Logistics Manager Job Description in 2025: Role, Skills, and Salary Insights

Logistics Manager Job Description Summary: A Logistics Manager plays a central role in ensuring that goods, materials, and resources move smoothly from point to point, that too, on time, within budget, and without disruption. From managing warehouse operations to coordinating shipments and tracking delivery schedules, the role is central to how efficiently a company runs. 

In this blog, you’ll find everything you need to know about becoming a logistics manager — from a logistics manager responsibilities to the skills you’ll need, salary you’ll make, qualifications, and career prospects in 2025 and beyond.

Build the skills that top logistics teams rely on by enrolling in The Global Master Certificate in Integrated Supply Chain Management by Michigan State University – the world’s #1 ranked university for supply chain. This 6-month, fully online course covers procurement, logistics analytics, and inventory flow through 5+ case studies and 24+ live sessions led by MSU faculty and industry experts.

You can also enroll in relevant degree programs from abroad, such as a Master of Science Degree in Transportation from MIT or an M.Sc. in Logistics and Supply Chain from the International School of Management.

What is a Logistics Manager? What Do They Do?

Definition – Logistics Manager: A logistics manager is the person who ensures everything (products, inventory, parts, or people) moves from one place to another without delays, miscommunication, or wasted resources. From raw materials to finished products, they manage the movement, handling, and delivery of goods at every step.  

This role requires a mix of planning, coordination, and execution, often under tight timelines and cost pressures. All in all, a logistics manager must have logistics management complete know-how. It involves overseeing the entire flow of goods, data, and tasks across supply chains, balancing delivery timelines, cost controls, and team execution.

What Does a Logistics Manager Do?

Day-to-day Duties of a Logistics Manager:

• Plan and manage deliveries: Create inbound and outbound shipment schedules that align with business needs and customer deadlines.
• Coordinate warehouse operations: Oversee how goods are stored, picked, packed, and dispatched from facilities.
• Track inventory levels: Maintain real-time visibility of stock across multiple locations and ensure accuracy through audits and system checks.
• Resolve logistics issues: Address shipment delays, delivery mismatches, or system bottlenecks quickly to avoid customer impact.
• Lead logistics teams: Supervise warehouse staff, delivery coordinators, and inventory controllers while meeting daily targets.
• Collaborate across departments: Work with procurement, manufacturing, and sales teams to align supply chain plans.
• Monitor cost and performance metrics: Use logistics software or dashboards to monitor transport costs, turnaround times, and service quality.

Also Read: Difference Between Logistics & SCM

Logistics Manager Job description – Roles and Responsibilities

The title ‘Logistics Manager’ might sound simpler than the work it involves. In reality, this role pulls you into operations, vendor handling, cost control, and putting out fires no one else sees coming. You’re expected to know what’s moving, where it's stuck, how much it's costing, and who’s responsible, all at once. 

The overall logistics manager job description is broad, but every responsibility ties back to one goal: ensuring that everything moves on time, within budget, and without error. 

In-depth Logistics Manager Roles and Responsibilities: 

