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What does a senior logistics manager do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read

A senior logistics manager oversees and leads the operations in the distribution centers and their supervisors. Senior logistics managers take responsibility for the transportation and warehousing departments of the company. They are the ones who organize goods from storage to their distribution. They ensure the delivery of the right products to the exact location at a good cost and in time. Also, they may be involved in stock control, monitoring, warehousing, and transportation of goods.

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Senior logistics manager responsibilities

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

  • Manage timeliness and completeness of EDI's and run projects with vendors to ensure KPI's are met.
  • Review DISA and DOD policies; guidance; and instructions for ensuring LCL are being achieve within the program.
  • Lead organization's governmental and regulatory compliance office which result in no violation findings during federal oversight inspections.
  • Plan and conduct new training to certify employees on new organization combat infantry fighting vehicles.
  • Control finished-goods inventory of 15-18K pallets per location without the assistance of a fully-developed WMS system.
  • Identify and resolve deficiency reports during tests to enhance combat capability and decrease life cycle costs.
  • Create and maintain monthly KPI's, annual spend and savings metrics for all modes of logistics.
  • Negotiate rates and service for all outbound freight, including parcel, LTL, and FTL for both domestic and international.
  • Participate in organizing and maintaining process flows and key requirements to obtain ISO certification.
  • Collaborate with the management team on development of ISO quality assurance program by providing input from a logistics and procurement perspective.
  • Prepare provisioning documentation for delivery to internal/external customers using provisioning techniques and technologies
  • Conduct weapons training and classes on current weapons systems and ammunition used by the U.S. Army.
  • Oversee the delivery, storage, and inventory of medical supplies, gear, weaponry and ammunition.
  • Prepare provisioning documentation for delivery to internal/external customers using provisioning techniques and technologies

Senior logistics manager skills and personality traits

We calculated that 12% of Senior Logistics Managers are proficient in Continuous Improvement, Customer Service, and SR. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Leadership skills, and Management skills.

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

  • Continuous Improvement, 12%

    Directed the assessment and launch of continuous improvement activities by offering additional solution products to customer.

  • Customer Service, 12%

    Analyzed maintenance and warehouse procedures to ensure application of best practices, which enhanced customer service and lowered operations costs.

  • SR, 6%

    Promoted from Logistics Manager to Sr.

  • OSHA, 6%

    Coordinated and performed facilities site assessments, including administration of off-site OSHA safety meetings.

  • Logistics Operations, 5%

    Provided management and technical expertise to employees and leadership regarding logistics operations (training/manpower/equipment) and employee progression and disciplinary actions.

  • Shipping Receiving, 4%

    supervised the Shipping Receiving warehouse areas to insure products were received and shipped.

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

Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a senior logistics manager to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "top executives must be able to convey information clearly and persuasively." Senior logistics managers often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "sustained 100% property accountability; supervised inventories, warehousing, communications equipment. "

Leadership skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling senior logistics manager duties is leadership skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "top executives must be able to shape and direct an organization by coordinating policies, people, and resources." According to a senior logistics manager resume, here's how senior logistics managers can utilize leadership skills in their job responsibilities: "used supervisory skills to provided leadership and recommended professional development activities for 46 subordinates. "

Problem-solving skills. For certain senior logistics manager responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "problem-solving skills." The day-to-day duties of a senior 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 senior logistics managers do: "implemented new erp and warehouse management software solutions. "

Time-management skills. A commonly-found skill in senior logistics manager job descriptions, "time-management skills" is essential to what senior logistics managers do. Senior logistics manager responsibilities rely on this skill because "top executives do many tasks concurrently to ensure that their work gets done and that the organization meets its goals." You can also see how senior logistics manager duties rely on time-management skills in this resume example: "enforced the on time shipment of products to create exceptional customer service experience rating from 3.1/5 to 4.2/5. "

See the full list of senior logistics manager skills

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Compare different senior logistics managers

Senior 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.

