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RECRUITMENT GUIDE

How To Hire A Logistics Manager

A logistics manager is responsible for ensuring that the supply chain in a business is running efficiently and effectively. This includes organizing and planning the distribution of goods and services from the business, to the desired destination.

Logistics managers are also responsible for the organization, management and storing of stock in the warehouse/work environment. They must ensure all stock is safely packed, shipped, and delivered to customers all over the country, and on a global scale. A logistics manager must not only ensure the safety of the products and stock being shipped, but also of the other workers in the business, and especially in a warehouse environment.

Interacting with customers is also a big part of the role, as logistics managers will have to handle customer questions and complaints if there are any issues with the shipment of purchases. It is also essential that anyone in this position is able to think on their toes, as unforeseen circumstances such as weather issues, theft, damage, or delivery accidents may arise that will be the logistics managers responsibility to resolve.

Day-to-day tasks of this role:

  • Develop plans for the most efficient and productive delivery of stock.
  • Ensure safety is practiced in the workplace. 
  • Answer customer questions and handle complaints.
  • Discussing and agreeing on shipment rates with transport companies.
  • Setting up schedules for incoming and outgoing shipments.

Recruitment Process

UNDERSTAND THE ROLE

Skills profile for a Logistics Manager

A logistics manager may hold a tertiary qualification, such as a Bachelor of Business (Logistics and Supply Chain Management), a Diploma of Logistics, or another relevant and similar qualification. Industry experience in supply chain management is also essential. There are some common skills required for this position.

A logistics manager must have excellent staff management skills. They must be able to manage large blue collar workforces, and ensure safety measures are being implemented and followed at all times. They must have sound roster management, with split shifts and 24/7 roster systems. They must also be confident in handling conflict with discretion, and be able to motivate employees to work as productively as possible.

A logistics manager must also be very organised. They must have the inherent ability to multitask and manage high workloads with various deadlines. An essential skill for a logistics manager is being able to work within strict time frames to ensure all shipments are on time and meet all delivery requirements. They must also be able to handle high volume work with staff, route planning, ordering, and processing shipments.

Once you’ve determined the skills required for the role, you can write the job description to advertise for your position.

SOURCE APPLICANTS

Logistics Manager Job Description

Summary:

  • Why is this role being filled?
  • How does this role fit into the organization and the team?
  • What makes your company unique?
  • What would it be like to work for you?

Requirements:

  • What technical skills are needed for this role?
  • Which soft skills are applicable?
  • What are the nice-to-have experiences of your ideal candidate?
  • Include availability preferences in this section

Responsibilities:

  • What are the key deliverables for this role?
  • What does the day-to-day of this role look like?

Benefits:

  • Compensation & bonuses
  • Employee benefits & perks
  • Ongoing training benefits

PRO TIP #1
As this is a managerial position, ensure that the entire recruitment process from job description to assessment to interview reiterates your company vision and values. This will help you identify the right people for the role, and applicants will know whether your company is the right fit for them.

PRO TIP #2
Logistics managers can work in all different industries and work environments. Depending on the industry, candidates may need to acquire certain licenses or qualifications. For example, a logistics manager in a warehouse environment may require a forklift licence, or in another business they may require knowledge of chemical storage. Be sure to outline all the skills and knowledge that is required of the successful candidate in the job description.

SKILL ASSESSMENT

Sample skills assessment

Logistics manager 1
Question 1

Logistics Manager

Question Type: Document

How would you manage a delay in shipping from a supplier? Feel free to use previous examples, and complete this in the document below.

Logistics manager 2
Question 2
Staff Management
Question Type: Text

How do you manage poor performance or attendance?

Logistics manager 3
Question 3
Organization
Question Type: Video

Have you ever missed a shipment deadline? What happened, what would you change for next time?

INTERVIEW

Interview guide for a Logistics Manager

Once your Vervoe skills assessment has surfaced the most qualified people for your open role, you can focus on interviewing these candidates. The PDF interview guide contains structured questions against each of the competencies for this role.

This interview guide is intended to be used in conjunction with the Vervoe skills assessment. Where a candidate has scored Low – Medium on a skill, focus on asking more questions from that skill to gain deeper insight into their level of competency.

PDF INTERVIEW GUIDE
Get your copy of the  interview guide to complete the hiring process. Includes questions against each of the skill competencies for the role.

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