Logistics managers are a crucial component to the successful function of a business, no matter the size of the company, or what product or services they offer, in order to operate successfully the business must devote considerable resources to logistics and supply chain management.
The logistics manager is a fundamental part of the team, overseeing many of the functions of the business including the distribution and transportation of goods from the manufacturer or producer to the consumer, including acquisition, distribution, internal allocation and shipment.
Aspects of the role
Logistics managers are relied upon for nearly every aspect of modern life, often without even knowing it. Logistics managers at their most basic are responsible for arranging the movement of everything from raw materials to finished goods, as well arranging the warehousing of goods and organization of logistics departments.
The role also often involves using various IT systems in order to plan and manage the movement of goods in the supply chain, liaising with many parties including the suppliers, manufacturers, retailers and consumers.
Managing Logistics Risk
The role of a logistics manager, in today’s market place, goes beyond the traditional management of the storage and distribution of goods, a key component of the role today is also the management of logistics risk.
Logistics risks are elements of strategy, operations and compliance that can adversely affect an organisation’s market position, revenue, cost effectiveness or regulatory compliance.
- Market Position: Organisations risk their brand reputation through marketing statements that set customer expectations that subsequently can not be met by their Logistics strategy and operations. In days of social media organisations risk significant consumer back lash to their brand.
- Cost Effectiveness: Customer service levels whether stated or contractual must be met profitably. The financial viability of organisations can be directly impacted by inefficient logistics design or operations.
- Compliance: Increasingly Government regulations are exposing Executives of companies to serious punitive penalties for breaches of compliance in a multitude of logistics operations areas.
A typical Logistic Managers day…
The daily activities of a logistics manager can typically be broken into three main areas: warehousing goods, moving goods, and managing staff. How often the manager will perform these jobs will depend on the size and composition of the company. Regardless of the size of the company a good logistics manager will not only involve the logistics of the company, it will also involve; sales, customer service and stakeholder management, stock control and of course much more.
Ask any logistics manager what a typical day for them is and they are likely to tell you that there is no such thing as a typical day, in this dynamic role each day will have its own rewards and challenges
What a logistics manager will tell you, however, is that one of your main daily activities will be to; prioritise, prioritise and prioritise. Your role will require you to evaluate both the long term and short strategic goals of the company and then translate these goals, into the day’s specific tasks, prioritise and then communicate these goals as required to employees at all levels. This however is just the tip of the iceberg, in a developing industry the role of the logistics manager is still largely undefined, what you make it and where you take is in many respects, entirely up to you…
Are you interested in a career in logistics management or looking to further your career?
Latus can help, contact us for more information today.
