Logistics and distribution manager job profile

Logistics and distribution managers are responsible for getting goods to the right place at the right time

Your role as a logistics and distribution manager is to organise the storage and distribution of goods. You'll ensure that the right products are delivered to the right location on time and at a reasonable cost. You may also be involved in transportation, stock control, warehousing and monitoring the flow of goods.

Understanding the whole supply chain is important so that you can coordinate it effectively and liaise with suppliers of raw materials, manufacturers, retailers and consumers.

Responsibilities

As a logistics and distribution manager, you'll need to:

manage stock levels, vehicle routes, delivery times and transport costs
coordinate and control the order cycle, ensuring that orders are prioritised correctly and processed on time
deal with delivery issues
extract and analyse daily performance reports, evaluating the performance and quality of both internal and third-party logistics suppliers (3PLs)
present findings to senior management and develop and implement plans for performance improvements
allocate and manage staff resources according to changing needs
manage and motivate a staff team
liaise and negotiate with customers, suppliers, freight forwarders and 3PLs
develop business by gaining new contracts, analysing logistical problems and producing solutions
understand, work with and help to develop e-commerce
continually try to improve and develop business performance within the constraints of legislation, fuel costs and rising environmental pressures
develop new or alternative supply strategies
understand and implement health and safety procedures
identify, plan and manage logistics projects that will improve efficiency, resilience and performance
use specialist knowledge, such as mechanical-handling systems, to provide consultancy services - this may be a requirement in some roles.

Salary

Starting salaries range from £19,000 to £25,000. Some graduate training schemes may pay more than this.
Salaries for logistics coordinators, planners and analysts typically range from £22,000 to £45,000 depending on your role and location.
Logistics and distribution managers can expect to earn between £40,000 and £85,000 depending on their level of responsibility. Heads of logistics may earn more than £100,000.

Salaries can vary significantly depending on a range of factors such as your location, the size and type of company you work for, and the sector you work in (private, public or charity/not-for-profit).

Other factors that affect salary include your skills, experience, level of seniority and professional qualifications.

Some companies pay bonuses, which are often arranged to take into account individual, departmental and group performance and can significantly enhance your basic pay.

Extra benefits such as a pension scheme, company car, stocks and shares, and health insurance may also be available, depending on the employer and the job role.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

Hours of work vary depending on the sector and type of employer you work for but may be long. Companies that offer a 24-hour service may operate a shift system, which can involve weekend and evening work.

Part-time work may be available and freelance work and self-employment on a consultancy basis is sometimes possible once you've got significant experience.

What to expect

Work is divided between the shop floor, warehouse and the office, though this depends on the size of the operation.
This industry is fast moving, and work may be challenging due to tight schedules and deadlines. However, there are good career development prospects if you have the right combination of skills, experience and motivation.
Jobs are available in major towns and cities throughout the UK.
According to the Women in Transport Equity Index 2023, women make up only 23% of the transport sector and more than half of these women work in non-transport roles. Organisations such as Women in Transport aim to improve the employment, career advancement and retention of women within the transport industry.
The role occasionally involves travel away from home, particularly in the early stages of training. For some roles, considerable overseas travel may be required.

Qualifications

Logistics and distribution manager jobs are open to all graduates, but a degree, HND or foundation degree in the following subject areas may help:

business
business with languages
computing
economics
geography
information systems
management
science
transport, distribution or logistics.

Although many logistics companies are flexible about subjects of study, some employers will require a degree in logistics and/or transport/distribution management, or supply chain management.

Only a small number of first degree and HND courses are devoted specifically to logistics and transport. However, a range of other subjects, such as business studies, economics, geography and planning, often incorporate relevant modules.

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT(UK) accredits a number of undergraduate and postgraduate logistics and supply chain management degrees. Search CILT(UK) accredited courses. These degrees also provide exemptions from some of the requirements for membership or chartered membership.

The Novus programme was created to help undergraduate students interested in supply chain, logistics, operations, transport and data analytics positively progress their future career. It provides students with access to summer and year-long placements, graduate roles, and both professional and peer mentors. Find out which universities offer the Novus programme.

You don't need a postgraduate degree to become a logistics and distribution manager, but it may be useful, particularly if your undergraduate degree is in an unrelated subject. Search for postgraduate courses in logistics and supply chain management.

