What is a Logistics And Distribution Manager?
Logistics and Distribution Managers are in charge of deciding when and where goods will be distributed, as well as the amount that will be distributed. This job plays an important part in logistics and supply chain management. It relies on information systems and software to enable accurate forecasting and program implementation.
A Logistics and Distribution Manager must strike a balance between the company’s need to save costs and improve safety and the want to have product accessible fast. Achieving this balance entails more than simply transporting goods from point A to point B as quickly and economically as feasible. To reduce obstacles, thorough inventory cost management, precise planning and execution are required, all while being aware of marketplace trends and prospects for increased competitiveness and development. Trade and Logistics are two of the world’s most important and complicated economic industries. Business models and value chains are undergoing significant transformations, and digitisation is opening up new mobility options. Markets and trade flows are moving, and networks are growing more intense. In addition, due to the disintegration of the global world order, contemporary logistics face additional obstacles. Climate change is placing a lot of pressure on the logistics industry to innovate.
Responsibilities
In order to maintain successful operations, Logistics and Distribution Managers must be prepared to make educated judgments and drive performance improvement, frequently going outside the product supply chain and handling inventory management as well.
A Logistics and Distribution Manager’s daily responsibilities can include:
- Coordination of computer systems with suppliers in order to establish a just-in-time inventory system
- Creating and executing warehouse safety and security programs
- Examining vehicle fleets, warehouses, and equipment and arranging any required repairs or replacements
- Assisting purchasing managers in developing optimum re-ordering methods
- Performing inventory security checks
- Ensuring product safety (i.e., shipping perishables in a refrigerated environment)
- Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations
- Collaborating with suppliers to design appropriate packaging, storage, and labelling to improve inventory management and storage efficiency
- Developing, executing, and managing strategies and procedures to ensure that all incoming and outgoing goods are despatched and received on schedule.
- Supervising forecasting and information flow.
- Measuring processes and strategising
- Promoting a measuring culture
- Dealing with and organising personnel and shifts
- Educating staff who receive, store, test, or transport items
- Stock monitoring and trash management
Salary
In the United Kingdom, the average Logistics and Distribution Managers’ salary amounts to £40,000 per year.
Entry-level position salaries start at £32,625 per year, with most experienced professionals earning up to £57,500 per year. Depending on the company and the job role, additional benefits such as corporate cars, stocks and shares, health insurance, and pension plans may be provided. After gaining experience, part-time work may be accessible, as well as freelance work and self-employment on a consulting basis.
Working hours and work location
Work hours may vary, but on average you can expect to work roughly 60 hours per week. Companies that provide 24-hour service may use a shift system that includes weekend and evening work. Work settings for a Logistics and Distribution Manager vary from office to warehouse to retail locations. Logistics and Distribution Managers may be required to travel on a daily basis to visit vendors and evaluate progress. International travels may be included on occasion.
What to expect
A Logistics and Distribution Manager usually oversees a team of Logistics and Distribution Coordinators who are in charge of the company’s general supply-chain activities. They compute, design, and organise safety and security initiatives, as well as analyse invoices and reports during peak delivery periods Logistics and Distribution Managers create and manage departmental budgets, as well as negotiate preferential rate contracts with freight carriers, warehouse operators, and insurance providers.
Employees in this position will interact and coordinate with coworkers, customs agents, and department heads at their organisation. Logistics and Distribution Managers create and document normal and emergency operating processes, as well as assess items and materials to estimate shipping or storage container costs. They are also in charge of organising product delivery and distribution, as well as inspecting equipment and warehouses.
Qualifications
Most Logistics and Distribution Manager positions demand at least a bachelor’s degree, and ambitious professionals should anticipate needing many years of work experience, vocational or on-the-job training for this role, which also involves substantial leadership and management preparation and expertise. You have a variety of degrees to choose from if you want to work in this industry. Your topic of study as an aspiring Logistics and Distribution Manager might be as broad as business or as specific as systems engineering or supply chain management. Because of these alternatives, picking a degree for a career in Logistics and distribution might be a little more difficult. A general business major is more adaptable, but it may not completely equip you for the specific demands of a Logistics profession as degrees in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, and Systems Engineering would. Supply chain management, for example, is based on a business administration basis, whereas systems engineering is based on a mathematical approach. While many of these studies should provide you with some of the foundation information and abilities sought in the Logistics and Distribution career sector, the program of study you select will define the specific classes you attend, as well as your area of specialisation and chances for hands-on experience. Relevant degrees for the Logistics and Distribution field include:
- Supply chain management
- International commerce
- Transportation and distribution
- Administration and business studies
- Business
- International Bussines
- Economics
- IT
- Management
- Science
Choosing to pursue a master’s degree can provide value in terms of legitimacy, more training and skill development, and greater pay. UWS’ MBA with Logistics and Supply Chain Management program can help professionals aspiring to be distribution managers or directors. It provides them with a comprehensive understanding of supply chain management as well as applicable real-world strategies. This program enables aspiring Logistics and Distribution Managers to be leaders in the supply chain economy.