We looked at the average senior logistics manager salary and compared it with the wages of a distribution supervisor. Generally speaking, distribution supervisors are paid $47,130 lower than senior logistics managers per year.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both senior logistics manager and distribution supervisor positions are skilled in continuous improvement, customer service, and osha.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between senior logistics managers and distribution supervisor. For instance, senior logistics manager responsibilities require skills such as "sr," "logistics operations," "chain management," and "logistics support." Whereas a distribution supervisor is skilled in "logistics," "corrective action," "safety training," and "performance reviews." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Distribution supervisors really shine in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $68,278. Comparatively, senior logistics managers tend to make the most money in the health care industry with an average salary of $116,968.On average, distribution supervisors reach lower levels of education than senior logistics managers. Distribution supervisors are 6.5% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Senior logistics manager vs. Manager

Managers are responsible for a specific department, function, or employee group. They oversee their assigned departments and all the employees under the department. Managers are responsible that the department they are handling is functioning well. They set the department goals and the steps they must take to achieve the goals. They are also in charge of assessing the performance of their departments and their employees. Additionally, managers are responsible for interviewing prospective candidates for department vacancies and assessing their fit to the needs of the department. Managers also set the general working environment in the department, and they are expected to ensure that their employees remain motivated.

Manager positions earn lower pay than senior logistics manager roles. They earn a $50,937 lower salary than senior logistics managers per year.A few skills overlap for senior logistics managers and managers. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "customer service," "customer satisfaction," and "direct reports. "

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that senior logistics manager responsibilities requires skills like "continuous improvement," "sr," "osha," and "logistics operations." But a manager might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "payroll," "food safety," "financial statements," and "management."

Managers earn a lower average salary than senior logistics managers. But managers earn the highest pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $71,781. Additionally, senior logistics managers earn the highest salaries in the health care with average pay of $116,968 annually.In general, managers achieve similar levels of education than senior logistics managers. They're 4.3% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Senior logistics manager vs. Warehouse operations manager

Warehouse Operations Managers oversee the whole operations of a company's warehouse. They are in charge of setting up processes to ensure the efficiency of warehouse operations. They oversee the processes involved in product handling, storage solutions, the shipment of goods, schedule of operations, and delivery of items. Warehouse Operations Managers also handle the layout of the warehouse so that space is properly used. They create forecasts on product volume to ensure that the warehouse is capable of housing the high volume of goods. They continuously review and evaluate warehouse policies, procedures, and systems to ensure that everything is updated and working efficiently.

On average scale, warehouse operations managers bring in lower salaries than senior logistics managers. In fact, they earn a $74,717 lower salary per year.senior logistics managers and warehouse operations managers both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "continuous improvement," "customer service," and "osha," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a senior logistics manager is likely to be skilled in "sr," "logistics operations," "chain management," and "logistics support," while a typical warehouse operations manager is skilled in "customer orders," "pallets," "logistics," and "basic math."

Warehouse operations managers make a very good living in the health care industry with an average annual salary of $38,012. On the other hand, senior logistics managers are paid the highest salary in the health care industry, with average annual pay of $116,968.When it comes to education, warehouse operations managers tend to earn lower degree levels compared to senior logistics managers. In fact, they're 8.2% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Senior logistics manager vs. Distribution center manager

A distribution center manager is an individual who is responsible for managing all the daily activities of a centralized distribution center, warehouse, or another shipping facility. Distribution center managers are required to supervise the loading and unloading of all packages as well as ensure that all goods and products have the proper storage conditions. They must evaluate freight services and manage relationships with the chose vendors. Distribution center managers are also required to monitor the safety of the facility and make sure that workers properly store everything to prevent injuries.

Distribution center managers average a lower salary than the annual salary of senior logistics managers. The difference is about $10,129 per year.According to resumes from senior logistics managers and distribution center managers, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "continuous improvement," "customer service," and "osha. "Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A senior logistics manager uses "sr," "logistics operations," "chain management," and "logistics support." Distribution center managers are more likely to have duties that require skills in "logistics," "safety program," "distribution operations," and "center management. "The automotive industry tends to pay the highest salaries for distribution center managers, with average annual pay of $93,754. Comparatively, the highest senior logistics manager annual salary comes from the health care industry.In general, distribution center managers hold similar degree levels compared to senior logistics managers. Distribution center managers are 2.2% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of senior 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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