what is a logistics manager?
As a logistics manager, you help your employer manage their stock levels and ensure there are enough raw materials for production. While overseeing the purchasing and sales of items within a supply chain might seem straightforward, it actually involves complex processes.
For example, if you work in a shoe manufacturing plant, you organise the raw materials such as fabric, rubber, and plastic. These come from different suppliers and should be ordered according to scheduled timelines to avoid production delays. In addition to raw materials, you also source packaging materials like boxes and labels.
As a logistics manager, you help your employer manage their stock levels and ensure there are enough raw materials for production. While overseeing the purchasing and sales of items within a supply chain may seem straightforward, it involves complex processes.
For example, if you work in a shoe manufacturing plant, you organise the raw materials such as fabric, rubber, and plastic. These come from different suppliers and should be ordered according to set schedules to avoid production delays. In addition to raw materials, you also source packaging materials like boxes and labels.
In logistics, you need to find the right balance between cost and benefit. For example, if you order excess raw materials to keep transport costs down, you’ll end up incurring higher storage costs instead.
Your role as logistics manager is to optimise the supply chain to ensure your employer has everything they need, in the right quantity and at the right time, to keep costs as low as possible. Due to the complexity of the logistics profession, you should possess exceptional multitasking skills to organise various tasks simultaneously and ensure smooth operations.
Would the role of logistics manager suit your organisational skills? If so, keep reading to find out which competencies and qualifications you need to succeed in the position of logistics manager.
logistics manager jobsworking as a logistics manager.
Logistics managers are responsible for organising the delivery and storage of various goods within a company. They also manage inventory, negotiate contracts with suppliers, and ensure that the procurement budget is adhered to.
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your area of responsibility
The responsibilities of a logistics manager include:
- Control of incoming and outgoing goods: As a logistics manager, you oversee the flow of raw materials and the distribution of finished products. You optimize sales channels and develop plans to ensure that delivery schedules align with production plans.
- Budgeting and costing: Logistics managers oversee all costs incurred within the supply chain. Their role is to negotiate favourable prices with suppliers and keep shipping costs as low as possible. They prepare a budget for the supply chain process and minimize shipping expenses by establishing long term business relationships with suppliers, retailers, and freight carriers.
- Monitoring the dispatch: As a logistics manager, you work closely with couriers and freight companies to optimise the shipping process. This includes tasks such as route optimisation and checking the performance metrics of each shipping method. You are also responsible for transporting machinery like forklifts or lorries. You must adhere to your employer’s guidelines and ensure that operating costs stay within the budget. Additionally, you need to communicate any emergencies or logistical issues promptly with the relevant stakeholders.
- Inventory management: The main responsibility of a logistics manager is inventory control. You keep track of incoming raw materials and products. You also monitor stock levels, delivery times, transport efficiency, and budgets. In case of irregularities, you can refer to shipping reports and check the stock accounts.
- Leadership and training of warehouse staff: As a logistics manager, it’s part of your responsibilities to induct new employees and oversee the work of all colleagues. To maintain high standards of quality and productivity, staff need to be properly trained, and safety gaps in the warehouse must be addressed. You also ensure that employees stick to their assigned tasks.
- Ensuring safety: Warehouses and their surroundings require safety regulations to minimise the risk of accidents and injuries. As a logistics manager, you need to ensure that safety gaps are addressed, safety protocols are in place, and that staff adhere to them. You also develop emergency plans and train employees in handling hazardous substances.
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who are your colleagues?
As a logistics manager, you typically work in a warehouse or manufacturing facility. Your colleagues may include dispatchers, logistics coordinators, inventory managers, shift supervisors, warehouse staff, and supply chain managers. You probably also collaborate with project managers, factory managers, and other specialists such as product managers, warehouse and operations managers. Since all data is digitised, IT specialists are also part of your team.
types of logistics managers.
There are different types of logistics managers in the following areas:
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Logistics manager in distribution: As a logistics manager in the distribution sector, you act as the link between production and sales. Your responsibilities include all decisions and information within the distribution process, as well as the management and control thereof
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Logistics manager in procurement logistics: Here, the logistics manager is responsible for the timely and optimal procurement and supply of the necessary goods and raw materials.
