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What does a logistics manager do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
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.

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Logistics manager responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real logistics manager resumes:

  • 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.
  • Serve as the primary advisor to Sr.
  • Prepare POs to suppliers in overseas and import documents.
  • Identify and implement supply chain improvement opportunities such as FIFO.
  • Perform financial analyses of KPIs (cycle counts, rework and design configuration accounts).
  • Develop, implement, and track logistics KPIs to drive operational excellence and improve the customer experience
  • Enter into the AS400 system the location and any problems the truck drivers might be encountering.
  • Coordinate with suppliers and transportation companies to assure timely (JIT) material delivery for production requirements.
  • Create monthly balance sheet for inventory of raw materials and accurately key in count quantities in AS400 program.
  • Interact with all cross docks in the network to avoid negative customer impact and ensure JIT freight arrival.

Logistics manager skills and personality traits

We calculated that 16% of Logistics Managers are proficient in Customer Service, Supply Chain, and Continuous Improvement. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Leadership skills, and Management skills.

We break down the percentage of Logistics Managers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Customer Service, 16%

    Prepared delivery schedules and contributed in lower operating costs strategically planning and managing logistics, warehouse, transportation and customer services.

  • Supply Chain, 12%

    Lead supply chain operations, including inventory control, materials management, production coordination, and development of logistics management strategies.

  • Continuous Improvement, 6%

    Developed continuous improvement operational processes.

  • On-Time Delivery, 5%

    Managed all freight in transit by obtaining adequate updates from carriers/drivers to monitor movement and ensure on-time delivery.

  • Process Improvement, 4%

    Champion process improvement initiatives throughout implementation of highly effective procedures for third party logistic (3PL) customers and production solutions.

  • Customer Satisfaction, 3%

    Recognized potential cost savings initiatives and implemented strategic plans to Increase efficiency, quality and customer satisfaction, while reducing losses.

Most logistics managers use their skills in "customer service," "supply chain," and "continuous improvement" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential logistics manager responsibilities here:

Communication skills. The most essential soft skill for a logistics manager to carry out their responsibilities is communication skills. This skill is important for the role because "top executives must be able to convey information clearly and persuasively." Additionally, a logistics manager resume shows how their duties depend on communication skills: "managed communications between hr & employees regarding release dates & compensation packages. "

Leadership skills. Many logistics manager duties rely on leadership skills. "top executives must be able to shape and direct an organization by coordinating policies, people, and resources.," so a logistics manager will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways logistics manager responsibilities rely on leadership skills: "provided the financial leadership on the multi-functional warehouse strategy by achieving annual cost reduction savings that exceeded 1.2 million usd. "

Problem-solving skills. For certain logistics manager responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "problem-solving skills." The day-to-day duties of a logistics manager rely on this skill, as "top executives need to identify and resolve issues within an organization." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what logistics managers do: "managed 2 tms solutions, directed off-site transportation personnel ; full responsibility of a freight payment company. "

Time-management skills. Another crucial skill for a logistics manager to carry out their responsibilities is "time-management skills." A big part of what logistics managers relies on this skill, since "top executives do many tasks concurrently to ensure that their work gets done and that the organization meets its goals." How this skill relates to logistics manager duties can be seen in an example from a logistics manager resume snippet: "increased on time delivery by more than 20% to 10-12 distribution centers nationwide. "

Most common logistics manager skills

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Compare different logistics managers

Logistics manager vs. Distribution supervisor

A distribution supervisor is in charge of overseeing all distribution processes in a warehouse or similar setting, ensuring accuracy and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities typically revolve around coordinating deliveries and shipment, managing schedules, delegating tasks, assessing the performance of the workforce, and maintaining records of all transactions. Should there be any issues or concerns, it is essential to resolve them promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, as a supervisor, it is vital to lead and encourage the employees to reach goals and deadlines, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

