What does a supply chain logistics manager do?
In a retail setting, a supply chain logistics manager is in charge of overseeing the transportation and deliveries of products to ensure efficiency and timeliness. Their responsibilities revolve around devising strategies to optimize supply chain procedures, coordinating with staff to ensure inventory accuracy, liaising and building positive relationships with vendors or distributors, performing research and analysis to improve existing operations, and maintaining records of all transactions. Furthermore, as a supply chain logistics manager, it is essential to lead and encourage the team to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Supply chain logistics manager responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real supply chain logistics manager resumes:
- Manage production and warehouse teams ensuring DOD policies and corporate rules and regulations compliance while exceeding government nuclear facility audit standards.
- Create metrics/scorecard to monitor KPIs.
- Establish MRP practices and procedures for operating unit.
- Plan and execute activities through multiple ERP software programs.
- Provide weekly and quarterly MRP's for designate product lines.
- Provide systems application architecture for ERP, CRM (EAM) solutions and specialty software interfacing for customization of customer applications.
- Develop and implement logistics KPIs.
- Coordinate the disposal of environmentally harmful x-ray developing chemicals with HAZMAT and eliminate hazards.
- Analyze partner capabilities for enrollment into EDI testing environment.
Supply chain logistics manager skills and personality traits
We calculated that 22% of Supply Chain Logistics Managers are proficient in Supply Chain, Project Management, and Chain Processes.
We break down the percentage of Supply Chain Logistics Managers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Supply Chain, 22%
Exceeded expectations by creating/maintaining forecast models, reviewing historical sales trends, and predicting customer demand to maximize supply chain efficiency.
- Project Management, 8%
Coordinate activities between Project Management team and Field Operations.
- Chain Processes, 4%
Implement new or improved supply chain processes.
- Chain Management, 4%
Mentored all program administrators and unit leadership on all distribution, transportation, and supply chain management operations within the organization.
- On-Time Delivery, 4%
Improved shipping accuracy and on-time delivery by implementing audit procedures and cross-training all warehouse personnel.
- Strategic Sourcing, 4%
Developed strategic sourcing plan with extensive reviews of RFX's.
Common skills that a supply chain logistics manager uses to do their job include "supply chain," "project management," and "chain processes." You can find details on the most important supply chain logistics manager responsibilities below.
The three companies that hire the most supply chain logistics managers are:
- Johnson & Johnson8 supply chain logistics managers jobs
- Northwestern Medicine6 supply chain logistics managers jobs
- JDSI4 supply chain logistics managers jobs
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Supply chain logistics manager vs. Inventory management specialist
An inventory management specialist is responsible for maintaining the adequacy of stock supplies to support customers' needs. Inventory management specialists help develop inventory processes and strategies to keep the supplies organized and free of any defects while on storage. They also monitor inventory costs and process orders through various software tools, requiring them to have a working knowledge of computer systems and the ability to operate warehouse equipment and machinery on moving merchandise around the warehouse.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a supply chain logistics manager are more likely to require skills like "supply chain," "project management," "chain processes," and "chain logistics." On the other hand, a job as an inventory management specialist requires skills like "customer service," "inventory management system," "purchase orders," and "sales floor." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Inventory management specialists really shine in the government industry with an average salary of $65,378. Comparatively, supply chain logistics managers tend to make the most money in the retail industry with an average salary of $111,287.On average, inventory management specialists reach lower levels of education than supply chain logistics managers. Inventory management specialists are 11.7% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Supply chain logistics manager vs. Inventory manager
An inventory manager is responsible for supervising the overall inventory operations, monitoring supplies and materials, and checking the accuracy of data reports from the inventory associates. Inventory managers' duties include validating stock levels using record software tools, determining the availability of stocks for purchase orders, inspecting the incoming and outgoing shipments, and addressing product concerns by communicating with suppliers and third-party vendors. An inventory manager must have excellent communication and leadership skills to handle the staff's performance and manage customers' inquiries and complaints.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, supply chain logistics manager responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "supply chain," "project management," "chain processes," and "chain logistics." Meanwhile, an inventory manager has duties that require skills in areas such as "pet," "customer service," "logistics," and "manage inventory." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Inventory managers earn a lower average salary than supply chain logistics managers. But inventory managers earn the highest pay in the retail industry, with an average salary of $66,537. Additionally, supply chain logistics managers earn the highest salaries in the retail with average pay of $111,287 annually.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Inventory managers tend to reach lower levels of education than supply chain logistics managers. In fact, they're 11.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Supply chain 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.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a supply chain logistics manager is likely to be skilled in "project management," "chain processes," "chain logistics," and "level planning," while a typical material manager is skilled in "logistics," "customer service," "purchase orders," and "lean manufacturing."
Material managers earn the best pay in the technology industry, where they command an average salary of $97,765. Supply chain logistics managers earn the highest pay from the retail industry, with an average salary of $111,287.material managers typically earn lower educational levels compared to supply chain logistics managers. Specifically, they're 6.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Supply chain 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.
Types of supply chain logistics manager
Updated January 8, 2025











