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Careeers
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Why Choose a Career in Logistics?

 

 

 

Real responsibility early in your career

Management is about achieving optimal results from people, capital equipment, materials, money, energy, time and information. Logistics management, involving all of these resources, can surpass many other areas of business in the challenges and the skills it demands.

Soon after starting a career in logistics, you could well be in an operational role with real responsibility for perhaps millions of pounds-worth of stock or equipment. You might be responsible for the smooth operation of a manufacturing process or for 30 or more distribution centre staff. Equally, you may be planning a new supply strategy or involved in production scheduling or vehicle routeing.

You will need to be able to solve problems, think on your feet, and manage people. Working in a real-time environment, you will need commercial acumen and must not be afraid to take decisions quickly to keep the supply-chain operating smoothly. You can be certain that you won't be desk-bound and no two days will be the same.

 

A learning curve that never peaks

Learning by doing is an essential part of building a career in logistics. But after starting in a specific functional area, you could well find yourself working on assignments which will demand high-level analytical skills and the ability to think strategically about the company's or your customer's goals.

You will need to be numerate and be comfortable working with IT systems when taking the long-term view of the business and its supply chains. As your career progresses, you will need to understand every aspect of the business - from sourcing raw materials and manufacturing to marketing. You will need to communicate with senior management and key suppliers and sell new ideas to the sceptical as well as the enthusiastic.

Your learning curve will never peak. Career development will involve in-house training covering all essential business skills - from project, people and financial management to IT and environmental awareness. You may be encouraged to study for a professional qualification in logistics or may have the opportunity to study for a higher degree in the discipline.

 

Excellent pay

As a recruit into logistics, you can expect a salary that compares favourably with other areas - Graduates can expect to start on an initial salary of £15,000-£18,000 a year. And with good prospects for career progression, your starting salary could have doubled by the time you achieve managerial level, often within five years.

Recent vacancies advertised in The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (UK)'s Journal 'Logistics & Transport Focus' include:

 

  • Distribution Manager: £30,000
  • Logistics Controller: £60,000 + car + relocation package

 

 

Building a career in logistics

Career opportunities in logistics continue to grow. Even during downturns in the business cycle, when companies are cutting costs, the demand for able and experienced supply chain managers remains high. Surveys have shown that when other areas of industry have recruited less, recruitment into logistics has not declined.

At a time when logistics is becoming increasingly professional, you will benefit from work-related professional qualifications. The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (UK), for example, offers a range of programmes for junior, middle and senior management.

 

 

More information on CILT(UK) qualifications is available here

A number of business schools also run degree courses, for example the Cranfield Centre for Logistics and Transport at the Cranfield School of Management which offers an MSc in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, either full-time or part-time or on a modular basis. The University of Aston offers an MSc in Logistics by distance learning.

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