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Logistics manager in production logistics: In this role, the logistics manager is responsible for planning, controlling, and overseeing the internal warehousing, transportation, and handling processes.
- Logistics manager in waste management logistics: A logistics manager in waste management logistics is responsible for the disposal of production residues that are no longer needed.
salary as logistics manager.
Certainly, you're probably interested in how much a logistics manager typically earns.
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how much do I earn as a logistics manager in a permanent position?
As a logistics manager in a permanent position, you earn an average of 77,155.62 CHF per year, working approximately 41.5 hours per week.
The salary range for a logistics manager is between CHF 43,000 and CHF 164,000 gross per year. The monthly salary accordingly ranges from CHF 3,583 to CHF 13,667 gross.
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how much do I earn as a logistics manager per hour?
The hourly rate for an average working week of 41.5 hours ranges from CHF 19.98 to CHF 77.00.
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in which industry do I earn the most as a logistics manager?
In this case, it's less about the industry that pays the most and more about the size of the company, its location, and the scope of responsibility of the logistics manager. Generally, the larger the company, the higher the salary tends to be. Supply chain managers and procurement managers usually earn the highest wages.
training and further education as a logistics manager.
The foundation for the training to become a logistics manager HFP is based on the Swiss approved examination regulations dated 26 March 2021. All the qualifications required for the exam are typically acquired through a training course. The examination regulations and guidelines are available from GS1 Switzerland.
The final exams for the HFP logistics manager are expected to take place in spring 2024. Afterwards, the role of logistics manager will be integrated into the revised professional profile of supply chain manager HFP. The profession will now have three specialisations. Preparation courses for the supply chain manager exam under the new examination regulations are already available.
Three specialisations are available:
- international freight forwarding logistics
- corporate logistics
- digital integration
Further information can be found under supply chain manager.
The requirements for exam eligibility are:
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Completion of a federal vocational qualification, a gymnasium diploma, or an equivalent certificate with five years of professional experience in two out of five areas of business logistics, as well as project management or leadership experience, SSC module qualifications HFP or an equivalent recognition of equivalence.
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Completion of a federal specialist certificate as well as three years of professional experience in two out of five areas of supply chain management. Additionally, project or leadership experience, an equivalency confirmation, or HFP SSC module certificates.
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Completion of a federal or nationally recognised higher vocational examination or higher vocational college qualification in one of the areas of business logistics, along with at least two years of professional experience in another subfield of business logistics, as well as project management and leadership experience.
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A university or college degree and three years of professional experience in two areas of business logistics, including project management and leadership experience.
Training courses:
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courses offered by GS1 Switzerland or professional associations
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postgraduate level
positions as logistics manager.
As a logistics manager, you can work part time or full time across a variety of industries. Wherever goods are produced, traded, or distributed, products and raw materials are needed. This makes the role of a logistics manager diverse and offers plenty of opportunities to realise your own career aspirations.
The available positions each focus on different areas. You can choose which one interests you the most. Do you enjoy sourcing the necessary raw materials, or are you more interested in the production process? Disposal of various materials is also an exciting task. What particularly appeals to you? Where do you see the greatest opportunities for your professional fulfilment? Analyse your skills, interests, and potential, and find the right role as a logistics manager!
positions for career changers as logistics manager.
A qualification in goods management or in the commercial sector provides a solid foundation for a successful career as a logistics manager. Building on the expertise gained during your vocational training, you can pursue further education in logistics and, after a few years, progress to become the logistics manager within a company provided you have the necessary knowledge and experience.
What you absolutely need to bring as a career changer is an exceptional organisational talent, the ability to multitask, and very good time management skills.
If you've read this page carefully and believe you meet all the requirements for a logistics manager, even if you're switching careers and coming from a different field, why not give it a try with an application? You might just get lucky?
career opportunities and development potential as a logistics manager.
As the head of logistics, you have promising career prospects and opportunities for professional development. If you want to climb the career ladder, you should consider undertaking further training to become a supply chain manager. The supply chain manager is responsible for managing the entire logistics process of the supply chain. They bear the greatest responsibility within the logistics department, lead the entire logistics team within the company, and are consequently among the best paid. Another way to advance is by working as an operations manager or product manager.
competencies as a logistics manager.