The annual salary of distribution supervisors is $12,244 lower than the average salary of logistics managers.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between logistics managers and distribution supervisors are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like customer service, continuous improvement, and process improvement.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a logistics manager are more likely to require skills like "supply chain," "on-time delivery," "customer satisfaction," and "logistics support." On the other hand, a job as a distribution supervisor requires skills like "logistics," "osha," "shipping receiving," and "safety training." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Distribution supervisors tend to make the most money working in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $68,278. In contrast, logistics managers make the biggest average salary, $84,622, in the technology industry.distribution supervisors tend to reach similar levels of education than logistics managers. In fact, distribution supervisors are 4.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Logistics manager vs. Inventory control manager

An inventory control manager is an individual who is responsible for directing all tasks related to inventory management of a company. They manage the allocation of materials, supplies, and finished goods as well as design strategies to minimize the cost or time to move goods. They are required to lead a team of storage or warehouse personnel to help them with the actual inventory count. Inventory control managers must also develop a business relationship with their suppliers or vendors.

A career as a inventory control manager brings a lower average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a logistics manager. In fact, inventory control managers salary is $15,301 lower than the salary of logistics managers per year.A few skills overlap for logistics managers and inventory control managers. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "customer service," "continuous improvement," and "process improvement. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, logistics manager responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "supply chain," "on-time delivery," "customer satisfaction," and "inventory control." Meanwhile, an inventory control manager has duties that require skills in areas such as "inventory control procedures," "team work," "logistics," and "warehouse inventory." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Inventory control managers may earn a lower salary than logistics managers, but inventory control managers earn the most pay in the retail industry with an average salary of $59,685. On the other hand, logistics managers receive higher pay in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $84,622.In general, inventory control managers achieve similar levels of education than logistics managers. They're 3.0% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Logistics manager vs. Supply chain manager

A supply chain manager is an individual who takes responsibility for managing hardware, equipment, and any other logistical details of an organization. Supply chain managers work alongside the external partners for parts and raw material procurement. They make sure that global companies coordinate with their sources of goods. These professionals also assess their suppliers and negotiate corporate contracts with vendors. The skills they needed include technical understanding, project management, cost accounting skills, and business ethics.

On average, supply chain managers earn higher salaries than logistics managers, with a $25,712 difference per year.Using the responsibilities included on logistics managers and supply chain managers resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "customer service," "supply chain," and "continuous improvement.rdquo;

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a logistics manager is likely to be skilled in "logistics support," "logistics operations," "dod," and "tms," while a typical supply chain manager is skilled in "logistics," "project management," "strong project management," and "chain operations."

Supply chain managers earn the highest salary when working in the professional industry, where they receive an average salary of $109,431. Comparatively, logistics managers have the highest earning potential in the technology industry, with an average salary of $84,622.When it comes to education, supply chain managers tend to earn higher degree levels compared to logistics managers. In fact, they're 7.7% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Logistics manager vs. Material manager

A material manager is responsible for monitoring inventories and stock supplies, ensuring the adequacy of materials needed for manufacturing or other operations, depending on the organization's industry. Material managers meet with suppliers and third-party vendors, negotiating contracts that would fit the budget goals of the company without compromising quality. They manage the distribution of resources throughout the organizations' department and provide purchase reports for the management. A material manager must have excellent communication and leadership skills to address the needs of an organization for smooth operations.

Material managers average a higher salary than the annual salary of logistics managers. The difference is about $21,423 per year.While their salaries may vary, logistics managers and material managers both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "customer service," "supply chain," and "continuous improvement. "

Even though a few skill sets overlap between logistics managers and material managers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a logistics manager might have more use for skills like "customer satisfaction," "logistics support," "logistics operations," and "management system." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of material managers require skills like "logistics," "materials management," "shipping receiving," and "lean manufacturing. "

In general, material managers earn the most working in the technology industry, with an average salary of $97,765. The highest-paying industry for a logistics manager is the technology industry.material managers reach similar levels of education compared to logistics managers, in general. The difference is that they're 1.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of logistics manager

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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