The transport of goods, services and people from one location to another is an important part of many different sectors and industries. If you’re analytical, flexible, and enjoy coordinating and overseeing a process to its completion, you could have the traits needed for a career in logistics and distribution.
The job of a logistics and distribution manager
The job of a logistics and distribution manager involves transportation, stock control, warehousing and monitoring the flow of goods. Your daily responsibilities include collaborating with other departments to integrate logistics with business systems or processes. You will need to use IT systems to manage stock levels, delivery times and transport costs; and maintain reports, customers’ orders, process documentation, and other records.
Besides supervising a team, you will also need to resolve problems concerning transportation, logistics systems, imports or exports, or customer issues. In addition, you may also need to develop new strategies that improve business performance within the constraints of legislation, fuel costs and rising environmental pressures.
Is this job for you?
You may want to consider a career in logistics and distribution if you enjoy coordinating and overseeing the process of delivering the right products to the right location at the right time and at a favourable cost.
The interest code for this career is EC (Enterprising and Conventional).
Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work styles
To be successful in the role of a logistics and distribution manager, you need to be:
- Top notch when it comes to communicating with people; face-to-face and through electronic platforms
- Able to analyse data, detect problems before they arise, and decide on an appropriate course of action
- Good at coming up with viable solutions when problems arise
- Reliable and dependable in ensuring that goods are delivered on time
- Comfortable with handling people from various departments and sectors
- Flexible with change and the demands of the job
- Good with attention to detail
Work values
As a logistics and distribution manager, you value independence and being able to work on your own and make responsible decisions. Job security and good working conditions are important to you. You also value a supportive management that stands behind employees and good company policies.
Work environment
Most jobs are based in an office but you may be required to visit warehouses, manufacturing plants or distribution centres. Some positions have regular working hours but many logistical roles aren’t – you may need to work across several time zones. The job can be stressful as it is fast-paced and everyone constantly needs to stay on schedule.
Places of Employment
You may work for the government or in private companies involved in manufacturing, retail, freight shipping, airlines, and distribution.
Job Entry Requirement
Examples of bachelor’s degrees that could land you a career in logistics and distribution include business, logistics and distribution, or supply chain management. To rise to the level of a manager, you would need experience and knowledge in areas that may include data analysis, supply chain management strategies, global procurement and supply management, and domestic and international transportation management.
Education and Training Qualifications:
Examples of courses you can pursue:
| Private institutions of higher education | Course |
| Management & Science University | Diploma in Nautical Studies |
| Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur | BSc (Hons) in Logistics and Supply Chain Management |
| LIMKOKWING University of Creative Technology | Bac. of Business (Hons) in Logistics Management |
| Tunku Abdul Rahman University College | Bac. of Business (Hons) in Logistics and Supply Chain Management |
| UCSI University | BA (Hons) Logistics Management |
| University Tunku Abdul Rahman, Perak | BSc (Hons) Logistics and International Shipping |
| Polytechnic, MOHE | |
| Politeknik Nilai | Diploma in Logistics Management & Networking Supply |
| Politeknik Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah | Diploma in Logistics Management & Networking Supply |
| Politeknick Seberang Perai | Diploma in Logistics Management & Networking Supply |
| Public University, MOHE | |
| Universiti Malaysia Terengganu | Bac. of Management (Maritime) |
| Universiti Malaysia Terengganu | Bsc (Nautical Science and Maritime Transportation) |
Watch this video on transportation, distribution and logistics to get an idea about what this field is about.
Want to know what happens at a warehouse? The video ‘A Career in Warehousing & Distribution’ is a must-watch!
Need some advice on becoming a distribution manager? Watch this video.
Related article:
- What is logistics management?
- Transport Services
- Courses and Careers in Transport Services
- What is automotive technology?
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