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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Logistics Manager

💰 $85,000 - $135,000

LogisticsSupply ChainManagementOperations

🎯 Role Definition

The Logistics Manager serves as the backbone of the supply chain, orchestrating the entire lifecycle of a product from acquisition to delivery. This individual is a strategic leader responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating all logistical functions, including warehousing, inventory management, and transportation. The role demands a blend of analytical prowess and hands-on operational management to ensure goods are moved efficiently, cost-effectively, and in compliance with all regulations. Success in this position is defined by the ability to optimize processes, lead a high-performing team, and directly contribute to the company's profitability and customer satisfaction.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Logistics Coordinator / Specialist
  • Warehouse Supervisor
  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Transportation Planner

Advancement To:

  • Director of Logistics
  • Supply Chain Director
  • VP of Operations
  • Director of Global Distribution

Lateral Moves:

  • Operations Manager
  • Procurement or Sourcing Manager
  • Supply Chain Project Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop and implement comprehensive logistics strategies and policies to optimize supply chain efficiency, reduce operational costs, and enhance customer service levels.
  • Direct, optimize, and coordinate the full order lifecycle, from customer order placement through to final delivery, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
  • Oversee and manage all warehouse operations, including receiving, storage, inventory control, order picking, and shipping, ensuring a safe and productive environment.
  • Negotiate contracts, rates, and service level agreements with freight carriers, third-party logistics (3PL) providers, and other transportation vendors to secure favorable terms.
  • Maintain meticulous and accurate records of inventory levels, delivery times, transportation costs, and overall operational performance using WMS and ERP systems.
  • Strategically plan and manage all transportation routes to identify the most cost-effective and time-efficient shipping methods for both inbound and outbound freight.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop the logistics and warehouse teams, setting clear performance objectives, providing regular feedback, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Ensure the organization's compliance with all local, state, federal, and international trade regulations, including customs, DOT, and OSHA requirements.
  • Analyze and resolve any logistical problems, complaints, or discrepancies that arise, implementing robust corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
  • Prepare and manage the logistics department's budget, tracking expenditures and implementing cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or service.
  • Utilize data analytics and performance metrics (KPIs) to track and report on logistics performance, such as on-time delivery, cost-per-unit, and inventory accuracy.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or other methodologies to enhance processes, eliminate waste, and increase productivity within the supply chain.
  • Manage relationships with key suppliers and vendors to ensure a seamless flow of materials and services, holding them accountable for performance standards.
  • Oversee the selection, implementation, and maintenance of logistics technology, including Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Transportation Management Systems (TMS).
  • Conduct regular audits of inventory, procedures, and safety protocols to ensure accuracy and compliance with company and regulatory standards.
  • Collaborate closely with other departments, such as procurement, manufacturing, sales, and customer service, to align logistics activities with broader business objectives.
  • Develop and execute contingency plans to mitigate risks associated with supply chain disruptions, such as transportation delays, port closures, or supplier issues.
  • Manage the reverse logistics process, including customer returns, product recalls, and the disposition of obsolete or damaged inventory.
  • Champion a safety-first culture, ensuring all team members are properly trained on equipment operation and safety procedures to minimize accidents and injuries.
  • Prepare and present detailed reports on logistics performance, budget adherence, and strategic initiatives to senior management.
  • Evaluate and select new logistics technologies and software to keep the company competitive and improve operational visibility and control.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc analytical requests from leadership regarding freight costs, delivery performance, and inventory trends.
  • Contribute to the organization's broader supply chain strategy and participate in cross-functional projects with procurement, sales, and manufacturing.
  • Collaborate with the IT department to translate operational needs into functional requirements for WMS/TMS enhancements and system integrations.
  • Participate in regular operational reviews and continuous improvement workshops, championing lean principles within the entire logistics function.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Supply Chain & Logistics Management: Deep, end-to-end understanding of supply chain principles, logistics operations, and freight management.
  • WMS/TMS Proficiency: Hands-on expertise with modern Warehouse Management Systems and Transportation Management Systems (e.g., Manhattan, Blue Yonder, Oracle SCM, SAP EWM).
  • Inventory Control & Management: Advanced knowledge of inventory control methods (e.g., JIT, ABC analysis, FIFO), cycle counting, and inventory reconciliation.
  • Budgeting & Cost Analysis: Proven ability to create and manage departmental budgets, analyze cost drivers, and perform financial variance analysis.
  • Data Analysis & Reporting: Skill in using data to drive decisions, track KPIs, and create insightful reports, often using Excel (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables) or BI tools.
  • Carrier & 3PL Negotiation: Demonstrated experience in negotiating contracts, rates, and terms with transportation and logistics service providers.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Strong working knowledge of transportation regulations (DOT, FMC), customs compliance, and workplace safety standards (OSHA).
  • Process Improvement Methodologies: Familiarity and practical application of Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement frameworks to optimize operations.
  • ERP Systems: Experience working with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) for order and inventory management.
  • Project Management: Ability to manage logistics-related projects, such as a warehouse move, system implementation, or network redesign.

Soft Skills

  • Leadership & Team Development: Exceptional ability to lead, motivate, and manage a diverse workforce, fostering a collaborative and high-performance team environment.
  • Strategic & Critical Thinking: Capacity to see the bigger picture, anticipate future challenges, and develop long-term strategies for logistical excellence.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and decisive problem-solving skills to quickly identify root causes and implement effective solutions for complex logistical issues.
  • Negotiation & Influence: Superior negotiation skills to secure favorable terms with vendors and the ability to influence stakeholders across the organization.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex information to team members, vendors, and senior leadership.
  • Adaptability & Resilience: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and effectively manage stress and ambiguity associated with supply chain disruptions.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to managing inventory, tracking shipments, and ensuring the accuracy of documentation and data.
  • Relationship Management: Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain positive, productive relationships with internal teams, suppliers, carriers, and customers.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field.

Preferred Education:

  • Master’s Degree (MBA or MS in Supply Chain Management).
  • Professional certifications such as Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) from APICS.

Relevant Fields of Study:

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

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • A minimum of 5-8 years of progressive experience within the logistics or supply chain field.

Preferred:

  • At least 3-5 years of direct supervisory or management experience, leading a team of logistics, warehouse, or transportation professionals.
  • Experience in a similar industry (e.g., retail, manufacturing, CPG, e-commerce) is highly advantageous.
  • Proven track record of successfully implementing process improvements and achieving significant cost savings.
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