Logistics is a serious business in which a large number of companies are involved. Not only transport, but also production, as well as information. The turnover is surprising in its scope, significantly complicating the delivery of goods from producer to consumer. Incorrect calculations and errors can cost companies significant losses. That is why many of them are recruiting employees for the position of transport logistics manager. A good specialist can increase profits.
Who is the logistics manager?
Curiously, a few years ago, many Russians did not know about the existence of such a vacancy, and potential applicants did not respond to it. The profession of a logistics manager is quite young, but at the same time incredibly popular and in demand. Today, no large company can imagine its existence without a logistics manager. Especially if its activities are related to cargo transportation. That is why many job seekers consider this vacancy in terms of finances and future career prospects.
Relevance
The manager of the logistics department is considered a rather popular profession in the labor market, but requires specific knowledge. The specialist must organize the delivery of goods, becoming a connecting link in the chain “producer-buyer”. A true professional always knows how to complete his task on time and at minimal cost.
Where to get a job?
It is important to know not only who the logistics manager is, but also where this position is in demand. In addition to companies associated with cargo transportation, applicants can turn to mass recruiters of other organizations. Starting with industrial enterprises and ending with agricultural firms. The main criterion is the availability of goods that need to be delivered to points of sale or to final consumers. Particular attention should be paid to companies engaged in manufacturing and trade. These are potential employers for those who are interested in a career in this direction.
What are the responsibilities of the logistics manager?
Any position involves the performance of certain functions. Having figured out who the logistics manager is, let's find out what tasks he performs.
In short, the main task is to deliver the goods from one point to another, while spending a minimum of time and finances. It is important for the logistician to comply with the delivery dates, monitor the safety of goods.
To do this, you need to carefully develop the supply chain. At first glance, a simple task for the manager is a whole range of activities that contains the instructions of the logistics manager.
Need to:
- analyze the market;
- search for suppliers;
- calculate shipping costs;
- control the purchase of raw materials;
- track the movement of goods;
- reduce costs;
- find the least costly ways;
- negotiate with the manufacturer, warehouse, etc.
For some, the responsibilities of a logistics manager may seem uncomplicated. But only a person who is far from this profession can think so. Each task hides many factors that can affect the result. A good specialist should be able to subtly calculate everything, avoiding downtime and unnecessary costs.
The best result of his work is the timely delivery of products, without damage and at the minimum cost of finance.To reduce costs, you need to choose the right transport and driver, as well as develop the most optimal route between two points. Also, the logistics manager must constantly monitor changes in laws in the field of cargo transportation. After all, this directly affects his activities.
What qualities are important?
It is believed that a good logistics manager is a former chess player. What is the reason for this logic? Everything is simple. In logistics, it is also important to observe the whole process as if from the outside, to be able to analyze it. Assessing the entire supply chain, and not its individual links, the manager can evaluate the effectiveness and react correctly in an unforeseen situation. That is why a good specialist should understand immediately both the economy and the specifics of transportation.
A conversation about who such a logistics manager will be incomplete without a description of personal qualities. The most important of them will be sociability. The employee will have to negotiate with a huge number of people, ranging from loaders to bosses. That is why it is important to be able to make contact with anyone.
In addition to sociability, the logistics manager will not be prevented by the presence of such qualities as attentiveness and stress resistance. After all, a specialist has to control several parallel processes at once. And if something goes wrong, it’s important not to lose your temper.
How to become a logistics manager?
Despite the demand, the profession is quite new and there are few really good specialists in it. Therefore, potential applicants have excellent chances. However, getting an appropriate education is not so simple. Very few educational institutions graduate logistics managers. This specialty has appeared in universities since 2010. And that is not in all. Therefore, applicants should think carefully about the choice of direction.
Those who already have higher education can be advised to get a second diploma. It is preferable to enter the faculties, in the name of which the term "logistics" appears.
However, this profession is not suitable for everyone. And even having a diploma in your pocket will not become a guarantee of success if the applicant does not have some personal qualities. For example, stress resistance and the ability to convince. A person who, after every failure, gives up and does not know how to find a common language with people, is unlikely to stay in the position of logistics manager for a long time. Moscow is a city in which there are many other interesting vacancies.
Pros of work
- No problems with employment. There is an acute shortage of logistics managers in the market. That is why potential candidates have high chances. Especially those who have received a degree in logistics. They will be welcomed in large companies.
- Lack of education. There are so few qualified logisticians that some companies will be glad even to those who do not have a diploma. But it boasts of having the necessary skills or personal qualities. In addition, working as a logistics manager, you can get an education in parallel.
- A variety of activities. The working day of a cargo transportation specialist is not only in the office. The logistics manager constantly has to negotiate with a variety of people. This can not always be done within the walls of an office. That is why the profession attracts those who cannot stand monotonous activity and who are in search of diversity.
Cons of work
- Colossal responsibility. The logistics manager should be extremely attentive while working. Unfortunately, a mistake can cost his company dearly, resulting in loss of profit or a damaged reputation.
- Low income. This is especially felt at the beginning of a career. However, after working more than two years, the logistics manager can count on an increase in revenue if he shows sufficient activity.
- Lack of career prospects. Not every company can offer an employee a bright future.If the logistics manager works in a small organization, then in order to build a career he will most likely have to change his job.
Opinion of employees
Feedback from logistics managers is very controversial. Someone, having mastered this profession, remains in it for a long time. Indeed, over time, experience comes and a client base is developed, which significantly reduces the cost of labor and increases income. Someone, on the contrary, believes that the logistics profession consists of continuous minuses. This is really stressful work. Like any other that involves communication with people.
Having learned the features of the profession, you can decide whether the position of logistics manager is right for you.