
1 1
Spanish Consumer Sector Salary Survey 2017 13
0%
Between 3-5%
Between 1-2%
Between 10-15%
Between 20%+
SALARY INCREASE LEVEL Received %
Received
Expected %
Expected
11 11
6 9
13 15
3 2
0 4
Up to 1%
Between 5-10%
Between 2-3%
Between 15-20%
Don’t know
2.2 Average percentage of salary
increase received and expected
by level
14. Spanish Consumer Sector Salary Survey 201714
2.3 Importance of benefits as part of a
remuneration package
Respondents felt that the three most important employer benefits as part of a remuneration package were a
personal bonus (59%), flexible working (55%), health insurance (46%) and company car with petrol (36%). Holiday
entitlement, career breaks, childcare allowances and a non-contributory pension were all deemed less important.
For women, flexible working is more important than a personal bonus in an overall remuneration package. Men
tend to value bonus & car allowances as more important factors in their overall benefits package than women do.
Women value flexible working, an employer contributory pension, holidays and cars more than men value these
benefits.
59 60 59
1 2 0
36 40 23
15 19 3
5 6 3
55 43 87
35 38 26
14 13 15
4 4 3
46 46 44
15 13 21
13 13 15
2 2 3
BENEFITS BY GENDER All % Male % Female %
Bonus - personal
Holiday entitlement
Bonus - company performance
Health insurance
Childcare allowances
Share options
Flexible working
Career breaks / sabbaticals
Employer contributory pension
Company car and petrol
Company car without petrol
Non-contributory pension
Car allowance
15. Company bonus Car allowance
Personal bonus Pension
Healthcare Guaranteed bonus
78 62
68 42
65 34
RECEIVE BENEFITS AND BONUSES %
Spanish Consumer Sector Salary Survey 2017 15
Most of our sample in full time employment have between 21-25 days holiday a year, although 7% had over 31 days.
Overall 88% of those surveyed receive some form of benefit or bonus. The most common being a company bonus
(78%), a personal bonus (68%) and healthcare (65%). Only 42% of respondents received a pension.
2.4 Benefits and bonus entitlement
3
1
37
Less than 15 days
36+
26-30 days
STANDARD HOLIDAY ALLOWANCE (WITHOUT LIEU DAYS) %
53
6
21-25 days
31-35 days
¤
¤
¤
16. Spanish Consumer Sector Salary Survey 201716
2.5 Bonus rates received and
expected
There was a mixed degree of positivity about this year’s bonus, with respondents anticipating increases to
guaranteed bonuses, but less confidence with regards to personal and company bonus payments.
16
12
13
17
12
13
GUARANTEED BONUS
COMPANY BONUS
PERSONAL BONUS
Received % Expected %
¤
¤
¤
17. Spanish Consumer Sector Salary Survey 2017 17
Only 42% of respondents received a pension. This is much lower than other European countries.
Of those who receive a company pension there is an average of 4.8% contribution from the employer with the
recipient contributing less (3.6%). We asked whether those receiving a pension were concerned about their final
pension pot, and 91% said they were concerned with over a third (36%) admitting that they were very concerned.
2.6 Pensions
RECEIVE A COMPANY PENSION
CONCERN ABOUT SIZE OF FINAL PENSION %
8
3.6
Average number
of years in
pension
Percentage contribution from employee
4.8Percentage contribution from employer
9
21
Not concerned at all
Concerned
34
36
Somewhat concerned
Very concerned
18. Spanish Consumer Sector Salary Survey 201718
2.7 Flexible working options
Six out of ten respondents (61%) work for a company that offers some kind of flexible working – the most common
being working from home (40%) followed by flexi-time (32%).
WORKING OPTIONS %
Other
Job sharing
Annual hours
Term-time working
Part-time working
Flexi-time
Working from home
Compressed hours
(same hours over
fewer days)
None
1
0
40
39
32
16
6
4
1
19. Spanish Consumer Sector Salary Survey 2017 19
We also asked our sample how many nights do they stay away from home during the week, and found that a
surprisingly high number, 63%, spend at least one night away from home.
