What do they do?

Logistics & Operations Managers should be good communicators. They are required to interact with internal and external clients and also manage a team to undertake the work. So unless a Logistic Manager or Operations Manager is not able to explain what client requirement, work will come to a standstill. 

• Logistics managers supervise warehouse, inventory control, material handling, customer service, transportation and planning workers.
• They are also assigned the task to hire, train and evaluate employees. Managers prepare worker schedules and ensure warehousing and distribution workers follow safety rules.
• The managers also make reports for upper management; they also negotiate shipping and supplier costs.
• Another major task of the managers is to work to improve the efficiency of the company’s supply chain.

Skills Needed

Logistics & Operations Managers have to be disciplined, target and time driven, should be able to take decisions quickly and should be able to generate reports on the go. Aligning the business metrics and requirements in an organised manner is one of the major tasks of a Logistic & Operation Manager. 

An MBA degree to achieve all of the above is a must. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills so as to direct employees and prepare reports for upper management 
• The ability to act decisively to resolve problems
• The skills to perform duties in the warehousing and distribution department of a business
• Strong interpersonal skills to motivate and instruct employees in the company

How do I get there?

• At least have a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in programs in supply chain management, logistics or business administration as they can provide the education to work in the logistics industry in a management position.
• Courses in a supply chain management or logistics degree program include distribution, purchasing, warehousing and storage, and operations in logistics. Degree programs also include business management courses such as accounting, management, business law and economics. 
• To improve your career prospects as a Logistics Manager, you should consider getting an MBA, to secure a job in a management position.

Typical day in the life of a Logistics & Operation Manager

• To supervise the quality, quantity, cost, and efficiency of the movement and storage of goods;
• To solve problems that commonly come up in the supply chain;
• To devise strategies that minimise costs and maximise efficiency;
• To determine supply chain costs for proposed products;
• To manage the order cycle and information systems;
• To examine data to supervise performance and make corrections;
• To manage the division of staff and workforce;
• To negotiate with customers and suppliers;
• To stay up to date with new developments that may affect the future purchase and movement of goods and services.