Logistics and distribution manager : Entry requirements

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1. Job description
2. Salary and conditions
3. Entry requirements
4. Training
5. Career development
6. Employers and vacancy …
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Case studies

• Supply chain manager: Andrew
• Supply chain manager: Michael

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Although this area of work is open to all graduates and diplomates, the following subjects may improve your chances:

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

Although many logistics companies are flexible about subjects of study, for some employers, a degree in logistics and/or transport/distribution management is an essential requirement.

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. Information on exemptions allowed for various courses may be obtained by contacting the professional institutes including The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) UK , The Institute of Operations Management (IOM) , the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS)  and the Institute of Leadership and Management . Many employers may prefer graduates, while others will consider experience and personal qualities in addition to qualifications.

Entry without a degree or HND has until now been fairly common, but it is likely that a higher education qualification will increasingly be required as the sector develops its strategic business function.

A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not essential, but there are a growing number of postgraduate courses available. These may improve chances of entry and progression. Employers' recruitment literature often provides a guide on whether further qualifications are normally preferred. A useful list of postgraduate and post-experience courses is available from the CILT.

Candidates need to show evidence of the following:

• the ability to work logically and systematically, with good time management;
• problem-solving and decision-making skills plus the ability to think laterally while also offering creative solutions;
• commercial awareness and some numeracy;
• IT literacy and the ability to handle electronic data;
• flexibility and the ability to manage change;
• strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well as part of a team;
• excellent communication skills, both oral and written;
• negotiation skills;
• a positive attitude to continued learning.

Related work experience, such as warehousing, storage, retail or administration, could be an advantage and is relatively easy to obtain. Many large logistics companies run graduate recruitment schemes and competition for entry onto these schemes can be high. An alternative route is to move into logistics after beginning in another area of the supply chain, such as retail management or purchasing. Logistics consultancies are unlikely to take on new graduates and normally require several years’ experience within the industry or in strategic business planning.

Final year students wishing to apply to larger companies need to check with their careers service from late October onwards for vacancy details. Smaller companies tend to advertise during the spring and summer when they have more concrete details of their recruitment needs.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.