• Design logistics systems: Create frameworks that define how inventory flows between vendors, warehouses, distribution centers, and customers.
• Oversee end-to-end supply movement (supply chain management): Ensure raw materials, intermediate goods, and final products are moved with speed, safety, and accuracy.
• Coordinate inbound and outbound logistics (scheduling deliveries): Set schedules, align with production or dispatch, and track shipments across multiple channels.
• Warehouse and inventory management (optimize warehousing operations): Plan layouts, storage systems, picking processes, and packaging flows to minimize delays and errors.
• Keeping track of large inventories: Run audits, reduce discrepancies, and ensure system data matches on-ground stock at all times.
• Implement cost-saving strategies: Identify and eliminate inefficiencies, renegotiate rates, and explore smarter transport or storage methods.
• Negotiating and agreeing vendor contracts: Handle rate discussions, terms, performance benchmarks, and service level agreements with logistics partners.
• Track KPIs and operational metrics (analysing and reporting on logistics performance): Monitor delivery performance, inventory turnover, stock ageing, freight costs, and service levels.
• Create and manage budgets (handle billing and reconciliation): Verify vendor invoices, CFA bills, transportation charges, and ensure financial records are error-free.
• Lead logistics audits: Prepare documentation, address compliance checks, and lead both internal and external logistics audits.
• Manage packaging and labeling: Ensure goods are packed to standard, clearly labeled, and ready for smooth handling at all transit points.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams: Align logistics with sales, procurement, warehouse, dispatch, and customer service.
• Handle slow-moving or obsolete stock: Identify aging inventory and work with internal teams for liquidation or reassignment.
• Address customer issues: Resolve shipping delays, delivery failures, or inventory mismatches with clear communication and urgency.
• Ensuring regulatory compliance (overseeing import/export documentation): Ensure all legal, safety, and customs-related paperwork is in order for cross-border shipments.
• Manage third-party logistics (3PL): Coordinate with contract warehouses, freight partners, and transport vendors for end-to-end coverage.
• Using logistics software (support ERP and logistics tech systems): Use and improve systems like WMS, TMS, or SAP for real-time logistics tracking and planning.
• Lead and coach the logistics team (supervising, managing, and training): Supervise warehouse staff, dispatch teams, billing executives, and regional logistics leads.
• Set team targets and track performance: Define KPIs for logistics teams and drive accountability across all functions.
• Drive safety and compliance: Ensure warehouse and transportation activities meet safety standards, audit protocols, and quality benchmarks.
• Collaborate on new business initiatives: Support logistics planning for product launches, new warehouse setups, or vendor expansions.
• Conduct environmental checks: Look for ways to reduce waste, streamline processes, and make logistics more environmentally responsible.
• Report to leadership: Summarize logistics performance, cost savings, delivery timelines, and improvement plans to top management.

What Are the Skills Needed to Become a Successful Logistics Manager?

The skill set of logistics managers is expanding rapidly. Beyond coordinating shipments, they need to understand and implement advanced technologies to stay relevant in their jobs.

Skills Needed to Excel as a Logistics Manager:

• Analytical Thinking: Break down delivery patterns, inventory cycles, and vendor metrics to make decisions that save time and money.
• Leadership and Team Management: Lead warehouse staff, delivery coordinators, and logistics executives while driving accountability and team performance.
• Communication and Coordination: Work with suppliers, carriers, internal teams, and clients with clarity, especially when resolving delays or shortages.
• Inventory Management Skills: Monitor, track, and optimize stock levels using forecasting methods, reorder points, and audit checks.
• Problem-Solving and Crisis Handling: Step in when things go wrong — like missed shipments, damaged goods, or a supply chain halt — and resolve them without delay.
• Tech Fluency: Maintain accuracy and efficiency by using tools such as WMS, TMS, ERP systems, Excel, and inventory scanners.
• Vendor and Stakeholder Management: Negotiate rates, evaluate carrier performance, and build long-term relationships with third-party vendors.
• Project and Time Management: Prioritize logistics workflows, align dispatches with deadlines, and manage multiple moving parts without losing track.
• Adaptability and Change Readiness: Adjust plans fast when routes change, volumes shift, or systems go down without letting service slip.
• Data Interpretation and KPI Monitoring: Track fill rates, delivery times, cost per shipment, and other logistics KPIs — and use them to improve processes.
• Strategic Planning: Map out long-term improvements in transportation, storage, and process flow to meet future business needs.
• Data Analytics and Interpretation: Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting large sets of data to make informed decisions.

Supply Chain Resilience and Risk Management: Identifying potential risks in the supply chain and developing strategies to mitigate them.

What Tools and Technologies Do Logistics Managers Use?

No logistics manager relies on spreadsheets alone anymore. As supply chains become more complex, the tools needed to manage them have become more advanced and specific. From routing a shipment to predicting inventory gaps, almost every logistics task now involves software or system support. 

