Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos & Interviews
Videos on the Web
- Logistics / Supply Chain Manager- from: Youtube Search
- Cargo Planner- from: Aer Lingus [Video]
- Logistics Supervisor- from: icould [UK] Video
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Developing and Building Teams Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
- Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Coaching and Developing Others Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Working Life
As the logistics / supply chain manager, you have the overall responsibility for a business’s logistics within a region, and for leading a team ofSupply Chain Analysts.
You identify and address long-term, medium-term and short-term supply chain risks, work to develop and make improvements along the supply chains and you identify trends in performances.
You establishment Service Level Agreements with different service providers and monitor performances against KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) related to key areas such as reliability, lead times, responsiveness, cost, on-time delivery and inventory levels.
Travel to sites may be required from time to time.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Determine appropriate equipment and staffing levels to load, unload, move, or store materials.
- Manage activities related to strategic or tactical purchasing, material requirements planning, controlling inventory, warehousing, or receiving.
- Select transportation routes to maximise economy by combining shipments or consolidating warehousing and distribution.
- Define performance metrics for measurement, comparison, or evaluation of supply chain factors, such as product cost or quality.
- Implement new or improved supply chain processes to improve efficiency or performance.
- Develop procedures for coordination of supply chain management with other functional areas, such as sales, marketing, finance, production, or quality assurance.
- Confer with supply chain planners to forecast demand or create supply plans that ensure availability of materials or products.
- Analyse inventories to determine how to increase inventory turns, reduce waste, or optimise customer service.
- Negotiate prices and terms with suppliers, vendors, or freight forwarders.
- Analyse information about supplier performance or procurement program success.
Further Information
- Logistics and distribution manager- from: GradIreland
- Road Haulage Load Planner- from: N.C.S. [UK]
- Supply Chain Manager- from: N.C.S. [UK]
Qualities - Logistics / Supply Chain Manager
You should have skills in communication, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving and dispute resolution.
You need to have good customer service skills and be polite and able to deal with difficult or unhappy customers.
As a manager you must be able to give clear instructions and motivate staff to work precisely and consistently. A cheerful but firm, authoritative manner is necessary.
You need to be able to work within agreed budgets, time frames and to plan and prioritise work.
Managers need to understand the policies and priorities of their company.
You would need to be aware of health and safety regulations and have good computer skills.
Interests - Logistics / Supply Chain Manager
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry / Progression - Logistics / Supply Chain Manager
You can develop your skills and learning towards a career in logistics & supply chain in many ways.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: supply chain, transport, logistics and distribution.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: supply chain, transport, logistics and distribution.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeship Route
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Logistics Associate, Logistician, Supply Chain Specialist, Supply Chain Manager
The official entry route for a Logistics / Supply Chain Manager is through undertaking an apprenticeship. There are currently three relevant apprenticeships available:
Logistics Associate/Logistician (2 years, NFQ level 6)
Supply Chain Specialist (2 years, NFQ level 8)
Supply Chain Manager (2 years, NFQ level 9)
Search for Apprenticeships
Minimum entry requirements are a grade H7/O6 or above in five leaving cert (or equivalent) subjects, eligibility via RPL recognition of prior learning, based on industry experience.
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: business, logistics, supply chain management.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: logistics, supply chain management.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Search Higher education CAO & direct entry College. TU Dublin offer a Level 8 Degree in Logistics & Supply Chain Management, but there are also several PLC courses in logistics available in various locations.
Springboard courses logistics, supply chain management NFQ level 6-9
Other common routes into logistics and supply chain management is to take a business degree which includes relevant modules i.e. logistics; supply chain management; international transport; transport management; geography.
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport offers Certificate and Diploma level courses in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, and Transport Operations https://www.ciltskillnet.ie/
For a management role in logistics / supply chain you may need between 5 and 10 years’ experience of working in an international organisation in this industry. All experience in people management will also be beneficial.
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Logistics / Supply Chain Manager
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €100k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Clark / Brightwater / Morgan McKinley/ Collins McNicolas/ Lincoln/ Sigmar
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Logistics / Supply Chain Manager
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Transport managers; fleet managers; logistics managers; storage managers; warehouse managers.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
The overall five-year average employment growth for this occupation was above average, although employment levels declined marginally between 2021 and 2022. A small number of new employment permits were issued in 2022 for various managerial roles.
Vacancies which were identified as difficult-to-fill in the Recruitment Agency Survey mainly related to warehouse and logistics managers. Training for those already employed in this occupation in areas including technological and regulatory changes associated with the transport/logistics sector will assist in preventing future recruitment difficulties.
Useful Contacts - Logistics / Supply Chain Manager
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Freight Transport Association Ireland (FTAI)
- Unit 1, Airport Business Park, Cloghran, Co Dublin
- (01) 844 7516
- Click Here
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National Institute for Transport & Logistics (NITL)
- Dublin Institute of Technology, Bolton Street, Dublin 1.
- (01) 402 3898
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Supply Chain Management Institute (IPICS)
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Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Ireland
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Institute of Logistics and Transport
- Logistics and Transport Centre, PO Box 5787, Corby, Northants NN17 4XQ
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- [email protected]
- Click Here
