Logistics managers arrange the transport of goods or passengers by road, and perhaps also by air, rail or sea. They are also called transport and distribution managers.

The Work

You could be:

• planning delivery routes and schedules
• overseeing the movement of goods
• allocating and managing staff resources
• using IT systems to manage stock, plan deliveries and produce performance reports
• managing a fleet of vehicles, ensuring they are maintained and insured
• dealing with legal and safety matters relating to staff, vehicles and goods being transported
• operating a budget and meeting cost and income targets
• ensuring timetables/schedules or targets are met
• dealing with clients, maintaining records and bringing in new business.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of the company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

Salaries start at around £30,000 a year. The salary range for experienced logistics managers is between £35,000 and £50,000 a year. Very senior managers may earn around £70,000 a year.

Conditions

• You could work for a road haulage firm, a passenger transport company or a retail organisation.
• You might work in an office, a drivers’ yard, a depot or a warehouse.
• You may have to work shifts, including evenings and weekends.
• You might also have to be on-call at certain times.
• You might have to travel between depots, or to visit customers.

Useful Subjects

• Administration and IT
• Business
• Business Management
• Business Skills (SCQF Level 6)

Getting In

• You may be able to work up to a post as transport manager by starting as driver, a warehouse assistant or a clerical or administrative assistant in the transport industry. A good general education is useful and some subjects at National 4 or 5 may be preferred.
• You may be able to enter directly into a transport company management training scheme or apprenticeship.
• Some companies may offer Modern (SCQF Level 7), Technical (SCQF Level 9) or Professional (SCQF Level 11) Apprenticeships in Supply Chain Management. Entry requirements vary.
• Larger companies may run training schemes for those who hold an appropriate HNC (SCQF Level 7), HND (SCQF Level 8), a degree (SCQF Level 9) or a postgraduate qualification (SCQF Level 11). Useful subjects include international trade, logistics, transport management as well as more general subjects such as administration and business studies. HNCs and HNDs require between 1 and 3 Highers plus subjects at National 5 for entry; degrees require 4-5 Highers plus subjects at National 5.
• You may need to have a Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) or Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) driving licence.
• You may also need the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) or an equivalent qualification (see Training).

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2025

9359

3.6 %

RISE

2030

9695

  United Kingdom

2025

142212

3.2 %

RISE

2030

146711

LMI data powered by Lightcast

What Does it Take?

You need:

• excellent organisation and planning skills
• IT skills
• good leadership skills
• excellent communication skills
• good problem solving skills.

You need to be able to:

• work well alone and in a team
• take responsibility
• stay calm under pressure
• make quick decisions
• handle complex information
• motivate others.

Training

• You would train on the job and take relevant qualifications by part time study at college or by distance learning.
• Large companies often have well-structured training schemes.
• You might study for the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). There are four parts to the Certificate, and training is available at various centres throughout the country.
• You may study for qualifications awarded by The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (UK) (CILT UK).

Getting On

• You may be able to move among different types of firm, for example, car and van hire, contract fleet, distribution or logistics, parcel delivery, manufacturing and retail companies.
• With experience, you could gain promotion to posts such as area manager, regional manager or general manager.
• Within large international companies, there may be opportunities to work overseas.
• You may also be able to move into transport planning, transport consultancy or teaching and research work in colleges and universities.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.