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Logistics Manager
Ever wonder how your Amazon Prime purchase got from a warehouse across the world to your front door? Logistics management made that happen. In a world where people can buy anything they want at the click of a button, logistics can make or break a company. But what exactly is logistics?
Logistics refers to the movement of inventory from point A to point B. The people who oversee that process are logistics managers. It’s their job to determine the most efficient and cost-effective ways to move inventory and to find the best balance between supply and demand.
Success in logistics can result in lower operating costs, higher production rates, and increased supplier and customer satisfaction—all of which directly benefit a business’s bottom line. This makes logistics management both an in-demand and financially rewarding career path. If you have a knack for numbers and organization, then read on to learn how to become a logistics manager.
Logistics managers are supply chain experts who oversee purchasing, shipping, and operations related to supply chain management. They’re excellent negotiators, organizers, and problem-solvers who use their skills to coordinate essential operations in a business.
This role varies significantly from company to company and from industry to industry. For instance, there are logistics managers who are responsible for transportation logistics and don't have any duties related to inventory management or supply chain operations. Meanwhile, other logistics managers deal only with inventory management or purchasing.
How Do I Become a Logistics Manager?
If you're interested in becoming a logistics manager, here are some of the most common steps you’ll need to take:
Step One: Earn a bachelor’s degree. There are no logistics manager degree programs at the bachelor's degree or master's degree levels, but there are other degree pathways that can give you the knowledge you need. Most logistics managers have a bachelor’s degree in business management, supply chain management, logistics, or a related degree.
Step Two: Add to your education. If you want to stay competitive in the job market, you should strongly consider completing an MBA degree program. Many management positions will require you to have this advanced degree, and this program can prepare you with the right skills to lead a team.
Step Three: Gain relevant experience. Having experience in your industry will only add to your marketability and increase your chances of landing a job. Some logistics managers have at least three years of work experience in operations engineering, supply chain management, operations analysis, or a related field.
Logistics Manager Responsibilities:
- Selecting carriers and negotiating contracts and rates.
- Planning and monitoring inbound and outgoing deliveries.
- Supervising logistics, warehouse, transportation, and customer services.
- Organizing warehouse, label goods, plot routes, and process shipments.
- Responding to any issues or complaints.
- Researching ideal shipping techniques, routing, and carriers.
- Working with other departments to incorporate logistics with company procedures and operations.
- Evaluating budgets and expenditures.
- Updating and evaluating metrics to assess performance and implement enhancements.
- Ensuring all operations adhere to laws, guidelines, and ISO requirements.
Logistics Manager Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, logistics, supply chain, or relevant field.
- A minimum of 2 years experience in a similar role.
- In-depth knowledge of the consumer goods industry.
- Solid understanding of logistics and inventory management software.
- Outstanding analytical, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
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