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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Logistics Manager

💰 $95,000 - $140,000

LogisticsSupply ChainManagementOperations

🎯 Role Definition

As our Logistics Manager, you will be the central pillar of our supply chain operations. You will be responsible for the strategic planning and hands-on management of all logistics functions, including transportation, warehousing, inventory control, and order fulfillment. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a tactical mindset, capable of leading a team, managing complex partner relationships, and driving continuous improvement across our global logistics network. You will ensure that our operations are not only efficient and cost-effective but also resilient, compliant, and capable of supporting our company's growth.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior Logistics Coordinator
  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Warehouse Supervisor or Manager

Advancement To:

  • Senior Logistics Manager
  • Director of Logistics
  • Director of Supply Chain

Lateral Moves:

  • Supply Chain Manager
  • Procurement Manager
  • Operations Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Direct, optimize, and coordinate the entire order fulfillment lifecycle, from initial customer order to successful final delivery.
  • Develop and execute comprehensive logistics strategies and policies to enhance operational efficiency, reduce transportation costs, and improve overall service levels.
  • Strategically manage and negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with transportation providers, carriers, freight forwarders, and third-party logistics (3PL) partners to secure optimal services.
  • Oversee and manage the complete logistics lifecycle, encompassing transportation, warehousing, inventory management, and distribution to guarantee timely and cost-effective delivery.
  • Monitor, analyze, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time delivery, freight cost-per-unit, inventory accuracy, and warehouse productivity to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop the logistics team, setting clear performance objectives, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a culture of high performance, accountability, and collaboration.
  • Ensure strict compliance with all domestic and international shipping regulations, customs laws, safety standards, and trade requirements, managing all necessary documentation.
  • Utilize and manage Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and ERP software to track shipments, manage inventory, and generate insightful performance reports.
  • Collaborate closely with procurement, manufacturing, sales, and customer service departments to align logistics activities with production schedules, demand forecasts, and overall business goals.
  • Act as the primary point of contact to resolve any arising issues, delays, or complaints from customers or suppliers related to transportation, delivery, or product condition.
  • Conduct regular audits of all logistics processes, identifying bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement, and implementing effective corrective actions.
  • Prepare, manage, and maintain the logistics department's annual budget, meticulously tracking expenditures and identifying opportunities for significant cost savings.
  • Stay current with the latest industry trends, emerging technologies (like IoT and AI in logistics), and best practices in supply chain management to drive innovation.
  • Manage carrier and 3PL relationships and performance, conducting regular business reviews (QBRs) to ensure service level agreements (SLAs) are consistently met or exceeded.
  • Oversee the selection and management of warehousing and distribution centers, ensuring they meet operational needs, safety standards, and security requirements.
  • Develop and maintain robust risk management and contingency plans for the supply chain, identifying potential disruptions and creating strategies to mitigate their impact.
  • Manage and optimize inventory levels across all storage locations, implementing advanced inventory control systems to minimize holding costs and prevent stockouts.
  • Analyze and optimize transportation routes and shipping modes to improve delivery times, reduce fuel consumption, and support corporate sustainability goals.
  • Coordinate all reverse logistics processes, efficiently managing the return of goods from customers or to suppliers in a cost-effective and organized manner.
  • Champion a data-driven approach to decision-making, using analytics to inform strategic planning, operational adjustments, and long-term network design.
  • Plan and track the shipment of raw materials and finished goods in accordance with customer and internal requirements, ensuring all stakeholders are informed of progress and potential delays.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to model potential supply chain scenarios.
  • Contribute to the organization's broader digital transformation and data strategy roadmap.
  • Collaborate with the finance and accounting departments to reconcile freight invoices and audit logistics-related expenses.
  • Participate in cross-functional project teams to support new product introductions, market expansions, or system implementations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced proficiency in Logistics Software, including Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
  • Expertise in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) with a focus on logistics and inventory modules.
  • Strong knowledge of domestic and international shipping regulations, customs brokerage, and trade compliance (Incoterms).
  • Proven ability in budget management, financial analysis, and logistics cost modeling.
  • Advanced data analysis skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel (Pivot Tables, complex formulas) and experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
  • Deep understanding of supply chain principles, inventory management techniques, and demand planning.
  • Experience in contract negotiation and management with carriers and 3PLs.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional leadership and team management capabilities with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
  • Strong strategic planning and critical thinking skills, with the ability to see the bigger picture.
  • Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with a knack for resolving complex logistical challenges under pressure.
  • Superior communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Powerful negotiation and vendor relationship management abilities.
  • High degree of organization and attention to detail.
  • Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic, fast-paced global environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

  • Master’s Degree (MBA, MSc) or a relevant professional certification (e.g., CSCP, CLTD from APICS/ASCM).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics & Transportation
  • Business Administration
  • Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 5-8 years of progressive experience in logistics or supply chain management, including at least 3 years in a leadership or managerial capacity.

Preferred:

  • Proven track record of implementing process improvements that resulted in significant cost savings and efficiency gains.
  • Experience within a similar industry (e.g., manufacturing, CPG, retail, e-commerce) with exposure to global logistics operations.
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