Skills
Some of the key skills required for Logistics and Distribution Managers include:
must have skills:
- Management skills-coordinating drivers, vehicles, loads, and journeys
- Planning skills-planning and coordinating shipments
- Analysing skills- analysing data to assess performance, identify logistical issues, and devising improvement plans
- IT knowledge- operating IT systems to manage timings, costs, and stock levels
- Data analysis abilities, particularly the ability to work with electronic data
- Negotiating skills- negotiating and agreeing on contracts
- Planning skills- planning for and negotiating technical difficulties
- Maths skills
- Interpersonal skills – the capacity to work successfully in a group while also managing and motivating people
- Capacity to think creatively -logical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Deductive reasoning
- Time management skills-the ability to prepare ahead of time and deal with unanticipated changes
Work experience
Anyone who wishes to work in Logistics and Delivery Management must have years of expertise in the sector and a strong understanding of the field. A solid general education is beneficial, in addition, to gain the necessary experience you might be able to start an apprenticeship or a management training program with a Logistics and Distribution company right after completing your university degree or even during your studies.
Apart from formal education, many organisations will encourage Logistics and Distribution professionals to gain the Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).
Taking professional credentials given by some of the professional organisations, such as CIPS and CILT, is an excellent method to develop your abilities. Becoming a chartered member of CIPS or CILT is the highest accolade and a chance to obtain vital skills in supply chain management. It is not simple to become a Member (MCIPS), but it does place you in a wonderful position to earn a highly attractive compensation. According to the 2021 CIPS/Hays Procurement Salary Guide, 60% of employers prefer candidates with MCIPS, and your salary will be 24% more with an MCIPS. To get this coveted membership, you must have a degree (accredited undergraduate or postgraduate) or the CIPS professional procurement and supply credentials. Furthermore, you will only be chartered if you are always working on upskilling and retraining. You must keep track of your ongoing professional development (CPD) and complete the Ethical Procurement and Supply eLearning and Test.
Career prospects
What can I do with a supply chain management degree? is a legitimate question to ask yourself when deciding to study and enter the world of Logistics and Distribution Management.
In October 2021, there were 53,000 vacancies in the Transport and Storage sector in the UK. This shows a large demand in the procurement area, including the Logistics and Distribution sectors.
A career in Logistics and Distribution management allows you to shift between different sorts of businesses, such as vehicle and van rental, contract fleet, distribution or logistics, package delivery, manufacturing, and retail. In time with experience, you might advance to positions such as area manager, regional manager, or general manager.
As a Logistics and Distribution Manager you can seek employment in the following area:
- Specialist distribution companies
- Manufacturers
- Retailers
- The armed forces
- Major commercial organisations
Related Courses
The Logistics and Supply Chain Management MBA delivered by the University of the West of Scotland provides a valuable insight into this ever-changing, yet very important business topic. This one-year full-time unique course combines supply chain and logistics and the broader business strategy to drive great results. Delivered by industry experts at a world-leading business centre in the heart of London, this is a great choice for anyone looking for a career as a Logistics and Delivery Manager.
Other related courses
- BA (Hons) International Business - This is a full-time program offered by the University of the West of Scotland London. Students can pick from a range of start dates to meet their schedules. Through this course, students have the opportunity to learn from industry experts, guest lecturers, and professionals with years of experience. The best part about this course is that it is offered at the London Campus, which is located in the heart of the UK's economic capital.
- MSc Information Technology - Delivered by the University of the West of Scotland, this course is delivered at the London Campus which means you will be studying at the centre of the UK tech industry. This one-year, full-time curriculum is designed for students who do not already have a background in IT or computing. The course will help you build much needed business-relevant IT knowledge and abilities and help you land that dream job in Logistics and Distribution.
FAQ Summary
Logistics and Distribution Managers are in charge of deciding when and where goods will be distributed, as well as the amount that will be distributed. This job plays an important part in logistics and supply chain management. It relies on information systems and software to enable accurate forecasting and program implementation.
In the United Kingdom, the average Logistics and Distribution Managers’ salary amounts to £40,000 per year.
Most Logistics and Distribution Manager positions demand at least a bachelor’s degree, and ambitious professionals should anticipate needing many years of work experience, vocational or on-the-job training for this role, which also involves substantial leadership and management preparation and expertise.
