From Sweden to Manchester: Christofer’s Path to an International Hilti Career

Written by the Hilti GB / Northern Europe employer brand team – sharing real stories and insights into life, culture and careers at Hilti.

 

When Christofer joined Hilti in the middle of 2024, he already knew he wanted something more than a traditional finance role. He wanted movement, growth, international experience, and a career path with momentum.

What he didn’t expect was just how quickly Hilti would turn that ambition into reality.

 

From Malmö to Manchester: A leap that made sense

Christofer began his Hilti journey as a Business Controller for Hilti Sweden. After a year and a half, he made the decision to move abroad – something he had envisioned long before Hilti reached out.

I actually joined Hilti because I wanted to move abroad. When they approached me with a fast-track international finance career, it sounded like my dream.

He had originally imagined somewhere “more exotic” than Manchester, but once the offer came, the decision was surprisingly easy. The pros spoke for themselves:

• Instant integration through language
• Familiarity from already working with colleagues in the UK
• A built-in community, thanks to existing relationships with the team in Manchester
• Proximity to home, with quick, affordable flights for visits and family events
• A city that fits – bustling, compact, vibrant

“Manchester is a small city, smaller than Malmö, but with more life. It’s the perfect place for me.”

Today, he works as Senior Hub Performance Controller for the Northern Europe region – a step that aligns perfectly with his long-term goal: becoming a part of the Finance Leadership team.

 

Why Hilti? A reputation that proved true

Before joining, Christofer already knew about Hilti’s strong employer reputation in Sweden. What he heard from recruiters, industry experts, and former Hilti employees aligned with what he saw firsthand:

• Hilti promotes talent from within
• People truly matter here
• Career paths are diverse, dynamic, and cross functional

I’m a very goal oriented person. Seeing that 80–90% of managers are internally promoted showed me Hilti grows its own talent. That mattered to me.

He was inspired by how people moved around the business: finance to sales, sales to marketing, marketing back to finance, and then into general management. At Hilti, careers rarely move in a straight line – and that’s exactly the point.

 

First impressions: Openness, accessibility, and little hierarchy

Christofer’s first week in Sweden set the tone. He was encouraged to connect with colleagues across departments, levels, and countries. What surprised him wasn’t the instruction – it was how easy it felt.

Reaching out to people here isn’t weird at all. Everyone is open. Everyone wants to talk. That makes cross function work so natural.

Since then, he’s had one-to-ones with colleagues all over the world – even before moving to Manchester. And now, those virtual connections have turned into real life relationships.

Across roles, functions, and markets, collaboration feels seamless.

“Finance touches everything. One day I’m talking pricing with Marketing, the next I’m aligning with a business partner in Finland, and the next I’m working with product marketing. It’s fun – and you understand the business so much deeper.”

 

 

A moment of impact: Turning strategy into action

One project stands out for Christofer: building Sweden’s follow-up framework for the Winning Today, Winning Tomorrow strategy.

Sweden needed sharper visibility on KPIs connected to “Winning Today” – activity levels, field time, customer meetings, zero selling days, and behavioural trends.

The sales management team called him in. Together, they brainstormed with nothing but a flipchart. From that conversation, Christofer built a report that is now used by every Sales Director and Area Sales Manager in Sweden.

“It’s still being used today. I’m really proud of that.”

 

What makes Hilti a great place to work?

Christofer doesn’t hesitate. It’s the people – and the way Hilti develops them.

He speaks passionately about the internal talent management process, calling it “truly amazing and unique.”

“Every team leader reviews every employee in their department. The company actually invests in people. That’s why our internal promotions are so high.”

To him, Hilti’s culture isn’t just friendly – it’s purposefully designed to develop potential.

 

His advice for anyone considering a Hilti career

Christofer’s guidance is clear, honest, and energising:

• Join Hilti – the processes will help you grow.

Clear goals, development support and opportunities, talent reviews – the structure is built for progression.

• Network. Seriously.

Build cross functional connections. Reach out. Ask for 30 minutes. Learn from others. Contribute. Let people know who you are.

• Be visible. Be curious. Be collaborative.

People make decisions about careers – and they need to know you.

 

A future built on ambition and openness

From Sweden to Manchester, from controller to regional finance partner, from curiosity to conviction – Christofer’s journey is a great example of how international mobility and career development thrive at Hilti.

It’s also a reminder of what makes our culture stand out:

• Ambition feels welcome here.
• People feel accessible here.
• And growth feels possible here.

 

Thinking about building your own global Hilti journey?

Check out our upcoming vacancies, and take your first step toward an international career by applying through our Careers Website.