What is a logistics project manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Laura Deeter PhD

A logistics project manager oversees the planning, implementation, and tracking of logistics projects. They work to ensure that projects finish on time, remain within budget, and meet quality standards. A logistics project manager identifies risks and develops contingency and mitigation plans. They also communicate with stakeholders and provide regular progress reports. A logistics project manager requires communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. They also need an understanding of logistics operations, including transportation, warehousing, and inventory management.

What general advice would you give to a logistics project manager?

Dr. Laura Deeter PhD

Professor of Practice: Horticulture and Crop Science, Ohio State University

Be open to learning and trying something outside of your comfort zone.
Be willing to work hard and don't expect to be project manager right out of school. Hard work will get you there fast enough.

ScoreLogistics Project ManagerUS Average

Salary

6.9

Avg. Salary $87,686

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.8

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.42%

Asian 6.14%

Black or African American 11.29%

Hispanic or Latino 18.73%

Unknown 4.31%

White 59.11%

Gender

female 23.52%

male 76.48%

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

What are the pros and cons of being a logistics project manager?

Pros

High level of responsibility and autonomy
Good career advancement opportunities
Competitive salary and benefits
Job security due to the essential nature of logistics
Constant learning opportunities

Cons

High level of stress due to the fast-paced nature of the job
Long hours and high workload
Need to be available around the clock for urgent issues
High level of accountability for project success or failure
Risk of burnout due to demanding workload

Key steps to become a logistics project manager

Explore logistics project manager education requirements

Most common logistics project manager degrees

Bachelor's

65.6 %

Master's

15.4 %

Associate

14.0 %

Start to develop specific logistics project manager skills

Skills	Percentages
Project Management	13.72%
Supply Chain	13.34%
Continuous Improvement	6.33%
Logistics Project	5.83%
Process Improvement	5.08%

Complete relevant logistics project manager training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New logistics project 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 project manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real logistics project manager resumes.

Research logistics project manager duties and responsibilities

Establish ERP, WMS, TMS and build carrier solutions and contracts to manage daily carrier routing to meet customer demand.
Lead international cross-brand team focuse on complete, accurate, and timely shipment tracking using electronic data interchange (EDI).
Lead numerous analyses and projects from business specifications to practical implementation to optimize the reverse logistics processes and network in Europe.
Prepare inventory reports (WMS).

Prepare your logistics project manager resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your logistics project 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 project 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 project manager resume templates

Build a professional logistics project 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 project manager resume.

Apply for logistics project manager jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a logistics project manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do logistics project managers rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Logistics project manager reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020

Cons

Without the right support from project sponsors, a project manager is doomed to failure. There is an enormous amount of responsibility on a project manager to deliver a product on time and on budget, though without proper authority or backing, it's basically wheel spinning.

A zippia user wrote a review on May 2020

Pros

I like working with Clients and challenges.

A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2020