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What does a logistics project manager do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read

A logistics project manager oversees an organization's supply chain management, works to improve business development, and ensure customer satisfaction and sustainability. Your duties will include planning and managing logistics, transportation, warehousing, and customer services, directing and coordinating the full order cycle, and negotiating with suppliers, retailers, consumers, and manufacturers. In addition, you will supervise and train warehouse staff and resolve complaints and problems when they arise. You are also responsible for maintaining metrics and analyzing data to evaluate performance.

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Logistics project manager responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real logistics project manager resumes:

  • 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).
  • Conceptualize, document and implement i2 TMS for multiple clients.
  • Configure data into an internal WMS system while troubleshooting errors.
  • Produce finance reports and contract standards for bid teams to DOD.
  • Prepare month end management reports (costs, performance, KPIs).
  • Implement EDI order entry integration and vendor management via 3rd party EDI vendor.
  • Set KPIs and work with forwarders to ensure project plan and approve budget are met.
  • Apply and implement practices and business rules ensuring compliance with DOD policies, establish procedures and directives.
  • Design logistics module for ERP system that improve efficiency & increase tracking capabilities.
  • Assume responsibility for an underperforming ILS effort and turn it around by providing exceptional ILS management and support.
  • Prepare provisioning documentation for delivery to internal/external customers using provisioning techniques and technologies
  • Prepare provisioning documentation for delivery to internal/external customers using provisioning techniques and technologies

Logistics project manager skills and personality traits

We calculated that 14% of Logistics Project Managers are proficient in Project Management, 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 Project Managers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Project Management, 14%

    Provide project management and logistic subject matter input in support of commercial and Government business development opportunities.

  • Supply Chain, 13%

    Planned material requirement, managed supply chain and coordinated logistics at network expansions and customer.

  • Continuous Improvement, 6%

    Network with industry leaders, suppliers, transportation carriers and internal logistics organizations for continuous improvement opportunities.

  • Logistics Project, 6%

    Project Analyst promoted to Logistics Project Manager.

  • Process Improvement, 5%

    Led cross-functional teams in designing and executing process improvement strategies for the domestic distribution network.

  • Data Analysis, 5%

    Analyzed products and made business decisions by conducting data analysis on selected merchandise, then redesigned product to maximize revenue.

Common skills that a logistics project manager uses to do their job include "project management," "supply chain," and "continuous improvement." You can find details on the most important logistics project manager responsibilities below.

Communication skills. The most essential soft skill for a logistics project 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 project manager resume shows how their duties depend on communication skills: "defined project scope, required resources, and communication needs based on prioritized departmental goals. "

Leadership skills. Another essential skill to perform logistics project manager duties is leadership skills. Logistics project managers responsibilities require that "top executives must be able to shape and direct an organization by coordinating policies, people, and resources." Logistics project managers also use leadership skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "create ad-hoc reports for the leadership team members as requested from internal erp systems. "

Problem-solving skills. logistics project manager responsibilities often require "problem-solving skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "top executives need to identify and resolve issues within an organization." This resume example shows what logistics project managers do with problem-solving skills on a typical day: "establish erp, wms, tms and built carrier solutions and contracts to manage daily carrier routing to meet customer demand. "

Time-management skills. Another common skill required for logistics project manager responsibilities is "time-management skills." This skill comes up in the duties of logistics project managers all the time, as "top executives do many tasks concurrently to ensure that their work gets done and that the organization meets its goals." An excerpt from a real logistics project manager resume shows how this skill is central to what a logistics project manager does: "obtain necessary municipal permits and documents perform project analysis for process improvement data monitored teams progress and enforce deadlines. "

See the full list of logistics project manager skills

The three companies that hire the most logistics project managers are:

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Compare different logistics project managers

Logistics project manager vs. Supply chain specialist

It is the responsibility of the supply chain specialist to procure materials to manufacture and ship products. The supply chain specialist determines and orders the proper quantities and negotiates pricing and their shipment terms. They oversee the delivery of necessary materials for the fulfillment of orders made by customers. The specialists need to develop strong skills in project management, business ethics, problem-solving, understanding of financial statements, communication skills, and cost accounting skills.