Many large logistics companies run graduate recruitment schemes, though competition for entry onto these schemes can be high.

It's also possible to get into the sector by doing an apprenticeship in logistics, supply chain or a related area. Apprenticeships are available at different levels and combine paid work with part-time study for a qualification, meaning you can train on the job.

Entry without a degree is possible in an entry-level role such as logistics assistant or warehouse operative. It may then be possible to work your way up to the role of logistics and distribution manager by taking relevant professional qualifications offered by organisations such as CILT(UK).

Although industry experience is an important factor in recruitment, some employers may prefer applicants with a degree.

An alternative route is to move into logistics after beginning in another area of the supply chain, such as warehouse management. Logistics consultancies are unlikely to take on new graduates and normally require several years' experience within the industry or in strategic business planning.

Skills

You will need to have:

a logical and systematic approach to work
the ability to solve problems and make decisions, as well as think laterally and offer creative solutions
data interpretation skills as logistics is becoming increasingly digital
commercial awareness and numeracy skills
strong IT skills as you will be working with IT systems and logistics and inventory management software
the ability to manage change
strong communication and interpersonal skills
the ability to lead and motivate a team
excellent relationship management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external teams
time management, with the ability to work under pressure, maintain accuracy and keep to deadlines
excellent oral and written communication skills
negotiation and influencing skills
a proactive and positive attitude to continued learning.

You will usually need a full driving licence.

Work experience

Some degree courses include a placement year option. This provides the opportunity to gain practical business experience, increase your skills and develop a network of contacts. There may also be options to undertake shorter placements during your course.

You could also apply for summer internships, which are usually available with larger organisations and companies.

Part-time work in areas such as warehousing, storage, retail or administration is also useful and is relatively easy to obtain.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

Logistics and distribution managers are employed within many industries in the private, public and charity/not-for-profit sectors. Typical employers include retail companies, aviation organisations, rail providers, the armed forces, local and national government, and manufacturing and engineering firms.

If you're a final-year student wishing to apply to larger companies, look out for graduate training scheme vacancies from late October onwards. Smaller companies tend to advertise throughout the year to suit their recruitment needs.

Look for job vacancies at:

Specialist recruitment agencies also advertise vacancies. These include:

Professional development

Graduate training schemes typically last around 18 months to two years and you'll get to experience a range of roles within logistics.

Logistics and distribution is a fast-moving profession and it's important that you keep your skills and knowledge up to date. Many companies support graduates to take professional qualifications offered by organisations such as:

They offer a range of qualifications from entry level certificates through to advanced certificates and diplomas.

CILT(UK) and the CIPS also offer the opportunity to become members and to work towards chartered status. You will need a combination of accredited qualifications and experience to be eligible. You must also complete continuing professional development to keep your skills and knowledge updated.

Membership of a relevant professional body also provides access to events, resources and advice, as well as networking opportunities.

If you wish to progress further in your career, qualifications such as the Certificate or Diploma in Management Studies and/or a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) specialising in logistics or supply chain management will be useful, or in some cases essential.

It's possible to study for a Masters degree in logistics and supply chain management if you don't already have one. A range of courses and customised programmes are also offered by the Centre for Logistics and Supply Chain Management (CLSCM) at Cranfield University.

Career prospects

There are various entry points into the profession and a variety of career pathways once you're in. It's possible to get an entry-level job or a graduate trainee role and work your way up to logistics and distribution manager from there.

If you're on a graduate trainee scheme, you'll get the opportunity to rotate through departments to get an insight into various logistics functions.

At first, it's usual to be focused on goods distribution and the management of storage centres, or specific customer contracts. Promotion involves movement into general management of larger units, specialised roles or the more umbrella remit of logistics management.

In a more senior position, you'll be concerned with higher-level management duties, such as business development and the coordination of resources and business functions. These include labour, information, capital, facilities, financial management, human resources, production management, IT systems and management information. Such responsibilities are increasingly reflected in the content of MBA courses.

Career development opportunities are excellent in this fast-moving and innovative industry if you're willing to take advantage of further training and professional development opportunities. You can progress into to senior management roles if you have the right combination of skills, experience and determination.

Logistics and distribution manager