Just over a third (37%) average one night away per week, 17% average two nights and 9% are spending at least
three (although 77% of those spending 3 nights away are earning 70,000 Euros or more). The figures show an
unsurprising correlation between higher salaries and time away from home.
2.8 Working away from home
% of respondents 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Up to 50,000 € 50,000 € to 70,000 € Over 70,000 €
Two
Three+
None
One
NIGHTS
AWAY
PER
WEEK
SALARY:
NIGHTS SPENT WORKING AWAY FROM HOME PER WEEK %
37
17
None
Two nights
37
9
One night
Three or more nights
20. 3.0 Skills and
attitudes
This section presents information from respondents on skill shortages and
what qualities they believe are needed to be successful in their industry.
21. Spanish Consumer Sector Salary Survey 2017 21
Over half (56%) of respondents felt that there were skill shortages at their place of work. These respondents were
then asked what actions their employers have taken to correct these skill shortages. The actions most cited by just
under a third of our sample were recruiting from other industries or increasing training.
3.1 Actions to address skills shortages
SKILL SHORTAGES %
Allowed employees to
take study leave for
external training
Increased marketing
activity to raise profile
with prospective
candidates
Recruited apprentices
Transferred employees
into skill shortage
Recruited workers
from other countries15
Increased recruitment
budget16
Recruited from
other industries or
professions
30
Increased training
budgets
29 9
8
6
13
22. Spanish Consumer Sector Salary Survey 201722
3.2 Qualities needed to be successful
Respondents were asked to select what qualities they felt were the most important for those working in the
consumer sector. Being flexible and adaptable (65%), a strategic thinker (61%) and having professional knowledge
(53%) and great people skills (53%) were considered the most significant.
Action orientated
Cope well under pressure
Professional knowledge
Excellent communicator
Confident / self-assured
Great people skills Great networker
Self-sufficient / independent
Flexible / adaptable
Strong leader
65
49
44
40
53
51
37
53 33
24
Strategic thinker
61
QUALITIES NEEDED %
24. Spanish Consumer Sector Salary Survey 201724
4.1 Executive
The Nigel Wright Group Spanish salary review is based on the details we hold on our database and is supplemented
with the information we have collected as part of this survey. Whilst we make every possible attempt to ensure
the data we provide is accurate it should be noted that salary levels can vary depending on company size, industry
sector and the availability of candidates in a specific discipline.
JOB TITLE AVERAGE MINIMUM MAXIMUM
HR Director 111,000 € 60,000 € 200,000 €
HR Manager 69,400 € 35,000 € 125,000 €
Recruitment/Talent Manager 60,200 € 35,000 € 80,000 €
HR Business Partner 58,200 € 40,000 € 75,000 €
HR Co-Ordinator 37,800 € 30,000 € 45,000 €
Finance Director 108,200 € 60,000 € 165,000 €
Finance Manager 77,600 € 45,000 € 120,000 €
Finance Administrator 30,600 € 25,000 € 35,000 €
IT Director 91,800 € 40,000 € 190,000 €
IT Manager 67,400 € 35,000 € 150,000 €
Software Developer 39,800 € 30,000 € 50,000 €
30. Spanish Consumer Sector Salary Survey 201730
Contact details
For more information on the Spanish Consumer Sector Salary Survey 2017, please contact Miriam on the
details below:
Miriam Cruz
Country Manager – Iberia & Latam
Nigel Wright Group
Palacio de Miraflores
Carrera de San Jerónimo
15 - 2ª
28014 Madrid
España
DD: +34 917 88 31 74
M: +34 627 52 41 97
E: miriam.cruz@nigelwright.com
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Spanish Consumer Sector Salary Survey 2017 31
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