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Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a logistics manager. Feel free to use our logistics manager job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a logistics manager.

 

Who is a Logistics Manager?

Logistics is a branch or aspect of service delivery where operations are organized and implemented in detail. It is a process that ensures that the needs, demands, and requirements of a business or client are met or taken care of. Logistics is focused on managing, coordinating, and organizing equipment, tangible goods, food, materials, and other supplies as required. Logistics also encompass the disruption or destabilization of a rival’s supplies and the management and synchronization of the host army’s supplies in the military. Overall, logistics aims to make a customer, firm, or corporation satisfied by providing, maintaining, and coordinating service and product delivery. Thus, this article will elaborate on who a logistics manager is, their job description, and their major qualifications. Also, the core skills of a logistics manager, salary structure, and employers of logistics managers will be dissected. Finally, tips on how to begin a career in logistics management will be provided for aspiring candidates.

 

As a major component of supply chain management, logistics is concerned with the planning, directing, controlling, and implementation of processes that enhance customers’ satisfaction. It ensures a client’s requirements and desires are achieved through effective exchange of information, efficient service delivery, and an accurate flow of products. All these and more are performed by trained professionals called logistics managers; they are essential employees in any corporation or company and are skilled, experienced, and proficient.

A logistics manager performs supervisory duties in an organization; they direct and coordinate logistics assistants and other team members to effectively oversee and manage the supply chain. He or she tracks items, monitors and creates inventory, and stays abreast of changes in the market. A logistics manager stores goods, coordinates the distribution of services, and ensures products are sent to the right location on time. Similarly, these professionals plan routes, analyze budgets, and process shipment in an organization; they are essentially middle-managers in the hierarchy of a business or firm. Logistics managers are flexible and understand the supply chain to the core.

Additionally, logistics managers work with suppliers, producers, and customers to deliver excellent services and build strong bonds. They use their negotiating powers to create favorable shipping rates for the firm or employer. They are in charge of outbound and inbound delivery; all these are done within the specified timeframe or deadline. During a performance review, they liaise with marketing and sales managers, campaign managers, and other unit heads to make suggestions for improvement in production and service delivery. Logistics managers delegate duties and tasks to department members and ensure targets are met accordingly. They use the feedback mechanism to suggest ways for better performance in the unit.

Leadership is an important part of a logistics manager’s job. He or she provides inspiration, motivation, impetus, and drive to members of the team. They communicate changes in policy and best practices, provide incentives for staff, and create opportunities for mentorship within or outside the organization. Most logistics managers are workaholics; they often work shifts and may work overtime during peak business seasons. For example, a logistics manager in retail might be required to work extra hours during summer or bank holidays. Travel is also involved in logistics; their itinerary might require them to travel from one location to another sometimes.

 

Logistics Manager Job Description

Below are the logistics manager job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a logistics manager job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.

The duties and responsibilities of a logistics manager include the following:

• Oversee and monitor stock levels, delivery costs, and timelines using information technology systems.
• Appraise and assess the performance of previous deliveries and develop ways to improve quality.
• Monitor and manage orders and deliveries and make sure the cycle continues adequately.
• Ensure deliveries and shipments are made at the right time to the right destination.
• Liaise with clients, producers, and suppliers and ensure their requirements are made within the supply chain.
• Coordinate and oversee personnel and human resources and determine their effectiveness or vice versa.
• Troubleshoot and develop solutions to identified challenges and problems.
• Strategize, mobilize, and oversee warehouses, transport, customer services, and other logistics.
• Create a catalog for goods, plan delivery routes, and arrange shipments.
• Work according to industry and employer-based regulations, standards, and principles.
• Hire, train, supervise, and onboard new employees.
• Meet production and delivery goals and targets.
• Mobilize and track the standard of delivery, transportation expenses, the efficacy of services, and stock levels.
• Use metrics and data to analyze the performance of the team and department.
• Delegate duties and responsibilities to team members based on their effectiveness and talents.
• Manage and maintain an accurate inventory of product storage warehouses.
• Advocate for total adherence to safety and health protocols within the department and organization at large.
• Research and stay abreast of trends in shipment, delivery, and logistics.

 

Qualifications

Logistics managers supervise and coordinate the supply chain of firms, enterprises, businesses, and companies. A logistics manager is also entrusted with the responsibility of determining what a company should buy, how a firm should make purchases, and how purchased products can be distributed. Besides skills, an aspiring logistics manager needs to meet certain qualification requirements to be considered. This may include adequate and relevant education, specific training, and related certifications to mention but a few. Since the role involves performing several tasks at the same time, related work experience will also be vital. With a projected growth rate of 7% in the next few years, the logistics sector has understandably become competitive. Thus, acquire the following qualifications and meet the requirements below for a role as a logistics manager;