We looked at the average logistics project manager salary and compared it with the wages of a supply chain specialist. Generally speaking, supply chain specialists are paid $16,272 lower than logistics project managers per year.Even though logistics project managers and supply chain specialists are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require supply chain, continuous improvement, and process improvement in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a logistics project manager are more likely to require skills like "project management," "logistics project," "dod," and "logistics operations." On the other hand, a job as a supply chain specialist requires skills like "logistics," "chain management," "customer service," and "lean six sigma." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Supply chain specialists really shine in the energy industry with an average salary of $92,301. Comparatively, logistics project managers tend to make the most money in the technology industry with an average salary of $87,927.On average, supply chain specialists reach similar levels of education than logistics project managers. Supply chain specialists are 4.2% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Logistics project manager vs. Supply chain coordinator

A supply chain coordinator is an individual who is responsible for managing inventory and supply sources to support a company's manufacturing and anticipated demand. Supply chain coordinators must assist in the purchase of materials and services and follow-up with vendors to ensure that the purchase orders have the correct price, freight charge, and delivery date. They coordinate with the quality assurance (QA) inspectors to ensure the quality of the purchased parts and services. Under the directive orders from the logistics manager, supply chain coordinators must also perform inventory cycle counts.

On average, supply chain coordinators earn a $36,958 lower salary than logistics project managers a year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Logistics project managers and supply chain coordinators both require similar skills like "project management," "supply chain," and "continuous improvement" to carry out their responsibilities.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, logistics project manager responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "logistics project," "data analysis," "dod," and "logistics operations." Meanwhile, a supply chain coordinator has duties that require skills in areas such as "customer service," "logistics," "chain management," and "data entry." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

On average, supply chain coordinators earn a lower salary than logistics project managers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, supply chain coordinators earn the most pay in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $57,806. Whereas logistics project managers have higher pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $87,927.In general, supply chain coordinators achieve lower levels of education than logistics project managers. They're 5.2% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Logistics project 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 scale, supply chain managers bring in higher salaries than logistics project managers. In fact, they earn a $12,728 higher salary per year.Using the responsibilities included on logistics project managers and supply chain managers resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "project management," "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 project manager is likely to be skilled in "logistics project," "data analysis," "dod," and "logistics operations," while a typical supply chain manager is skilled in "logistics," "customer service," "chain management," and "supply chain planning."

Supply chain managers earn the highest salary when working in the professional industry, where they receive an average salary of $109,431. Comparatively, logistics project managers have the highest earning potential in the technology industry, with an average salary of $87,927.When it comes to education, supply chain managers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to logistics project managers. In fact, they're 1.8% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Logistics project manager vs. Terminal manager

Terminal managers are professionals who are responsible for managing workers and direct dispatching activities of logistics vehicles. These managers are required to develop relationships with corporate and operational departments so that they can ensure the company logistics standards are met. They must resolve customer service complaints by implementing satisfactory solutions to retain customers. Terminal drivers must train new drivers so that they can be licensed, tested, and certified according to federal and state laws. They are also required to maintain a clean and safe working condition of their facility and equipment.

Terminal managers average a lower salary than the annual salary of logistics project managers. The difference is about $13,449 per year.According to resumes from logistics project managers and terminal managers, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "process improvement," "customer satisfaction," and "safety standards. "

Even though a few skill sets overlap between logistics project managers and terminal managers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a logistics project manager might have more use for skills like "project management," "supply chain," "continuous improvement," and "logistics project." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of terminal managers require skills like "customer service," "work ethic," "osha," and "payroll. "

Terminal managers enjoy the best pay in the energy industry, with an average salary of $74,010. For comparison, logistics project managers earn the highest salary in the technology industry.In general, terminal managers hold lower degree levels compared to logistics project managers. Terminal managers are 10.1% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of logistics project 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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