Logistics Manager: Job Overview, Qualifications, Skills and Outlook

Logistics managers are an extremely valuable component of any high functioning organization. These people (also known as supply chain managers) deal mostly with the operational flow of goods through a business, identifying new and more efficient methods of funneling these goods through the organization. Their work impacts a business’s profitability, as well as consumer satisfaction. This article will cover everything you need to know about the logistics manager job description, including day to day activities, required skills, experience, education, and training.

Job Overview: What Does a Logistics Manager Do?

Logistics managers are responsible for day to day operations of supply chain logistics and employee supervision. Logistics managers will be responsible for:

• managing inventory
• reporting to upper management
• hiring and training employees
• coordinating staff schedules
• resolving customer service issues
• material handling
• negotiating costs
• improving the efficiency of the company’s supply chain

They operate in a managerial role, but are also responsible for planning and executing a lot of the details. Logistics managers will generally work in a warehouse environment and could work odd hours. They generally work more than a forty hour week, but their median pay is relatively high and they are highly valued members of an organization.

Logistics Manager Job Duties

While this list doesn’t fully encompass all that the logistics manager job description entails, it outlines some of the universal responsibilities of professionals in this role.

• Oversee the movement, distribution, and storage of materials and inventory.
• Resolve customer service disputes and inventory arrival complaints.
• Hire, train, and manage warehouse staff.
• Coordinate staff scheduling and time cards.
• Negotiate shipping and supplier costs.
• Oversee workplace safety standards and ensure compliance.
• Manage budget for logistics processes.
• Strategize cost reducing tactics and efficiency improvements.

Logistics Manager Job Essential Skills

Here is a list of top five skills logistics managers need to have to be successful at the logistics manager job description.

Organizational Skills: Professionals in this role must be extremely detailed. In their work, they will oversee details of the entire supply chain, and will need to be able to recognize and correct any errors.

Interpersonal Skills: Logistics managers must have the interpersonal skills to deal with both employees and customers. They’re responsible for getting goods and services to the consumer in a timely manner. Therefore, they must have the skills to inspire their workers to be efficient and diligent. They must also be able to handle any customer complaints with grace and ease.

Negotiating Skills: Negotiation is part of the supply chain process. Professionals in this field are responsible for keeping the process on budget and in a way that increases profitability. They are always trying to increase margins, and therefore, they must be able to negotiate with suppliers in an effective way.

Written & Verbal Communication Skills: Logistics managers are often responsible for creating and presenting reports to the leadership of the company. This duty requires excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to present information in a logical way.

Problem-solving Skills: Problem solving is a big part of this job. Often, something along the supply chain can go awry, and logistics managers must be adept at picking up the pieces and finding an alternative solution. They must be able to critically evaluate the situation and resolve the dispute in a timely manner.

Becoming a Logistics Manager

Most employers require a bachelor’s degree and some on-the-job training prior to getting hired for this role. Below are some additional details about required education, experience, and training, all for the logistics manager.

Qualifications and Training

Most logistics managers will have a Bachelor’s Degree in fields like business administration, economics, or supply chain management. This coursework provides a solid understanding of business and management practices. Many logistics managers will also have a certification in the Lean Six Sigma program. This program is challenging, but extremely helpful to professionals in this line of work. Lean Six Sigma is a program that focuses on practices that eliminate waste and maximize efficiency.

Work Experience

On-the-job training is often an additional requirement for professionals in logistics planning. Sometimes, it is much easier to land a job in logistics if you have experience in the field. For example, an engineer in the computer and electrical engineering industry might more easily transition into a role at an electrical manufacturing company. There is less of a learning curve for these individuals, as they are already familiar with the language and internal processes for the position. While it’s not impossible to land a job with a simple business background, experience in the industry is a definite advantage.

Working Hours

Most logistics managers will have a forty hour work week, although a few will work overtime. Many of them will also work odd hours, as shipments might be received or shipped at various hours of the day. Additionally, some professionals in this field might experience on-call requirements.

The work environment is fast-paced and can be stressful. The logistics manager has a big responsibility, since his or her decisions impacts the profitability of the entire company. They most often work in an office inside a warehouse, where most of the inventory is stored.

Salary

The salary of a Logistics Manager can vary widely depending on several factors such as geographical location, industry, level of experience, and the size of the company they work for. In general, Logistics Managers can expect to earn a competitive salary that reflects the critical nature of their role in overseeing and optimizing supply chain operations.

In the United States, for instance, the average salary for a Logistics Manager typically ranges from approximately $72,036 annually, with more experienced managers or those working in high-demand industries or major metropolitan areas often earning on the higher end of this scale.

Job Outlook & Advancement Opportunities

There are plenty of career advancement opportunities in this field. Logistics managers can go on to become teachers or professors on the subject. Highly successful professionals in this role can take a more entrepreneurial route and become a consultant in the industry.

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Conclusion

Overall, a career as a logistics manager can be highly rewarding and challenging. Logistics managers are in high demand nowadays. Professionals in this role will continue to learn and apply new methods to their work. It’s a great career route for anyone with a detail-oriented eye and business-savvy personality. We hope this article on the logistics manager job description has helped you understand what being a logistics manager is all about.

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