How To Become A Logistics Program Manager: What It Is and Career Path

What is a logistics program manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Meaghan Goodman Ph.D.

A logistics program manager is in charge of developing, implementing, and monitoring the logistics programs of their organization. Their primary duties include determining program objectives, creating frameworks, managing program budgets, preparing presentations, and identifying areas of improvement when it comes to logistics.

As a program manager, they are also responsible for employee management, which entails tasks such as handling employee schedules, addressing issues, providing training or coaching, and helping the HR department make decisions when hiring new people. They are also responsible for communicating company goals and new protocols to all program team members.

In general, the minimum requirement for this role is a bachelor's degree in business or supply chain management. And since this is a management role, extensive experience in the industry is a must. Furthermore, a logistics program manager must exhibit outstanding skills in leadership, coordination, communication, and problem-solving, among other vital soft skills.

The average annual salary for this role is $112,000, with the bottom earners making $79,000 and top earners making as much as $160,000 per year.

What's a day at work look like for a logistics program manager?

Meaghan Goodman Ph.D.

Program Director & Assistant Professor, Maryville University

A bachelor's in communication sciences and disorders can prepare you for three different tracks. First, it can prepare you to become a licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA). This is someone who works under a fully credential speech-language pathologist. Often times, they carryout intervention plans developed by a fully credentialed speech-language pathologist. If graduate school is on your horizon, a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders will prepare you for acceptance into a Speech-Language Pathology program, or an Audiology program. If you are not accepted into a graduate program right away, working as a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA) is a great way to get experience in the field!

ScoreLogistics Program ManagerUS Average

Salary

7.9

Avg. Salary $111,400

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity

4.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.42%

Asian 6.09%

Black or African American 11.07%

Hispanic or Latino 18.37%

Unknown 4.30%

White 59.75%

Gender

female 24.21%

male 75.79%

Age - 45

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 45

Stress level

6.8

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.6

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.6

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a logistics program manager

Explore logistics program manager education requirements

Most common logistics program manager degrees

Bachelor's

60.8 %

Master's

18.0 %

Associate

16.0 %

Start to develop specific logistics program manager skills

Skills	Percentages
Program Management	9.99%
Project Management	9.88%
Continuous Improvement	8.28%
Logistics Program	5.95%
DOD	5.18%

Complete relevant logistics program manager training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New logistics program managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a logistics program manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real logistics program manager resumes.

Gain additional logistics program manager certifications

Logistics program manager certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific logistics program manager certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for logistics program managers include Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) and Six Sigma Green Belt.

More About Certifications

Research logistics program manager duties and responsibilities

Lead the business sign off and approval of WMS and transportation optimization systems and material handling equipment.
Lead organization's governmental and regulatory compliance office which result in no violation findings during federal oversight inspections.
Coordinate, schedule and facilitate all ILS Harbormaster efforts for all NG ILS functional areas.
Serve as liaison for DOD and civilian contractors on matters pertaining to implementing training of new automate logistics systems.

Prepare your logistics program manager resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your logistics program manager resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a logistics program manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable logistics program manager resume templates

Build a professional logistics program manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your logistics program manager resume.