

Logistics professions
Logistics Manager: missions, skills, training, salary and career development
The Logistics Manager plays a key role in managing the flow of goods, guaranteeing product availability while optimising costs and lead times. With a variety of tasks ranging from supervising teams to optimising processes, they play a key role in the company's overall performance, ensuring a fluid and efficient supply chain.
What is a Logistics Manager?
The Logistics Manager plays a crucial role in the smooth running of companies, particularly those involved in production or distribution. As the manager responsible for the flow of goods, he or she ensures that products are delivered to the right places, on time, while optimising costs and reducing the risks associated with stock management. This job requires both technical and managerial skills, an ability to adapt and a strategic vision of operations.
What does a Logistics Manager do?
Managing logistics flows
The Logistics Manager organises and supervises all movements of goods within the company, from raw materials to end products.
Leading teams
He monitor his teams on a day-to-day basis: warehousemen, forklift drivers, drivers and other operators. He has to ensure that tasks are allocated, that teams comply with safety standards and that deadlines are met. As a manager, you must also train your teams and ensure that they develop their skills.
Optimising processes
He must constantly look for ways to reduce costs (transport, storage), shorten lead times and improve the efficiency of operations . This may involve automating processes, using new technological tools (ERP software, WMS), or improving stock management (just-in-time supply, reducing overstocking).
Regular contact with partners
The Logistics Manager is in regular contact with external partners, in particular suppliers and transport companies. They negotiate transport contracts, monitor the quality of delivery services and ensure that deadlines are met. They must also maintain fluid communication with customers to ensure their satisfaction.
Dealing with the unexpected
He is the master on board and therefore in charge of managing unforeseen events. When a problem arises (late delivery, equipment breakdown, order error), it's up to them to react quickly and find solutions to reduce the impact on the supply chain. This requires great adaptability and good stress management skills .
Be involved in regulatory and technological monitoring
He ensures that the company complies with current regulations (safety, environment, customs) and that it adopts new logistics technologies , such as artificial intelligence (AI) systems for predictive stock management or traceability tools.
Monitor and analyse logistics performance
Using key performance indicators (KPIs) such as service rate and stock levels, he assesses the efficiency of the supply chain and suggests improvements to optimise results. This analytical work is essential to guarantee the company's long-term competitiveness.
Tools and technologies used by the Logistics Manager
Logistics managers use a variety of tools and technologies to optimise flow management, improve operational efficiency and ensure optimum traceability. Here are the main tools and technologies used in logistics:
- Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
The WMS can be used to manage stocks, receiving, storage and order preparation, optimising warehouse organisation and internal flows.
- Transport Management Systems (TMS)
The TMS assists in planning, monitoring and optimising transport operations, reducing costs and improving delivery times.
- Inventory Management Systems (IMS)
The IMS provides real-time monitoring of stock levels, preventing shortages or overstocking, and enabling better supply management.
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
ERP systems bring together all the company's data, including logistics flows, making it easier to manage purchasing, stocks and deliveries.
- RFID and barcodes
RFID technology and barcode scanners make it possible to track and identify products more effectively at every stage of the supply chain.
- Business Intelligence tools
These tools enable logistics performance to be analysed using KPIs, providing a real-time view for informed decision-making.
- Route Planning Tools
These software applications optimise delivery routes, reducing transport costs and lead times while improving operational efficiency.
What skills do you need to be a good Logistics Manager?
The job of Logistics Manager requires a variety of skills, both technical and managerial. Here are the essential skills needed to succeed in this role:
Technical skills :
Mastering IT tools and logistics processes is fundamental to the efficient management of goods flows.
Managerial skills :
The Logistics Manager must be able to lead and motivate his teams, while ensuring good communication with his partners.
Analytical skills :
Data analysis can be used to identify areas for improvement and optimise performance.
Cross-disciplinary skills :
Discipline and versatility are essential to navigate in an environment that is often complex and constantly changing.
How to become a Logistics Manager?
Education and training
There are a number of training courses available for Logistics Managers. Although the profession is accessible from Bac+2, a Bac+5 is often recommended for positions of responsibility. Here are the most common courses:
- Bac +2/3: Diplomas such as BUT or BTS provide the technical grounding needed for the job.
- Bac+5: specialised Masters degrees offer in-depth training, which is often essential if you are looking to progress to positions of responsibility.
- Additional training: Professional qualifications or specific training in logistics software can be an asset.
EM Normandie offers MSc courses in logistics adapted to this profession, in particular with the Grande École Programme and specialisations.
What is the salary of a Logistics Manager?
The salary of a Logistics Manager can fluctuate depending on experience, the size of the company and the responsibilities associated with the position. Here is an estimated salary range:
- Starting salary: For recent graduates, between €35,000 and €45,000 gross per year.
- Advanced salary: With a few years' experience, between €45,000 and €60,000 gross per annum.
- Senior position or large company: In larger companies or in management positions, salaries can rise to €80,000 gross per year, or even more.
What career opportunities are there in this profession?
The job of Logistics Manager offers excellent prospects for career development. After a few years' experience, there are a number of opportunities available to professionals in this sector:
- Supply Chain Manager: This involves managing the entire supply chain at a strategic level.
- Logistics Director: This position involves supervising several logistics sites and defining the company's overall strategy.
- Logistics Consultant: The consultant provides expertise to various companies to optimise their logistics processes.
- Purchasing Manager: This role involves managing the purchase of raw materials or services.
- Operations Director: An even more strategic position, in charge of all production and distribution operations.
In a nutshell
Logistics Managers play an essential role in the management of goods flows and the smooth running of companies. It requires solid technical expertise, management skills and the ability to optimise processes. With a promising career and many prospects for development, this job is at the crossroads between operations and strategy.
DID YOU KNOW?
France ranks 6th in the world logistics market and 2nd in Europe, right behind Germany. Over 75% of professionals in the sector believe that logistics is a dynamic field. Undergoing constant technological transformation, this sector covers all stages, from production to distribution, including the storage and transport of goods.
Source: Hellowork.
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Arnaud Pepalla
International Student at EM Normandie Business School - Supply Chain, Logistics and Innovation
Let's meet Arnaud Pepalla, an international student at EM Normandie in Le Havre.
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Camille Auvray
Logistics department manager at Décathlon
Graduating in 2022, Camille looks back on her career and her first experience of the professional world. Her main motivation: work-linked training, her main criterion for choosing her school. After taking a science-based A-levels, Camille never imagined she'd be working in logistics.
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Juliette Dô
Logistics Site Manager, Volvo
She likes the purchasing business because it is unpredictable. She started out in the railway industry and now works for Volvo in Canada.