Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Logistics Account Manager

🎯 Role Definition

A Logistics Account Manager is a strategic and customer‑focused role responsible for managing and growing key logistics client relationships, coordinating end‑to‑end supply chain solutions, negotiating pricing and contracts, monitoring performance metrics and ensuring operational excellence in freight, transportation and distribution services. This position serves as a primary liaison between customers, carriers and internal teams to deliver tailored, cost‑effective logistics solutions that meet client needs and support business growth.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Logistics Coordinator
Customer Service Specialist
Sales Representative

Advancement To:

Senior Account Manager
Key Account Director
Logistics Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

Supply Chain Analyst
Transportation Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned logistics accounts, maintaining strong long‑term customer relationships and high levels of satisfaction.
Coordinate day‑to‑day logistics operations, including freight scheduling, shipment tracking, delivery coordination and issue resolution for client accounts.
Negotiate rates, terms and contracts with customers, carriers and third‑party logistics (3PL) partners to secure competitive pricing and service levels.
Develop and implement strategic account plans that optimize service delivery, reduce costs and support long‑term client objectives.
Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on‑time delivery, freight cost per unit and customer satisfaction to drive continuous improvement.
Provide detailed operational and performance reports to clients and internal stakeholders, offering insights and recommendations to improve service.
Actively identify opportunities for process improvements, cost savings and value‑added services within each account.
Lead regular business reviews with customers to assess performance, address concerns and realign goals to evolving customer needs.
Collaborate with internal teams including operations, sales, customer service, warehouse and finance to ensure seamless execution of logistics activities.
Support onboarding and integration of new clients by documenting standard operating procedures (SOPs) and aligning all parties before operations begin.
Coordinate freight allocation, carrier assignments and dispatch functions to meet customer service commitments.
Respond promptly to escalated customer issues, complaints or service disruptions and coordinate effective resolutions.
Manage billing, invoicing and account reconciliation in collaboration with finance to ensure accurate, timely charges and collections.
Utilize data‑driven insights and industry expertise to propose sustainable logistics solutions that align with customer objectives.
Maintain and grow carrier and partner networks to support account requirements and enhance service reliability.
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, safety standards and contractual obligations throughout logistics activities.
Assist in business development efforts by identifying upselling and cross‑selling opportunities within existing accounts.
Attend onsite meetings, industry events and client visits to strengthen relationships and represent the company professionally.
Prepare forecasts and performance reviews to support operational and commercial planning.
Support internal team training on account strategies, SOP compliance, system usage and customer expectations.

Secondary Functions

Support ad‑hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Strong knowledge of logistics operations, transportation management and supply chain processes.
Proficiency in using transportation management systems (TMS), CRM tools and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
Ability to negotiate freight rates, service level agreements (SLAs) and contractual terms with clients and carriers.
Experience analyzing logistics performance metrics, KPIs and operational data to optimize account results.
Skilled in preparing commercial proposals, quotes, pricing models and logistics solutions.
Competence in forecasting, demand planning and cost‑control strategies.
Working knowledge of warehouse operations, distribution channels and carrier network functions.
Familiarity with compliance regulations, safety standards and industry best practices.
Ability to manage billing, invoicing and account financials with accuracy.
Strong analytical and documentation skills for performance reports and client communication.

Soft Skills

Exceptional customer service and relationship‑building skills to retain and grow accounts.
Excellent verbal and written communication with internal and external stakeholders.
Strong problem‑solving and critical thinking abilities to resolve operational challenges.
Effective time management and the ability to prioritize multiple client needs and tasks.
Strategic thinking and business‑acumen to align logistics solutions with customer goals.
High attention to detail to ensure accuracy in documentation, quoting and service delivery.
Collaborative mindset to work cross‑functionally across teams and departments.
Adaptability to fast‑paced logistics environments and changing priorities.
Negotiation and persuasion skills to advocate for customer and company benefits.
Professionalism, resilience and customer‑centric orientation in challenging situations.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation or related field preferred.

Preferred Education:

Advanced coursework or certifications in supply chain, logistics, sales or account management.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Business Administration
Transportation & Distribution
Sales & Customer Relationship Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:
3‑7+ years of experience in logistics, account management, transportation or related roles with demonstrated success in customer service, operational coordination and revenue growth.

Preferred:
Proven track record of managing freight‑related accounts, driving customer satisfaction and achieving performance targets in a logistics or 3PL environment.