Logistics and distribution manager

As a logistics and distribution manager, your role is to organise the storage and distribution of goods. You'll ensure 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 supply chains and supply chain management is important so you can coordinate things effectively and liaise with manufacturers, retailers, consumers, and suppliers of raw materials.

What does a logistics and distribution manager do?

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

• manage stock levels, vehicle routes, delivery times, and transport costs, as well as deal with any delivery issues
• coordinate and control the order cycle, ensuring orders are prioritised correctly and processed on time
• extract and analyse daily performance reports, evaluating the performance and quality of internal and third-party logistics suppliers (3PLs)
• present findings to senior management and implement plans for performance improvements
• allocate and manage staff resources according to changing needs
• liaise and negotiate with customers, suppliers, freight forwarders, and 3PLs, developing new contacts so the business can grow
• understand, work with, and help to develop e-commerce
• continually improve and develop business performance within the constraints of legislation, fuel costs, and rising environmental pressures
• develop new or alternative supply strategies
• implement health and safety procedures
• identify, plan, and manage logistics projects to 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).

Logistics and distribution manager salaries

• Starting salaries for logistics and distribution managers in the UK average around £25,000, though some graduate training schemes may pay more.
• Salaries for logistics coordinators, planners, and analysts typically range from £27,000 to £29,000, but can be as high as around £37,000, depending on your role and location.
• Logistics and distribution managers, and those with more experience, can expect to earn between £41,000 and £65,000, while a head of logistics can earn in excess of £90,000.

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 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. These 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.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours in logistics and distribution

Hours vary depending on the sector and type of employer you work for, but can be long, possibly up to 60 hours a week. Companies that offer a 24-hour service may operate a shift system, which can involve weekend and evening work. The logistics industry is fast-paced, and you may find your work will be divided between the shop floor, warehouse, and office. This also means dress codes can range from smart casual to personal protective equipment (PPE), such as high-vis vests

Part-time work may be available. Freelancing and self-employment on a consultancy basis may also be possible once you've gained significant experience. There may also be opportunities to travel, with some roles offering overseas work.

What qualifications does a logistics and distribution manager need?

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, some employers 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 to logistics and transport. However, 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.

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 can be high.

It's also possible to get in 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, 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 logistics and distribution manager by taking relevant professional qualifications offered by organisations such as CILT(UK).

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

What skills does a logistics and distribution manager need?

You'll need to have:

• 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 knowledge, as you'll be working with computer systems and software specifically designed for logistics and inventory management
• strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to lead and motivate a team of others
• excellent relationship skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external teams, such as suppliers and customers
• time management, combined with being able to work well under pressure while maintaining accuracy and keeping to deadlines.

You'll also usually need a full driving licence.

Where can I get experience in logistics and distribution management?

Some degree courses include a placement year in the logistics industry. This provides the opportunity to gain practical business experience, increase your skills, and develop a network of contacts. There may also be opportunities 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.

Who employs logistics and distribution managers?

Logistics and distribution managers in the UK are employed within many industries in the private, public, and charity/not-for-profit sectors. Typical examples include retail businesses, 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 schemes from late October onwards. Smaller companies tend to advertise throughout the year.

Careers in logistics and distribution management

There are various entry points into the logistics and distribution world, with 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 from there. If you're on a graduate scheme, you'll get the opportunity to rotate through departments to get an insight into various logistics functions. Graduate training schemes typically last around 18 months to two years, and you'll get to experience a range of roles within logistics.

At first, you’ll likely 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 more senior positions, 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 Master of Business Administration (MBA) courses.

Career development opportunities are excellent if you're willing to take advantage of further training and professional development. You can progress into a senior management role if you have the right combination of skills, experience, and determination.

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

• CILT(UK)
• Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
• Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM)

They offer several qualifications from entry level certificates through to advanced diplomas.

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

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

If you wish to progress further in your career, qualifications like 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. In some cases, it may even be 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.