Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Logistics Operations Manager

🎯 Role Definition

Welcome to a pivotal role at the heart of our operations! As the Logistics Operations Manager, you will be the strategic architect and hands-on leader of our entire logistics ecosystem. You are responsible for masterfully orchestrating the movement, storage, and processing of our products, ensuring they reach our customers on time, every time, and in the most efficient way possible. This position requires a blend of strategic planning, tactical execution, and inspirational leadership to manage our warehousing, inventory, transportation, and 3PL partnerships. If you thrive on optimizing complex systems, driving cost savings, and leading high-performing teams in a dynamic environment, this is the opportunity for you to make a significant impact on our business success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Senior Logistics Coordinator / Specialist
Warehouse Supervisor / Manager
Supply Chain Analyst

Advancement To:

Director of Logistics
Senior Manager, Supply Chain
Director of Operations

Lateral Moves:

Supply Chain Planning Manager
Procurement Manager
Distribution Center Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Spearhead the end-to-end management of domestic and international transportation networks, including carrier selection, contract negotiation, and performance monitoring to ensure on-time delivery and cost-effectiveness.
Direct and oversee all warehouse operations, including receiving, put-away, inventory control, picking, packing, and shipping, ensuring KPIs for productivity and accuracy are consistently met or exceeded.
Develop, implement, and refine the overarching logistics strategy to support company growth, improve operational efficiency, and reduce supply chain costs.
Lead, mentor, and cultivate a high-performing logistics team, setting clear performance objectives, providing regular feedback, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
Manage and negotiate relationships and contracts with third-party logistics (3PL) providers, freight forwarders, and other vendors, conducting regular business reviews to ensure service level agreements (SLAs) are met.
Monitor, analyze, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time delivery, cost-per-shipment, inventory accuracy, and order fulfillment rates, using data to drive strategic decisions.
Ensure full compliance with all local, federal, and international transportation and trade regulations, including DOT, IATA, and customs requirements, to avoid penalties and delays.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma to optimize warehouse layouts, streamline workflows, and eliminate waste from operational processes.
Develop and manage the annual logistics budget, including accurate forecasting of transportation and warehousing expenses, tracking variances, and championing cost-saving initiatives.
Collaborate extensively with Procurement, Manufacturing, Sales, and Customer Service departments to ensure seamless alignment and execution across the entire supply chain.
Optimize the use of our Warehouse Management System (WMS) and Transportation Management System (TMS) to enhance visibility, improve control, and automate processes.
Act as the primary point of contact for resolving complex logistical issues, customer complaints, or supplier discrepancies related to transportation, delivery, or inventory.
Develop and maintain robust risk management and contingency plans to proactively mitigate potential disruptions to the supply chain, such as carrier failures, port congestion, or natural disasters.
Oversee all reverse logistics operations, establishing efficient processes for managing customer returns, product disposition, and warranty claims.
Manage inventory health across all distribution centers, implementing strategies for cycle counting, stock level optimization, and reduction of slow-moving or obsolete stock (SLOB).

Secondary Functions

Lead or support cross-functional projects, such as new product launches or market expansions, by designing and implementing the required logistics infrastructure.
Evaluate and recommend new logistics technologies, software, or automation solutions to drive future efficiency gains and maintain a competitive edge.
Prepare and deliver comprehensive performance reports and strategic presentations to senior leadership, clearly articulating logistics challenges, successes, and future plans.
Conduct periodic audits of internal processes and external vendor performance to ensure adherence to quality standards and contractual obligations.
Champion and enforce all health and safety protocols within the warehouse and distribution network to ensure a safe working environment compliant with OSHA and company standards.
Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to uncover new opportunities for network optimization and cost reduction.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Logistics Systems Proficiency: Expert-level knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP S/4HANA, Oracle NetSuite), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and Transportation Management Systems (TMS).
Freight & Transportation Management: Deep understanding of all modes of transport (FTL, LTL, Ocean, Air, Rail) and experience managing freight forwarders and carrier networks.
Data Analysis & Reporting: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (Pivot Tables, complex formulas) and experience with BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for creating dashboards and analyzing large datasets.
Process Improvement Methodologies: Certification or practical experience in Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen to identify and eliminate operational inefficiencies.
Inventory Control: Strong command of inventory management principles and techniques, such as ABC analysis, safety stock calculation, and cycle counting programs.
Regulatory Compliance: In-depth knowledge of import/export regulations, customs compliance, Incoterms, and transportation-related legal requirements.
Budgeting & Financial Acumen: Proven ability to develop, manage, and report on a multimillion-dollar logistics budget.

Soft Skills

Strategic Leadership: Ability to not only manage daily operations but also to develop a long-term vision for the logistics function and inspire a team to execute it.
Negotiation & Vendor Management: Exceptional skills in negotiating contracts, rates, and terms with carriers and 3PLs to build strong, performance-driven partnerships.
Analytical Problem-Solving: A data-driven mindset with the ability to dissect complex problems, identify root causes, and implement effective, scalable solutions.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively partner with stakeholders across all levels and departments of the organization.
Resilience & Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, with the ability to pivot quickly in response to unforeseen challenges and changing market conditions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university or college.

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree (e.g., MBA, MS in Supply Chain Management)
Relevant professional certifications (e.g., APICS CSCP, CLTD).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Supply Chain Management & Logistics
Business Administration
Industrial Engineering
Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 5-8 years of progressive experience in logistics or supply chain management, with a minimum of 3 years in a direct leadership or managerial role.

Preferred: Experience managing logistics operations in a high-volume distribution, manufacturing, or e-commerce environment. Demonstrable track record of successfully implementing cost-saving and process improvement initiatives.