Education programmes of job
Business Administration Quantitative Methods MSc
Production Engineering
Nature of work
A logistics and distribution manager organises the storage and distribution of goods. Essentially, he/she needs to ensure the right products are delivered to the right location on time and at a good cost. He/she may be involved in transportation, stock control, warehousing and monitoring the flow of goods.Responsibilities vary according to the specific job role and whether the employing company is a manufacturer, retailer or specialist service provider.
A range of business tasks is undertaken to support the smooth and efficient operation of supply chain processes, and the tasks usually include:
Monitoring the quality, quantity, cost and efficiency of the movement and storage of goods.
Coordinating and controlling the order cycle and associated information systems.
Analysing data to monitor performance and plan improvements and demand.
Allocating and managing staff resources according to changing needs.
Liaising and negotiating with customers and suppliers.
Developing business by gaining new contracts, analysing logistical problems and producing new solutions.
When managing warehouse or transport staff, the role may also include:
Implementing health and safety procedures.
Managing staff training issues.
Motivating other members of the team.
Project managing.
setting objectives.
More senior roles in logistics may involve:
Planning projects.
Working on new supply strategies.
Planning vehicle routes.
Using specialist knowledge, such as mechanical-handling systems, to provide consultancy services.
Environment of work
Working hours vary but are generally around 40 hours per week. Shift work may be present in some companies that offer 24-hour services and weekend and evening work may be required. The working environment ranges from the office to the warehouse or shop floor and dress standards reflect this. Office wear is most usual.Self-employment and freelance work on a consultancy basis is sometimes possible once experience has been gained. Part-time work may be available. This industry is fast moving and work may be stressful.
The role occasionally involves travel away from home. In the early stages of training, graduates may be expected to be mobile. For some, considerable overseas travel may be required.
Professional life
Career development opportunities are excellent in this fast-moving and innovative industry. Those willing to take advantage of further training and professional development will find it relatively easy to progress. With ongoing global economic challenges, many logistics companies, retailers and manufacturers are expanding their physical presence into emerging markets.
Initial roles are often focused on goods distribution, managing storage centres or specific customer contracts. Promotion usually involves movement into general management of larger units, specialised roles or the more umbrella remit of logistics management.
Senior positions involve general management duties such as business development and overseeing the efficient management of an organisation's other resources, including labour, information, capital and facilities, and business functions. These business functions include financial management, human resources, production management, and IT systems and management information. These responsibilities are increasingly reflected in the content of MBA programmes.
With experience, a candidate could progress into consultancy work providing specialist advice on areas such as sustainability and the environment where he/she could work on a freelance basis or set up his/her own firm.
Range of typical starting salaries for new graduates: xxxxxxx
Getting the job
These colleges majors are closest related to this career : Transport, distribution or logistics.
Business, management or business with languages/economics.
science and geography.
Information systems or computing.
Although many logistics companies are flexible about subjects of study, for some employers, a degree in logistics and/or transport/distribution management is an essential requirement.
Skills
Candidates need to show evidence of the following skills : The ability to work logically and systematically, with good time management.
Problem-solving and decision-making skills plus the ability to think laterally while also offering creative solutions.
Commercial awareness and some numeracy.
IT literacy and the ability to handle electronic data.
Flexibility and the ability to manage change.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well as part of a team as well as manage people.
Excellent communication skills both oral and written.
Negotiation and analytical skills.
Positive attitude to continued learning.
Sources and references
www.logisticsmgmt.com www.jobsinlogistics.com
www.prospects.ac.uk
Arab Standard Classification of Occupations, 2008, Ed. Arab Labor Organization.
Summary
Logistics and distribution manager organises the storage and distribution of goods. Essentially, he/she needs to ensure the right products are delivered to the right location on time and at a good cost. He/she may be involved in transportation, stock control, warehousing and monitoring the flow of goods.A logistics and distribution manager needs to have an understanding of the whole supply chain so he/she can co-ordinate it effectively and liaise with suppliers of raw materials, manufacturers, retailers and consumers.
IT plays a big part in the role as IT systems and electronic communication methods are used to keep track of stock levels, delivery times, transport costs and performance evaluation. Logistics is at the centre of electronic commerce (e-commerce) which is developing all the time.
A logistics and distribution manager must also be aware of external influences such as legislation, fuel costs and environmental pressures. He/she will always need to be considering how business development can fit with sustainability