Supply chain manager vs logistics director

The differences between supply chain managers and logistics directors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a supply chain manager and a logistics director. Additionally, a logistics director has an average salary of $108,828, which is higher than the $100,414 average annual salary of a supply chain manager.

The top three skills for a supply chain manager include supply chain, logistics and project management. The most important skills for a logistics director are supply chain, continuous improvement, and logistics operations.

Supply chain manager vs logistics director overview

	Supply Chain Manager	Logistics Director
Yearly salary	$100,414	$108,828
Hourly rate	$48.28	$52.32
Growth rate	-	6%
Number of jobs	37,773	33,997
Job satisfaction	5	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 70%	Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age	47	45
Years of experience	6	6

What does a supply chain manager do?

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.

What does a logistics director do?

A logistics director spearheads and oversees a company's logistics operations. They are primarily responsible for setting goals and guidelines, managing the budgets and timelines, researching new opportunities, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of operations, and implementing solutions against problem areas. They must also maintain positive relationships with key clients and external parties, such as distributors and suppliers. Furthermore, as a director, it is essential to lead employees while implementing the company's policies and regulations, recommending new ones as needed.

Supply chain manager vs logistics director salary

Supply chain managers and logistics directors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Supply Chain Manager	Logistics Director
Average salary	$100,414	$108,828
Salary range	Between $72,000 And $139,000	Between $70,000 And $167,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	San Leandro, CA
Highest paying state	Vermont	Washington
Best paying company	McKinsey & Company Inc	Barnes & Noble
Best paying industry	Professional	-

Differences between supply chain manager and logistics director education

There are a few differences between a supply chain manager and a logistics director in terms of educational background:

	Supply Chain Manager	Logistics Director
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 70%	Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	Stanford University

Supply chain manager vs logistics director demographics

Here are the differences between supply chain managers' and logistics directors' demographics:

	Supply Chain Manager	Logistics Director
Average age	47	45
Gender ratio	Male, 74.8% Female, 25.2%	Male, 83.5% Female, 16.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 7.6% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 8.9% White, 65.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	10%	5%

Differences between supply chain manager and logistics director duties and responsibilities

Supply chain manager example responsibilities.

Lead the SIOP process to establish continuous flow for customer deliveries while achieving a reduction in inventory.
Manage RFP process to identify best partners.
Develop and implement a process to manage and maintain accurate item master in LAWSON procurement system.
Raise capital, set up PMO office & lead cross-functional team to deliver a document management technology solution.
Pilot software implementation by establishing requirements, creating strategy, and defining implementation plan; manage integration with ERP system.
Manage production and warehouse teams ensuring DOD policies and corporate rules and regulations compliance while exceeding government nuclear facility audit standards.

Logistics director example responsibilities.

Lead the design and implantation of new MRP system improvements.
Lead internal logistics team to gain ISO certification plus implement ISO specs for all 3rd party logistics providers.
Lead project for developing standardize FDA approve method (GCP standard) for labeling, packaging and storing medication.
Manage all relationships with freight payment, TMS software, outside storage, carriers, and all third party logistics providers.
Select and lead implementation of ERP business systems and engineering document control system.
Lead organization's governmental and regulatory compliance office which result in no violation findings during federal oversight inspections.

Supply chain manager vs logistics director skills

Common supply chain manager skills

Supply Chain, 20%
Logistics, 9%
Project Management, 5%
Customer Service, 5%
Chain Management, 5%
Continuous Improvement, 4%

Common logistics director skills

Supply Chain, 16%
Continuous Improvement, 7%
Logistics Operations, 4%
Customer Service, 4%
Project Management, 4%
Oversight, 4%

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Supply Chain Manager
Supply Chain Manager vs Logistics Director

Updated January 8, 2025

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