How Can I Become a Logistics Manager?

Do you enjoy making plans and managing projects? Does the idea of controlling multiple departments, supplies and employees interest you? If so, a career as a logistics manager may be right for you. Read more to learn how to become a logistics manager. Schools offering Global Operations & Supply Chain Management degrees can also be found in these popular choices.

What Would I Do as a Logistics Manager?

As a logistics manager, you would manage supplies, establish operation or delivery plans, monitor the functioning of logistical support departments and oversee staff. You may also perform financial tasks, such as creating and managing budgets or controlling costs. You can work in the manufacturing, farming, defense or warehousing industries.

Alternative job titles include logistics officer, logistics engineer or lead logistician. The job tasks performed by logistics managers correspond with some of the tasks ascribed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to transportation, storage and distribution managers as well as industrial production managers (www.bls.gov).

What Certification or Education Do I Need?

Undergraduate and graduate degrees in logistics management are available. Sometimes, these programs may be business managment programs that concentrate in logistics. Most employers require at least a bachelor's degree in the field.

Associate's degree programs teach customer service, supply chain management, inventory management, marketing and operations management. Bachelor's degree programs offer courses in transportation systems, finance and business operations. A master's degree program curriculum includes instruction in logistics systems, management acounting, supply chain finance and systems dynamics. You will also likely have to write a thesis in a master's degree program.

Do I Need Certification or Licensure?

There is no specific certification or licensure required to work as a logistics manager. However, voluntary certification is available from the International Society of Logistics. The society offers three consecutive certifications: the Demonstrated Logistician Program, the Certified Master Logistician and the Certified Professional Logistician. The first certification is awarded based on work experience and earned continuing education credits, but the remaining two require that you pass an examination.

How Much Could I Earn?

The BLS reports that, in 2010, there were 90,280 transportation, storate and distribution managers in the nation, and that these professionals earned a mean average salary of $86,630. Also according to the BLS, in 2010 there were 143,310 industrial production managers in the nation. These managers earned a mean annual salary of $95,660.

To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:

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