A logistics manager is a responsible for managing processes within a supply chain. The process includes bi-directional movement of goods, services and information. In many instances, it also includes handling, packaging and warehousing. As a logistics manager, you have to liaise with raw material suppliers as well as customers.
A logistics manager actually keeps everything tied up together. S/he never stops trying to find newer ways to improve logistics, which may sometimes require enrolling in a weekend MBA logistics course in a business school. Logistics is one of the aspects of business that change as the business grows. Inappropriate logistics management may sometimes signify the difference between profit and loss of a business.
In a manufacturing unit, the logistics manager is responsible for interacting with suppliers so as to procure raw materials. The manager is required to manage supplies in a way so as to reduce inventory costs. This actually translates in to a situation where a logistics manager has to be constantly aware of both the demand as well as the supply situation in the industry.
The rapid pace at which multinational corporations have grown in the past few decades has been instrumental in the evolution of a new business model that survives solely on efficient logistics. Large corporations prefer to operate a collaborative supply network of specialist business partners. Each partner focuses on only those activities in which it specializes. It is the job of a logistics and supply chain manager to coordinate the activities of all partners and move each item from it is place to its rightful place, right from the point of origin to assembly to end user.
A logistics manager in a retail set up has to manage the inward flow of each item that the company deals in, manage inventories and home deliveries.
Briefly, the duties of a logistics manager include:
– Efficient and cost effective movement and storage of goods and configure an appropriate distribution network
– Coordinating supply and demand orders and information associated with the order cycle
– Monitoring performances and strategies for improving existing systems
– Allocating available resources
– Coordinate all activities to achieve the lowest logistics cost
A logistics manager is of special interest to a logistics service provider. Small to midsize companies that have shipping needs find it difficult to control the logistic aspect of the shipping process. Since small companies find no economic justification in hiring a logistics manager, they prefer to outsource. Many small businesses hand over the responsibility of purchasing on behalf of the company along with the job of warehousing and transportation logistics to a third party logistics provider.
Logistics managers in logistics service providers may sometimes be required to manage warehouse and transport staff. In that case, s/he has to pay special attention to issues related to employee health, safety, training and motivating staff to achieve declared objectives.