Logistics Manager
Job Description:Plan, direct, or coordinate purchasing, warehousing, distribution, forecasting, customer service, or planning services. Manage logistics personnel and logistics systems and direct daily operations.
Job Category:What you will do:
Your day-to-day will include tasks such as:
- Monitor product import or export processes to ensure compliance with regulatory or legal requirements.
- Analyse all aspects of corporate logistics to determine the most cost-effective or efficient means of transporting products or supplies.
- Direct inbound or outbound logistics operations, such as transportation or warehouse activities, safety performance, or logistics quality management.
- Participate in carrier management processes, such as selection, qualification, or performance evaluation.
- Train shipping department personnel in roles or responsibilities regarding global logistics strategies.
- Plan or implement improvements to internal or external logistics systems or processes.
- Design models for use in evaluating logistics programs or services.
- Direct distribution centre operation to ensure achievement of cost, productivity, accuracy, or timeliness objectives.
- Analyse the financial impact of proposed logistics changes, such as routing, shipping modes, product volumes or mixes, or carriers.
- Negotiate with suppliers or customers to improve supply chain efficiency or sustainability.
Skills:
You’ll need:
- knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
- knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
- business management skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- leadership skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- customer service skills
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
- analytical thinking skills
Entry Requirements:
To become a Logistics Manager, you don’t necessarily need specific GCSE (or equivalent) subjects, but having a strong educational background and certain skills can be beneficial for this career. Logistics Managers are responsible for coordinating and managing the movement of goods and materials within an organisation. Here are some relevant subjects and skills:
- Mathematics: Strong math skills are essential for tasks like inventory management, cost analysis, and supply chain optimisation.
- English: Effective communication, both written and verbal, is crucial for coordinating with team members, suppliers, and clients, as well as creating reports and documentation.
- Business Studies: Subjects related to business, management, or operations management can provide valuable knowledge about logistics processes and supply chain management.
- Information Technology (IT): Proficiency in using logistics software, inventory management systems, and other technology tools is important in modern logistics.
- Economics: Understanding economic principles can be helpful in analyzing cost-efficiency and market trends that impact logistics decisions.
- Geography: Geography courses can provide insight into global logistics and transportation networks.
- Science: Some logistics roles, especially in specialized fields like pharmaceuticals or chemicals, may require a background in science-related subjects.
Post School
Logistics and distribution manager jobs are open to all graduates, but a degree or foundation degree (as well as an HNC in the UK) in the following subject areas may help:
- business
- business with languages
- computing
- economics
- geography
- information systems
- management
- science
- transport, distribution or logistics.
Although many logistics companies are flexible about subjects of study, for some employers, a degree in logistics and/or transport/distribution management is an essential requirement.
Only a small number of first-degree and HND courses are devoted specifically to logistics and transport. However, a range of other subjects, such as business studies, economics, geography and planning, often incorporate relevant modules.
It may be possible to complete an apprenticeship in logistics and distribution or you could start in a junior role like transport clerk and work your way up through training and promotion.
Professional qualifications are also available in logistics and distribution in the UK such as the UK Level 2 Certificate in Logistics and Transport, which is aimed at new entrants to the profession and is provided by The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) UK.
Working Hours and Environment:
Hours of work may vary but you’ll generally work around 60 hours per week. Companies that offer a 24-hour service may operate a shift system, which may involve weekend and evening work.
Part-time work may be available and freelance work and self-employment on a consultancy basis is sometimes possible, once experience has been gained.
Career Path & Progression:
At first, it’s usual to be focused on goods distribution and the management of storage centres, or specific customer contracts. Promotion involves movement into general management of larger units, specialised roles or the more umbrella remit of logistics management.
In a more senior position you’ll be concerned with higher-level management duties, such as business development and overseeing the efficient management of an organisation’s other resources.