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Inventory manager vs logistics manager

The differences between inventory managers and logistics managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both an inventory manager and a logistics manager. Additionally, a logistics manager has an average salary of $74,702, which is higher than the $62,768 average annual salary of an inventory manager.

The top three skills for an inventory manager include PET, direct reports and customer service. The most important skills for a logistics manager are customer service, supply chain, and continuous improvement.

Inventory manager vs logistics manager overview

Inventory ManagerLogistics Manager
Yearly salary$62,768$74,702
Hourly rate$30.18$35.91
Growth rate-6%6%
Number of jobs30,71731,437
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 54%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age4745
Years of experience66

What does an inventory manager do?

An inventory manager is responsible for supervising the overall inventory operations, monitoring supplies and materials, and checking the accuracy of data reports from the inventory associates. Inventory managers' duties include validating stock levels using record software tools, determining the availability of stocks for purchase orders, inspecting the incoming and outgoing shipments, and addressing product concerns by communicating with suppliers and third-party vendors. An inventory manager must have excellent communication and leadership skills to handle the staff's performance and manage customers' inquiries and complaints.

What does a logistics manager do?

The person in charge of coordinating, purchasing, and distributing products in a supply chain is called logistics manager. Logistic managers are supply specialists that are responsible for the overall supply chain management. They supervise employees to maintain safety in the workplace, resolve customer's issues and complaints, and develop strategies for operations. Also, they are responsible for collaborating and negotiating with manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, and consumers. These highly-detailed professionals maintain precise records of inventory and ensure that supply chain processes are regularly operating.

Inventory manager vs logistics manager salary

Inventory managers and logistics managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Inventory ManagerLogistics Manager
Average salary$62,768$74,702
Salary rangeBetween $43,000 And $91,000Between $52,000 And $106,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateWashingtonWashington
Best paying companyNVIDIAApple
Best paying industryRetailTechnology

Differences between inventory manager and logistics manager education

There are a few differences between an inventory manager and a logistics manager in terms of educational background:

Inventory ManagerLogistics Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 54%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Inventory manager vs logistics manager demographics

Here are the differences between inventory managers' and logistics managers' demographics:

Inventory ManagerLogistics Manager
Average age4745
Gender ratioMale, 69.4% Female, 30.6%Male, 77.9% Female, 22.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 13.1% Asian, 8.5% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage10%5%

Differences between inventory manager and logistics manager duties and responsibilities

Inventory manager example responsibilities.

  • Accomplish and operate MRP and produce purchasing orders to optimize inventories of materials and supplies necessary to achieve production demands.
  • Manage a wide variety of customer service and administrative software such as TallyWizard and QuickBooks.
  • Manage control measures to ensure mistakes, inaccuracies and discrepancies are highlight, addressed and resolve.
  • Manage credit control, monthly reconciliations, management analysis and internal control.
  • Reduce new parts inventory and increase cash flow level each year with JIT deliveries.
  • Create and implement numerous processes, reports, and indicators for MRO inventory management.
  • Show more

Logistics manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage budget, staffing, workload distribution, and training and development of PMO.
  • Manage annual RFP for the selection of new carrier contracts for FCL/FTL rates and services.
  • Lead cross-functional team integrating the distribution system with a new database merchandising system with RF device.
  • Manage all FDA medical device listings for all accume foreign and domestic facilities, and assist foreign suppliers with the same.
  • Manage all negotiations with carriers including freight forwarders and various other providers of transportation relate services.
  • Lead organization's governmental and regulatory compliance office which result in no violation findings during federal oversight inspections.
  • Show more

Inventory manager vs logistics manager skills

Common inventory manager skills
  • PET, 75%
  • Direct Reports, 4%
  • Customer Service, 4%
  • Inventory Control, 2%
  • Logistics, 2%
  • Manage Inventory, 2%
Common logistics manager skills
  • Customer Service, 16%
  • Supply Chain, 12%
  • Continuous Improvement, 6%
  • On-Time Delivery, 5%
  • Process Improvement, 4%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 3%

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