What Does a Logistics Manager Do?
A logistics manager oversees the movement, storage, and distribution of goods within a company’s supply chain. They lead logistics teams, coordinate shipping and receiving operations, manage relationships with carriers and vendors, and ensure that products are delivered on time and within budget. Logistics managers play a critical role in maintaining operational efficiency, cost control, and customer satisfaction through process improvements and workflow optimization.
Working in industries like manufacturing, retail, e-commerce, or third-party logistics (3PL), logistics managers are responsible for supervising staff, monitoring KPIs, troubleshooting delays, and maintaining compliance with safety and regulatory standards. They often use systems like TMS (transportation management systems) and WMS (warehouse management systems) to oversee operations and generate performance reports. Strong communication, leadership, and analytical skills are essential for success in this role.
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Logistics Manager Core Responsibilities
- Manage daily logistics operations across shipping, receiving, and warehousing
- Supervise logistics staff, including coordinators, drivers, or warehouse teams
- Schedule transportation and negotiate with carriers or 3PL providers
- Ensure on-time, cost-effective deliveries and inventory accuracy
- Monitor and analyze logistics KPIs, budgets, and performance metrics
- Identify and implement process improvements across the supply chain
- Maintain compliance with DOT, OSHA, and internal safety standards
- Oversee inventory movement, stock reconciliation, and space utilization
- Collaborate with procurement, customer service, and operations teams
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency with TMS, WMS, and ERP platforms (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite)
- Deep understanding of freight management, carrier contracts, and warehouse operations
- Inventory management and demand planning basics
- Strong command of Microsoft Excel and reporting tools
Soft skills
- Team leadership and staff development
- Strategic thinking with problem-solving agility
- Clear communication across departments and vendors
- Ability to manage budgets, timelines, and KPIs simultaneously
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in logistics, supply chain, business, or related field preferred
- Equivalent experience may be accepted for candidates with strong operational backgrounds
Certifications
- Not required
- Preferred: APICS CLTD, Six Sigma Green Belt, PMP, or OSHA 30
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5+ years of logistics or supply chain leadership experience
- Experience managing high-volume shipping or multi-site operations
- Knowledge of import/export regulations and international logistics (if applicable)
National Average Salary
Logistics manager salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Logistics Manager is:
$93,054
Sample Job Description Templates for Logistics Managers
Warehouse & Distribution Manager
Position Overview
We are seeking a Warehouse & Distribution Manager to oversee all aspects of warehousing, inventory control, and product distribution. This role ensures efficient, accurate order fulfillment and plays a key role in maintaining cost-effective logistics operations within a distribution center or multi-site network.
Responsibilities
- Manage warehouse operations, staffing, and safety procedures
- Oversee receiving, putaway, picking, packing, and shipping processes
- Monitor inventory accuracy and coordinate cycle counts or audits
- Implement best practices for layout optimization and material flow
- Track KPIs such as order accuracy, on-time shipping, and space utilization
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, and company safety policies
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with WMS/ERP systems and barcoding technologies
- Knowledge of inventory management and distribution workflows
- Proficiency in warehouse metrics reporting and planning
Soft skills
- Team leadership and labor planning
- Problem-solving and operational troubleshooting
- Effective communication with supply chain and transportation teams
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in logistics, business, or operations preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience managing warehouse or distribution center operations
Transportation Logistics Manager
Position Overview
We are hiring a Transportation Logistics Manager to lead carrier management, route planning, and freight optimization for inbound and outbound shipments. This role is responsible for ensuring timely, cost-effective delivery of goods across the domestic or international supply chain.
Responsibilities
- Manage daily transportation scheduling, dispatching, and carrier relations
- Negotiate contracts with freight carriers and 3PLs
- Monitor freight costs, delivery timelines, and carrier performance metrics
- Oversee DOT compliance and documentation
- Resolve transit delays, claims, or capacity issues
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with TMS platforms and freight auditing tools
- Knowledge of domestic and international shipping practices
- Familiarity with DOT, FMCSA, and customs regulations
Soft skills
- Strong logistics planning and problem-solving abilities
- Vendor negotiation and conflict resolution
- Data-driven mindset with budget awareness
Education
- Bachelor’s in supply chain or transportation management preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 4+ years in transportation coordination or logistics management
E-commerce Fulfillment Manager
Position Overview
We are seeking an E-commerce Fulfillment Manager to oversee direct-to-consumer (DTC) shipping operations, returns, and inventory across warehouse or 3PL fulfillment centers. This role is responsible for driving order accuracy, efficiency, and a positive customer delivery experience.