Most widely used technologies in logistics management today:

• Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Used to track stock levels, manage picking/packing processes, and streamline storage workflows across one or multiple locations.
• Transportation Management Systems (TMS): Help plan delivery routes, assign carriers, track shipments in real time, and reduce freight costs.
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Platforms: Integrate logistics with procurement, sales, finance, and inventory so decisions are always based on up-to-date data.
• Demand Forecasting Tools: Predict stock requirements using sales trends, seasonality, and historical data to avoid overstock or stockouts.
• Order Management Systems (OMS): Coordinate orders across sales channels, track fulfillment, and sync inventory and shipping in one view.
• Barcode Scanners and RFID Systems: Provide real-time visibility into stock movement, automate check-ins/check-outs, and improve inventory accuracy.
• Fleet Management Software: Used to monitor vehicle health, fuel usage, routes, and delivery timelines, especially when managing in-house transportation.
• Data Dashboards and KPI Trackers: Help managers monitor fill rates, delivery times, transport costs, and other performance metrics at a glance.
• Collaboration and Workflow Tools: Platforms like Slack, Trello, or Microsoft Teams support better communication between teams handling warehousing, dispatch, and vendor coordination.
• Excel and Advanced Spreadsheet Tools: These are still widely used for quick data modeling, ad hoc planning, or cost simulations (especially in smaller or mid-sized operations).

What Are the Qualifications and Educational Background of Logistics Managers?

➡️ Here’s an eye-opening stat for you: According to the 2024 World Bank Logistics Performance Index, countries with better logistics capabilities see up to 30% lower delivery costs and far fewer delays, highlighting how much logistics decisions impact business success.

To build a successful career as a logistics manager, consider the following educational paths and qualifications:

Educational Pathways

• Bachelor's Degree: Common fields include Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or Industrial Engineering.
• Master's Degree (Optional): Pursuing advanced degrees can provide deeper insights and open up higher-level opportunities.​

Certifications

Non-degree certifications that focus on logistics planning, transportation, or warehouse strategy help sharpen your technical edge and boost your credibility.

Practical Experience

• Entry-Level Roles: Gaining experience in logistics coordinator or inventory analyst positions helps build foundational knowledge.
• Internships: Participating in internships during academic studies offers real-world exposure.
• On-the-Job Training: Hands-on experience in logistics operations is invaluable for understanding the complexities of the field.

How Much Does a Logistics Manager Make in India? 2025 Salary Insights

Average Annual Salary of a Logistics Manager in India: INR 10.2L

Salaries of logistics managers in India vary based on location, seniority, and the industry you work in. Let’s explore all the details. 

Logistics Manager Salary by Experience

Here’s a simplified breakdown of a logistics manager’s salary by experience:

Source: AmbitionBox

Logistics Manager Salary by Industry 

Here’s a snapshot of the salaries of logistics managers in India across industries:

Source: AmbitionBox

Logistics Manager Salary by Geography

Here’s a simplified breakdown of the salaries of logistics managers in major Indian metro cities:

Source: AmbitionBox

Logistics Manager Salary in India vs The World 

Here's a comparison of the salaries of logistics managers in India compared to those in the US, UK, Germany, Canada, and Australia.

*Please Note: The global salaries for logistics managers can vary based on fluctuations in the currency conversion charges in real time. 

Source: Glassdoor, AmbitionBox

What Are the Career Prospects for a Logistics Manager in 2025?

Hiring for logistics leadership isn’t slowing down. It's getting more specific. Companies no longer just look for someone to handle dispatch. They're building teams around people who can manage cost, speed, risk, and service quality, especially as delivery timelines tighten and global operations scale. 

The role of a logistics manager is increasingly seen as a stepping stone to leadership positions.

As you grow in this field, you can move into specialized or senior positions across logistics, supply chain, or even general management.

