Logistics Manager - How to become a Logistics Manager

Logistics Managers organise the storage and distribution of goods. They need to ensure the right products are delivered to the right location on time and at a good cost. They may be involved in transportation, stock control, warehousing and monitoring the flow of goods. Logistics Manager focuses on planning and forecasting, purchasing, assembling the product, moving, storing and keeping track of a product as it flows toward you and other consumers.

Also, it is called a supply chain, which plans, implements and controls the efficient, effective forward and reverses the flow of goods and services. It also plans about the storage and related information between the point of origin and the point of consumption in order to meet customer and legal requirements.

Logistics Manager Eligibility

The candidates must have passed the 12^th level examination and graduation with at least 50% marks in aggregate, from any recognized Institution or a University to take a course in this field.

Logistics Manager Required Skills

• A logistics manager needs to have an understanding of the whole supply chain so they can coordinate it effectively and liaise with suppliers of raw materials, manufacturers, retailers and consumers.
• They should also be aware of external influences such as legislation, fuel costs and environmental pressures.
• They should be able to monitor the quality, quantity, cost and efficiency of the movement and storage of goods; coordinating and controlling the order cycle and associated information systems.
• Applicants should also have skills like analysing data to monitor performance and plan improvements and demand; allocating and managing staff resources according to changing needs.
• They should also be able to implement health and safety procedures; manage staff training issues; motivate other members of the team; project management and setting objectives.
• Logistics Managers should also be expert in planning projects; working on new supply strategies and planning vehicle routes. 

Institutes offering Courses for Logistics Manager

• Trade-Wings Institute of Management (T.I.M.), Mumbai
• Indian Institute of Logistics, Chennai
• Institute of Logistics and Aviation Management (I.L.A.M.), New Delhi
• Dr M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, Chennai

How to become Logistics Manager?

The below given are the steps one has to follow for becoming Logistics Manager-

Step 1

After passing their 12^th class, they complete their graduation like the following given courses. There are many institutes offering courses for this. The candidates are required to appear for an entrance exam to join the graduate courses in PG.

Entrance exams-

• The ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test
• The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test

Diploma / Bachelor Degree Courses

• Advance Diploma in Logistics Management
• Advanced Certificate in Supply Chain Management
• B.B.A Logistics and Shipping

Educational qualification:

For taking up bachelor degree course one should be the 12^th class pass.

Step 2

Candidates having passed their graduation take up further Master Degrees so as to obtain managerial positions or to enter in management. Here, there are also many Master Degree courses available for them; some of them are given below.

Postgraduate Diploma / Master Degree Courses

• M.B.A. Logistics and Shipping
• M.B.A Logistics and International Transport
• M.B.A. Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Educational qualification:

Candidates should be graduation pass for getting admission in postgraduate courses. The above-mentioned institutions are offering courses for this profession.

Logistics Manager Job Description

The logistics manager is responsible for collaborating with the other officers of the company like purchasing officers, transport and warehouse managers, to ensure that the goods produced by the company are received in the company's depot on time. They are also responsible for making sure that the goods are stored in a proper and safe manner in addition to looking after their timely dispatch to outlets.

Logistics Manager Career Prospects

• There are so many fields with tremendous opportunities for talented and energetic future managers in India as well as abroad. The scope for the field is increasing with supply chain spending, growing faster than the overall economy and company CEO's recognizing the importance of Supply Chain Management (SCM).
• They can have jobs in cargo handler and shipping companies which are always in need of candidates with a professional degree in Logistics.
• The logistics companies which are work in close association with airline companies, shipping enterprises and surface carriers also have so many scopes for them.
• They have good openings for them outside India as well in form of warehouse supervisor, shipping coordinator, operations manager, export sales coordinator, export executive, logistics coordinator and expeditor.
• Applicants having an MBA in Logistics can begin as a management trainee, analyst, or front-line supervisor in warehouses or retail outlets of big manufacturers.

Logistics Manager Salary

In the beginning, one can get a salary between Rs.20,000 to Rs.25,000 per month. Candidates, who have two to three years of experience, can earn around Rs.40,000 to Rs.45,000 per month. And who are well qualified and experienced can find employment abroad and get an attractive pay package. Therefore, experience and knowledge do matter here in the job.