Logistics and distribution manager
The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation is a learned society concerned specifically with the planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of land-based transport systems and infrastructure, with a calendar of cutting edge technical seminars and conferences, and exciting social events. Find out more about The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT).
Logistics and distribution managers organise the storage and distribution of goods, which often involves using complex IT and telecommunications systems. They plan and manage the movement of goods in a supply chain, liaising with many parties including suppliers of raw materials, manufacturers, retailers and consumers.
Logistics and distribution managers need an awareness of and strategic response to external influences, such as legislation, fuel costs and environmental pressures.
The role of distribution manager within logistics may involve transportation, stock control, warehousing and ensuring structures are in place to monitor the flow of goods and materials. IT plays a key part within the logistics field in forecasting increasingly complex systems of stock levels, delivery times, transport costs and performance evaluation.
Responsibilities vary according to the specific job role and whether the employing company is a manufacturer, retailer or specialist service provider (third party logistics or 3PL).
A range of business tasks is undertaken to support the smooth and efficient operation of supply chain processes, and typical work activities usually include:
When managing warehouse or transport staff, the role may also include:
More senior roles in logistics may involve:
The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation is a learned society concerned specifically with the planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of land-based transport systems and infrastructure, with a calendar of cutting edge technical seminars and conferences, and exciting social events. Find out more about The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT).
The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation is a learned society concerned specifically with the planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of land-based transport systems and infrastructure, with a calendar of cutting edge technical seminars and conferences, and exciting social events. Find out more about The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT).
Although this area of work is open to all graduates and diplomates, the following subjects may improve your chances:
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:
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.
The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation is a learned society concerned specifically with the planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of land-based transport systems and infrastructure, with a calendar of cutting edge technical seminars and conferences, and exciting social events. Find out more about The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT).
Continuous professional development (CPD) is very important within this industry, and entrants should expect to take further qualifications. Larger companies may have graduate training schemes that allow graduates to experience a range of roles within logistics. Such schemes, typically lasting around 18 months to 2 years, may require relocation to different parts of the country or overseas.
Many companies require graduates to take professional qualifications. These may include:
These courses cover areas such as legal requirements for transport, managerial skills and other aspects of supply-chain management. For graduates wishing to progress further in their careers, qualifications such as the Certificate or Diploma in Management Studies (CMS/DMS) and/or a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) or Logistics will be useful or in some cases essential. Membership of a professional institute is advantageous and demonstrates commitment to the profession and to lifelong learning.
The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation is a learned society concerned specifically with the planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of land-based transport systems and infrastructure, with a calendar of cutting edge technical seminars and conferences, and exciting social events. Find out more about The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT).
Career development opportunities are excellent in this fast-moving and innovative industry. Those willing to take advantage of further training and professional development will find it relatively easy to progress. Changing jobs is common and in some regions of the country, such as the Midlands 'inland hub' between Leicester and Milton Keynes, it is often unnecessary to relocate for promotion or to broaden experience. With ongoing global economic challenges, many logistics companies, retailers and manufacturers are expanding their physical presence into emerging markets such as Eastern Europe, Russia and the East Asia.
There is also a much bigger focus on sustainability and the environment at all stages of the supply chain requiring innovative solutions.
Initial roles are often focused on goods distribution, managing storage centres or specific customer contracts. Promotion usually involves movement into general management of larger units, specialised roles or the more umbrella remit of logistics management.
Senior positions involve business development and overseeing the efficient management of an organisation's other resources, including labour, information, capital and facilities, and business functions. These business functions include financial management, human resources, production management, and IT systems and management information. These responsibilities are increasingly reflected in the content of MBA programmes.
With experience and promotion comes the possibility of overseas travel and research.
The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation is a learned society concerned specifically with the planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of land-based transport systems and infrastructure, with a calendar of cutting edge technical seminars and conferences, and exciting social events. Find out more about The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT).
Logistics management is needed in all companies and industries and is essential for maintaining good customer service levels and adding value. The collection of materials and distribution of goods is now a global industry, and management of the demand/supply chain in order to deliver products to the right place at the right time, with minimal waste, is an increasingly complex challenge.
Many manufacturing and retail organisations employ distribution staff with related roles in sourcing, purchasing and supply. Some companies provide third party logistics services to other organisations. They include companies such as DHL, Wincanton and Gist. Some of these are very large organisations with multiple operations covering all the needs of the supply chain, from warehousing and vehicles to sophisticated electronic information systems. Some operate global networks.
Currently, the logistics service market in the UK is one of the most advanced in Europe, and opportunities for development are likely to continue with the increasing demand for pan-European supply-chain solutions. Consultancy services, often in specialist areas of expertise, are also developing and offer progression pathways for individuals with experience.
A wide variety of other work environments and opportunities is available, including posts in transport, the armed forces, charitable organisations (especially in the field of overseas aid and development) and utilities. The last involves managing the efficient distribution of products moved by pipeline and cable rather than by road, rail or air.
Professional associations often advertise vacancies on their websites or in trade journals.
Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.
The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation is a learned society concerned specifically with the planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of land-based transport systems and infrastructure, with a calendar of cutting edge technical seminars and conferences, and exciting social events. Find out more about The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT).
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