How to Become a Logistics Manager

About Logistics Manager

A logistics manager is a person who is responsible for organising the distribution and storage of goods. He ensures that the goods are delivering at the right time and to the right location. Apart from this, the logistics manager also coordinates with the suppliers of raw materials, retailers, manufacturers and consumers. Some of the major tasks performed by him are managing stock levels, transportation cost and delivery times, managing staff members and their duties, planning and managing projects, implementing safety procedures, negotiating with suppliers and customers and developing business by gaining new projects and contracts. 

A good logistics manager manage the entire order cycle and process so as to improve business development and ensure customer satisfaction and sustainability. Working hours of logistics manager range from 50-60 hours a week. Most of the companies that hire logistics manager operate on a shift basis. Candidates who are interested in managing logistics-related activities may opt for a career as a logistics manager. It must be noted that those who are aiming for this profile must have the ability to lead and manage staff along with some experience in handling multiple projects.

Eligibility to become Logistics Manager

Candidates must meet the minimum eligibility criteria given below

Education: Graduates from any stream can apply for a career as a logistics manager. However, preference will be given to the candidates who hold a degree in business, business with languages, computing, economics, geography, information systems, management, science and transport, distribution or logistics related field. 

Experience: Candidates who have some experience in storage, retail, warehousing or administration will get some advantage.  Freshers are unlikely to get hired in this field. All candidates are thus advised to gain some experience by working part-time before applying for a job as a logistics manager. 

Skills: Companies hire candidates who have some additional skills apart from academic qualification. Some of those skills are

• Thoroughness
• Self-motivation
• Leadership skills
• Time management
• Interpersonal Sensitivity
• Analytical thinking
• Negotiation skills
• People management
• Positive attitude

Types of Job Roles Logistics Manager

A career as a logistics manager requires management skills. There are many job roles available for logistics manager. Some of them are mentioned below

• Supply Chain Manager
• Warehouse Logistics Manager
• Transportation Analyst
• Inventory Manager
• Procurement Manager
• Customer Service Representative
• Transport planner
• Retail planner
• Logistics Coordinator

Employment Opportunities for Logistics Manager

Many companies require good logistics managers. Candidates can apply for a job as per their interest. Some of the sectors where they can apply are :

• Retail
• FMCG
• Manufacturing
• Freight
• Parcel
• 3PL
• Pharmaceuticals
• Healthcare
• eCommerce
• Food Industry
• Construction

Top Recruiting Agencies for Logistics Manager

Some of the major recruiting companies hiring logistics managers are

• Allcargo Logistics Ltd
• Agarwal Packers & Movers Ltd 
• Blue Dart Express Ltd
• Container Corporation Of India Ltd
• DHL Express India Pvt Ltd 
• FedEx Express TSCS India Pvt Ltd 
• First Flight Couriers Ltd 
• Sical Logistics Ltd 
• Transport Corporation Of India Ltd 
• Gati Ltd

Pay Scale/Salary of Logistics Manager

The average salary of the logistics manager will depend on their profile and education qualification. There are some companies which also offers pay bonuses depending on performance. 

Books & Study Material to Become Logistics Manager

There are many books available in the market for people to expand their knowledge in this field. Some recommendations are:

• Lean Supply Chain and Logistics Management by Paul Myerson
• Warehouse Management by   Gwynne Richards
• Supply Chain and Logistics Management Made Easy by Paul A. Myerson
• Introduction to Logistics Systems Management by Gianpaolo Ghiani, Gilbert Laporte, Roberto Musmanno
• International Logistics by Pierre A. David
• The Handbook of Logistics and Distribution Management by Alan Rushton, Phil Croucher, Peter Baker
• Business Logistics: Supply Chain Management by L Ronald H. Ballou
• Ninety Percent of Everything by Rose George
• The Box by Marc Levinson
• The Most Powerful Idea in the World by William Rosen
• Changing How the World Does Business: Fedex’s Incredible Journey to Success by Roger Frock
• The End of Cheap China: Economic and Cultural Trends That Will Disrupt the World by Shaun Rein

Pros of becoming a Logistics Manager

• Since almost every industry is linked with logistics. New opportunities are opening in this sector.
• People from all educational level holds an ability to become a good logistics manager
• The average salary of a logistics manager is good
• A career as a Logistics manager provided flexibility in work hours
• You get to know about different industries.

Cons of becoming a Logistics Manager

• A career as a logistics manager is full of challenges.
• Sometimes you will have to spend a lot of time understanding things related to logistics
• You will have to take care of all the process including planning, transportation and customer service.
• You have to make sure that all the goods are transported to correct locations
• You will have to manage the work of staff and other members.