As the head of logistics, you should be flexible and solution oriented. There can always be issues with deliveries, deadlines, etc., that require quick solutions.
The organisational talent should be above average. You need to manage many tasks simultaneously within set timeframes and budgets.
Leadership qualities are also important, as you lead, motivate, and inspire a team of employees.
benefits of working as a logistics manager at randstad.
There are many good reasons to work at Randstad as a logistics manager:
✓ exciting jobs at well known companies
✓ a reliable point of contact whenever you need one personal advice really matters
✓ attractive employment conditions and good social benefits
✓ further education courses and personal development opportunities
✓ clear information in the myRandstad app
✓ do you have a fixed term contract? Often, there’s the opportunity to secure a permanent position afterwards. Many well known companies also recruit their staff directly through Randstad.
your training budget as a logistics manager at randstad.
If you work as a logistics manager for Randstad, you have access to further training courses. As part of the TempTraining program from swissstaffing, you can attend training sessions. This allows you to gain additional language skills or job specific knowledge. And all of this during your working hours as a logistics manager. The course fees will be reimbursed if you pass the course exam. Do you have any questions about the training? Your Randstad advisor is always there to support you.
application tips for logistics managers at randstad.
Have you found your dream job as a logistics manager? When it comes to the success of your applications, it's not just about qualifications and references. Careful, error free, and personalized documents can really boost your job search. Here are a few useful tips to optimise your chances:
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1. how to find a job as a logistics manager
Search through Randstad job vacancies. If you can't find a position that’s exactly right for you, you’re still welcome to get in touch with us personally, without any obligation, or to create a Randstad profile.
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2. applying for the position of logistics manager
The job advert continues: apply online, give us a call, or send us an email.
Make sure your documents are complete:✓ CV with photo
✓ employment references & diplomasYou don't have a CV yet, or only an outdated version? Create a new layout using a free online template.
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3. preparing for a job interview as a logistics manager
A good preparation helps you stay calm during the interview for a logistics manager position. Here are some tips for your job interview.
frequently asked questions.
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about the role of a logistics manager.
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what does a logistics manager do?
A logistics manager is responsible for tasks in the operational and strategic management of a company, as well as logistics related project work. They ensure smooth, on time processes, oversee the entire value chain, utilise their business management knowledge, and are proficient in handling relevant key figures.
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how much do I earn as a logistics manager?
As a logistics manager, you earn between 43,000 CHF and 164,000 CHF gross per year. The average salary is 77,156 CHF gross.
This results in a monthly salary between 3,583 CHF and 13,667 CHF gross. On average, it amounts to 6,417 CHF gross.
If you're just starting out as a logistics team leader, you can expect an average gross annual salary of around 55,545 CHF.
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is being a logistics manager a good profession?
As a logistics manager, you have a good chance of finding a position. The logistics sector is booming, and skilled professionals are constantly in demand.
The profession offers variety, both within the different areas of logistics and through the many opportunities available to logistics managers. You can choose between various industries and companies.
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is the logistics manager position difficult?
A logistics manager is certainly a demanding role that requires skills such as flexibility, organisational talent, team spirit, and leadership qualities. Those who possess these competencies and are well trained will find the job more varied than difficult. Any gaps in knowledge can be effectively addressed through appropriate further training.
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do you need experience to become a logistics manager?
To become a logistics manager, you need to have practical experience in the field of logistics. Typically, two to five years of professional experience are required to be eligible to sit the logistics manager exam. This experience is essential to understand all the requirements and different areas within logistics.
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what requirements do I need to meet to become a logistics manager?
To become a logistics manager, you need to meet certain requirements. The common factor is that you should have between two and five years of professional experience in the logistics sector.
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how do I apply for a vacant position as a logistics manager?
The application for a position as logistics manager is very straightforward.
Create a Randstad profile and browse our website for job vacancies for logistics managers. Then simply send us your CV and a personalised cover letter. If you need any assistance with your application, have a look at our tips for job hunting!