Common roles – and annual salary range – logistics managers move into:

• Senior Logistics Manager: INR 4-31.5 LPA
• Logistics Operations Manager: INR 3.1-21.3 LPA
• Warehouse & Logistics Manager: INR 3.2-21 LPA
• Supply Chain Manager: INR 3.3-30 LPA
• Procurement & Logistics Lead: INR 4.6-33 LPA
• Distribution Manager: INR 2.4-25 LPA
• Global Logistics Manager: INR 6.6-52 LPA
• Logistics Head: INR 2.4-50 LPA

How to Become a Logistics Manager? Step-by-step Guide

There’s no single route to becoming a logistics manager, but the steps are clearer now than ever. Whether you're just starting or already working in operations, logistics, or supply chain roles, the path involves building technical knowledge, hands-on experience, and leadership readiness.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a logistics manager:

• Step 1: Choose a relevant degree: Start with a bachelor's in logistics, supply chain, business, operations, or industrial engineering.
• Step 2: Gain entry-level experience: Take roles like logistics coordinator, inventory analyst, or dispatch executive to understand ground-level operations.
• Step 3: Build familiarity with logistics tools: Learn how to use ERP, WMS, TMS, inventory tracking tools, and Excel — most hiring managers consider these essential.
• Step 4: Strengthen your understanding of warehousing and transport: Work across departments if possible to see how warehousing, fulfillment, and transportation interact.
• Step 5: Develop team and vendor coordination skills: Start leading small tasks or vendor communications to build people management experience.
• Step 6: Upskill with a logistics or supply chain program: Enroll in an advanced course that focuses on applied logistics, tech integration, and decision-making.
• Step 7: Move into mid-level roles: Roles like Assistant Logistics Manager or Regional Dispatch Lead help bridge your transition into full management.
• Step 8: Apply for logistics manager roles: Look for openings where your background in tools, coordination, and operations gives you a real edge.

Which Companies Hire Logistics Managers in India? Top Organizations to Explore

➡️ Here’s a fun fact for you: If you think logistics roles have little scope in India, we’d say, think again! The logistics industry in India, which had a market value of USD 317.3 billion in 2024, is expected to grow to USD 484 billion by 2029. This growth will create a dire need for skilled logisticians. 

Many elite companies keep looking for logistics managers. Here’s a snapshot of the ones that hire suitable logisticians: 

*Please Note: Employee ratings are based on data from Glassdoor as of 2025.

Future Job Outlook for Logistics Managers: Growth in India and Worldwide

As logistics networks expand across industries, the need for managers who can oversee movement, solve delivery delays, and handle vendor complexity is only getting stronger.

Here are some of the biggest drivers shaping the job outlook for logistics managers:

• E-commerce boom: Online retail continues to fuel the need for last-mile delivery, warehouse ops, and real-time tracking — logistics roles are central to making that happen.
• Government-backed infrastructure upgrades: Projects like Gati Shakti and Bharatmala are opening up new logistics corridors and creating hiring demand in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
• Global supply chain diversification: As companies rethink sourcing and move operations to India, the country is becoming a bigger hub for cross-border logistics management.
• Tech-led logistics transformation: Companies are investing in IoT, WMS, and automation, creating a need for logistics managers who understand both ops and tech.
• Sustainability goals: Organizations are hiring professionals to redesign supply chains with greener transport, route optimization, and waste reduction in mind.

Conclusion

A logistics manager doesn’t just manage movement, they manage certainty in a space where delays, gaps, and unexpected changes are constant. It’s a role that demands attention to detail, a grip on operations, and the ability to keep things moving, no matter the obstacles. 

If you’re someone who thrives on coordination, problem-solving, and taking ownership of outcomes, this path is worth exploring seriously.

And you don’t have to figure it all out alone – whether you're switching industries, returning to work, or looking to move into a leadership role, a free career counseling call with upGrad can help you map your next step with clarity. You can also visit your nearest upGrad offline center for personalized guidance. 

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