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What does a supply chain logistics manager do?

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read

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.

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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.

See the full list of supply chain logistics manager skills

Choose from 10+ customizable supply chain logistics manager resume templates

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Supply Chain Logistics Manager Resume
Supply Chain Logistics Manager Resume
Supply Chain Logistics Manager Resume
Supply Chain Logistics Manager Resume
Supply Chain Logistics Manager Resume
Supply Chain Logistics Manager Resume
Supply Chain Logistics Manager Resume
Supply Chain Logistics Manager Resume
Supply Chain Logistics Manager Resume
Supply Chain Logistics Manager Resume
Supply Chain Logistics Manager Resume
Supply Chain Logistics Manager Resume
Supply Chain Logistics Manager Resume
Supply Chain Logistics Manager Resume
Supply Chain Logistics Manager Resume
Supply Chain Logistics Manager Resume

Compare different supply chain logistics managers

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.

We looked at the average supply chain logistics manager salary and compared it with the wages of an inventory management specialist. Generally speaking, inventory management specialists are paid $37,680 lower than supply chain logistics managers per year.Even though supply chain logistics managers and inventory management specialists are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require inventory control, mrp, and customer orders in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

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.

Inventory manager positions earn lower pay than supply chain logistics manager roles. They earn a $30,944 lower salary than supply chain logistics managers per year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both supply chain logistics managers and inventory managers have skills such as "inventory control," "management system," and "distribution centers. "

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.

An average material manager eans a higher salary compared to the average salary of supply chain logistics managers. The difference in salaries amounts to material managers earning a $2,413 higher average salary than supply chain logistics managers.supply chain logistics managers and material managers both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "supply chain," "chain management," and "on-time delivery," 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 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.

Distribution center managers tend to earn a higher pay than supply chain logistics managers by an average of $5,747 per year.While both supply chain logistics managers and distribution center managers complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like on-time delivery, continuous improvement, and process improvement, the two careers vary in some skills.Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A supply chain logistics manager uses "supply chain," "project management," "chain processes," and "chain logistics." Distribution center managers are more likely to have duties that require skills in "logistics," "customer service," "osha," and "safety program. "distribution center managers enjoy the best pay in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $93,754. For comparison, supply chain logistics managers earn the highest salary in the retail industry.distribution center managers reach lower levels of education compared to supply chain logistics managers, in general. The difference is that they're 7.3% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of supply chain 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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