How To Become A Logistics Manager

Stan T.Career, Requirements

How Long Does It Take, What Degree Do You Need, and More

Logistics Managers

Logistics Managers plan, direct, or coordinate purchasing, warehousing, distribution, forecasting, customer service, or planning services. Manage logistics personnel and logistics systems and direct daily operations.

Salary
$105100
Becoming One
Hard
Education
Bachelor's degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality



Table of contents
  1. Summary
  2. Steps to become one
  3. Popular degree levels
  4. How long does it take

Summary

Degree Bachelor's degree
Degree field Business Administration, Business Analytics, and programs that focus on Logistics and Supply Chain Management
License or certification Logistics Managers may earn voluntary professional certifications to advance their careers, such as the CSCP or CPIM certifications.
Duration to become one 6 years or longer
Difficulty to become one Hard

Most Logistics Managers have Bachelor’s degrees or Master’s degrees.

The most common majors for aspiring Logistics Managers include Business Administration, Business Analytics, and programs that focus on Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

Logistics Managers may earn voluntary professional certifications to advance their careers, such as the CSCP or CPIM certifications.


Logistics Managers Requirements

Step 1: Improve Your Logical Thinking Skills in High School

Aspiring Logistics Managers can start developing relevant skills in high school by taking courses that improve their logistical thinking and analytical thinking skills. This may include advanced placement (AP) science and math courses, such as Physics and Calculus.

Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Many employers prefer to hire Logistics Managers that have at least a Bachelor’s degree. About 60% of Logistics Managers complete a four-year degree before entering this field.

Most colleges and universities do not have Bachelor’s programs that focus on Logistics or Supply Chain Management. Logistics Managers often choose majors that provide relevant skills, such as Business, Business Administration, Business Analytics, Public Administration, or Engineering.

A small number of colleges offer Logistics Management programs. These programs are often Business Management programs that tend to concentrate on logistics and supply chain management. You may learn more about inventory management, marketing, and operations management.

Step 3: Consider Earning a Master’s Degree

You do not need a Master’s degree to become a Logistics Manager, but it may help you reach your career goals faster. Master’s programs in Logistics and Supply Chain Management provide in-depth training for this career that may allow you to spend less time in entry-level roles.

Step 4: Look for Internship and Work Placement Opportunities

Whether you earn a Master’s degree or stick with a Bachelor’s degree, you should use your time in college to gain work experience. Look for internships and work placement (WP) programs.

Many college programs help students find internships and WP opportunities. Students typically complete internships and WP programs during their breaks between semesters. Along with providing hands-on training, these job opportunities may help you gain useful connections for finding employment after college.

Step 5: Start Applying for Entry-Level Positions

Logistics Managers rarely start in managerial positions. You are likely to start at the bottom and work your way up.

Aspiring Logistics Managers may work in a variety of industries, including health care, construction, insurance, hospitality, and retail. Common entry-level jobs include Dispatcher, Engineer, Production Operative, or Maintenance Operative.

As you gain experience, you may progress to roles with more responsibilities. For example, you may become a Quality Manager, Production Planner, Supply Chain Planner, or Commodities Manager before becoming a Logistics Manager.

Step 6: Obtain Voluntary Certification

Many Logistics Managers earn voluntary certification from the International Society of Logistics (SOLE). The first certification is the Demonstrated Logistician certification, which is followed by Demonstrated Senior Logistician and Demonstrated Master Logistician. Earning these basic certifications may help you advance your career.

After obtaining the basic certifications from SOLE, Logistics Managers may choose to obtain certification in Logistics Chain Management. Earning this certification qualifies you to become a Certified Master Logistician (CML). The ultimate recognition in this field is obtained by earning the Certified Professional Logistician (CPL) certification.

Along with SOLE certifications, Logistics Managers may obtain certification from the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). The Certified in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution (CLTD) program is a common APICS certification.

What degree do most Logistics Managers have

Bachelor’s degree

We did a survey to ask other Logistics Managers what degree they had when they first became one. Here are the results.

Bachelor’s degree
60%

Master’s degree
16.67%

Post Baccalaureate certificate
10%

How long does it take

6 years or longer

Becoming a Logistics Manager may require four to six years of college study, depending on whether you decide to earn a Master’s degree. You also typically need to work in this field for several years before advancing to the role of Logistics Manager.


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