Responsibilities
- Lead order processing, pick/pack/ship, and returns workflows
- Manage warehouse or 3PL relationships supporting e-commerce channels
- Monitor SLA compliance and delivery performance metrics
- Optimize packaging, batching, and carrier selection
- Coordinate inventory availability with merchandising or planning teams
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with e-commerce platforms (Shopify, Magento, Amazon)
- Experience with fulfillment systems and parcel shipping carriers
- Knowledge of DTC inventory management
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail and process improvement mindset
- Cross-functional collaboration with marketing and customer service
- Ability to lead fulfillment teams in fast-paced environments
Education
- Bachelor’s in logistics, retail operations, or business preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years of e-commerce operations or DTC fulfillment management
Global Logistics Manager
Position Overview
We are hiring a Global Logistics Manager to oversee international shipping, customs compliance, and global distribution strategy. This role ensures efficient, compliant movement of goods across borders and alignment with regional partners, carriers, and suppliers.
Responsibilities
- Manage import/export operations, including documentation and customs filings
- Oversee international carrier contracts, freight forwarding, and compliance
- Monitor global inventory movement and optimize international routes
- Partner with sourcing, manufacturing, and legal to ensure trade compliance
- Lead team members across global time zones or regional logistics hubs
Requirements
Hard skills
- Deep knowledge of international trade, Incoterms, and customs clearance
- Experience with global freight forwarders, ocean/air cargo, and duty management
- Proficiency with global TMS and supply chain platforms
Soft skills
- Cultural awareness and international stakeholder communication
- Strategic planning and cost containment
- High attention to regulatory detail
Education
- Bachelor’s in global supply chain, international business, or logistics
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years in international logistics leadership
- Licensed customs broker or IATA/FMC familiarity is a plus
3PL Operations Manager
Position Overview
We are seeking a 3PL Operations Manager to lead logistics operations for third-party logistics (3PL) clients. This role manages customer accounts, warehouse performance, and delivery execution to ensure contractual obligations and KPIs are met.
Responsibilities
- Oversee daily 3PL fulfillment, transportation, and inventory workflows
- Serve as the main operational contact for assigned client accounts
- Lead teams in order fulfillment, returns processing, and carrier coordination
- Track KPIs including OTIF, order accuracy, and dock-to-stock
- Support implementation of new accounts and operational changes
Requirements
Hard skills
- 3PL warehouse operations, systems, and client account management
- Experience with WMS/TMS integrations and service-level reporting
- Familiarity with client SOPs and logistics contract SLAs
Soft skills
- Customer-facing communication and account ownership
- Team development in a high-volume, multi-client environment
- Adaptability and responsiveness to service escalations
Education
- Bachelor’s in supply chain, logistics, or operations
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5 years of experience in third-party logistics or fulfillment center leadership
Inbound/Outbound Logistics Manager
Position Overview
We are hiring an Inbound/Outbound Logistics Manager to lead material flow into and out of distribution or manufacturing facilities. This role ensures timely receiving, shipment scheduling, and coordination with procurement, carriers, and warehousing.
Responsibilities
- Manage inbound shipments of materials, parts, or inventory
- Oversee outbound shipping of finished goods or orders
- Coordinate carrier performance and dock scheduling
- Resolve delivery exceptions, damages, or missed timelines
- Maintain accurate inventory transfer records and KPIs
Requirements
Hard skills
- Inbound/outbound scheduling and freight management experience
- Familiarity with ERP/WMS platforms and shipment tracking
- Understanding of dock operations and inventory reconciliation
Soft skills
- Coordination with cross-functional teams and vendors
- Problem-solving under time constraints
- Clear documentation and recordkeeping
Education
- Associate’s or bachelor’s in supply chain or logistics
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years in combined inbound/outbound logistics or warehouse leadership