1. Training: An individual can pursue training in logistics while in school. While pursuing a major in logistics or related courses, an individual can enroll in industrial training or an internship to become acquainted with the basics of logistics management. Training may cover personnel and resource management, information management, and supply chain management. An individual can also receive training after completing an education. Applying for entry-level positions in logistics such as a general logistician role can provide you with on-the-job training that can suffice.
2. Logistics manager education: Completing an education is non-negotiable for a logistics manager. To be qualified for employment as a logical manager, a bachelor’s degree is mandated. Though some firms consider candidates with associate degrees and years of work experience, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant logistics or management field gives you an edge. This is because such degrees imbibe the fundamentals, practicum, and skills necessary for growth and advancement in the industry. Courses that are acceptable include business administration, supply chain management, and logistics studies.
3. Experience in logistics: Nothing beats experience in logistics management. In fact, most hiring managers prefer candidates with a minimum of two to five years of work experience in logistics. Experience can be accrued through internships, apprenticeships, and entry-level logistics roles. However, a reasonable number of years working in a warehouse, retail franchise, storage facility, or administrative position can suffice for experience as well.
4. Certifications: In some organizations, an individual must be certified to become a logistics manager. In contrast, some settings don’t require certifications from aspiring logistics managers. Nonetheless, a certification in logistics is essential for career growth and progression. Certification also qualifies an individual for additional perks and allowances in some companies or firms. You will be a better candidate if you possess one form of industry-based certification or the other. Examples of related certifications in logistics include the international production and inventory council society certification and the international society of logistics certification.

 

Essential Skills

Although some skills are developed and acquired while pursuing a logistics education or degree, most logistics managers’ skills are honed and inherent in individuals. The essential skills for logistics managers are used to perform daily operations. When applied properly, they help the individual to thrive in the role and vice versa. Whether you are trying to exchange information with clients, make an inventory, or manage a supply chain, you need the skills below to be productive at work;

• Organization skills: An individual must be organized to succeed in logistics management. Primarily, a logistics manager manages and oversees the inventory of corporations and firms as well as maintains records and data on shipments and other deliveries. This requires organization; it enables the individual to plan schedules, keep details for future reference, and maintain order at work.
• Problem-solving skills: The role of a logistics manager comes with numerous challenges and problems. Operational disorders, equipment malfunction, employee-induced stress, shipping precincts, limitations, and shortage of storage space are some of the problems encountered by logistics managers daily. Also, resolving employee disputes requires excellent problem-solving abilities as do the implementation and finding solutions to challenges.
• Ability to lead a team: The logistics manager is the head of the logistics department in an organization. He or she needs leadership skills to adequately understand the importance of each team member. They must be good leaders to decipher team members’ strengths and allocate tasks and duties accordingly. Leadership skills also enable the logistics manager to help other employees overcome their weaknesses. Remember, a logistics manager represents the unit or department in meetings and symposiums with clients and partners most times; hence, they must demonstrate leadership always.
• Adaptability skills: A logistics manager must be able to adapt to whatever situation abounds at work. Sometimes, an activity might fall off schedule causing potential damage to daily operations. When such happens, these professionals must neutralize and reduce the damage that may arise by remodeling and protecting other planned activities. This skill is essential for adjusting and reworking activities at work to meet deadlines.

 

How to Become a Logistics Manager

Logistics management is an interesting career to pursue; it combines aspects of management and logistics. An individual must be a good leader, manager, or administrator, and resourceful to thrive in the role. Research has shown that the path to becoming a logistics manager involves education, experience, training, and certification. Some logistics managers start from lower positions and work their way up. Hence, below is a guide on how to start a career in logistics management from scratch;

• Get an undergraduate degree: An undergraduate or bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational requirement for a role in logistics management. Hence, apply for a bachelor’s degree in courses like logistics, business management, and supply chain management. A degree in any of these courses makes you more attractive and appealing to employers. You will also learn the skills, tact, and abilities needed for the role.
• Gain experience through an internship: While in school, enroll in an internship or industrial training to gain relevant work experience in logistics. An apprenticeship can also provide much-needed experience to the individual.
• Apply for roles in logistics: An entry-level position in logistics or any related field can help you gain extra industry–based experience. Starting in lower roles and advancing to higher roles can help you build a portfolio in logistics. This in turn can be used to apply or grow into a logistics manager position.
• Obtain a certification: Though not mandatory, pursue and earn a certification in logistics to be a better candidate. To advance to a logistics manager’s role, you might need to present some certification and/or advanced education. Also, certification courses will provide individuals with advanced skills and knowledge.
• Get promoted to logistics manager’s position: After accumulating years of experience and advanced knowledge, apply for promotion to become a logistics manager in your company.

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Where to Work as a Logistics Manager

A logistics manager can find work in different settings; however, the major employers of a logistics manager include;

• The government and private firms or companies.
• Retail, aviation, railway corporations, and engineering companies.
• General Merchandise firms; they manage inventory, manage shipments, and ensure service delivery.
• Healthcare where they organize, prepare and oversee the purchase and distribution of medical supplies.
• Scientific and research institutes where they are tasked with managing and overseeing equipment and chemical delivery to laboratories.

 

Logistics Manager Salary Scale

The salary of a logistics manager differs based on who they work for and the type of organization. Generally, the salary structure for logistics ranges from $14,000 to $139,000 per year according to research. Relatively, the median or average salary has been estimated to be $62,074 per annum.

Transportation Distribution and Logistics

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