How to Become a Logistics Manager

A logistics manager deals with the storage and distribution of particular goods for a company. They organise the movement of products and have an active role in organising the supply chain.

A logistics manager has the role of organising and administering the storage and distribution of products and goods in the retail industry. They are in charge of ensuring that items are where they need to be at the right time and organise the costs and available personnel to make this happen. It is crucial that logistics managers have an awareness of the entire supply chain. Their job is collaborative; they must negotiate with other professionals, including raw material providers, consumers, retailers, and manufacturers. They are also expected to manage and supervise employees in the logistics team. 

The primary duties of a logistics manager will include: 

• Managing levels of stock, times, and costs of deliveries. They will generally use IT systems to streamline these. 
• Coordinating and controlling the order cycle of their deliveries and ensuring that they are in the place where they need to be at the right time. 
• Evaluating the quality of the performance of previous deliveries and assessing how they can be improved. 
• Managing resources in the supply chain, evaluating whether they are effective, and coming up with solutions if needed. 
• Negotiating with customers and suppliers, by both expressing their needs in terms of the supply chain and dealing with any issues. 
• Working with e-commerce, sometimes having an active part of developing it.

To become a logistics manager, most candidates will need a degree – and a growing number of applicants are also obtaining postgraduate qualifications. Relevant subjects include business, economics, and management, although some companies only consider applicants with a degree or masters in logistics or distribution management. 

Some companies offer graduate schemes for candidates who have just finished their degree, whereas some smaller businesses advertise graduate logistics vacancies with universities. 

Another route into this career is vocational – candidates could work in retail management or purchasing and learn about the supply chain this way. A few companies will accept applications from non-graduates, but it is increasingly competitive to get a job in this field with no degree. 

Candidates will benefit from obtaining relevant work experience. This could be shadowing a professional already in this position, working in a warehouse, or taking on an administration role. Previous experience of retail work will also strengthen an application. 

Logistics managers must work systematically and have excellent time management skills, as well as a positive, problem-solving mindset. Their duties will require them to work on different tasks at once and face problems analytically. They should have strong numeracy skills and be IT literate, as they will have to frequently use technology.

Interpersonal skills are also essential. Candidates need to work as part of a team and negotiate with others in the supply industry. They also need management skills and should be comfortable being in charge of a small team.

Logistics managers typically work more hours than average, and, if they are working for a company who offers 24 hour service, they may need to work shifts. They may have to travel around the country a lot, as part of their job is visiting warehouses and stores. They are typically provided with a company car.

A logistics manager career path will typically progress from goods distribution and management of storage centres, to being a general manager of larger units. In the most senior positions, logistics managers organise business development. Logistics managers will enjoy an increased salary as they move up the career ladder, as well as the opportunity to incur bonuses.