MG410 Career Viewpoint: Logistics and Distribution Manager Report

This career research report investigates the logistics and distribution management profession, highlighting current trends such as local supply chain networks, reverse logistics, green logistics, technological evolution, and the impact of global relations. It identifies essential skills including problem-solving, interpersonal abilities, time management, change management, and team management, along with crucial knowledge in numeracy, analytics, and future trend prediction. The report evaluates the suitability of the logistics manager role, considering its potential for skill development, remote work options, and employee benefits. The primary research includes interviews summarizing that communication, risk management, decision making, networking are the most crucial skills in the industry.

Career Research Report

Table of Contents
Introduction...........................................................................................................................................4
Analysis and Application....................................................................................................................4
Trends likely to set major impact on chosen professionor industry...................................................4
Skills, Knowledge as well as experience required in the selected profession or industry..................5
Evaluation............................................................................................................................................7
References............................................................................................................................................9
Appendix.............................................................................................................................................10

Introduction
In today’s business scenario, logistics and distribution is a profession which has the potential
to facilitate amplegrowth opportunities to the aspirants who are seeking to establish their
careers within the same. The industry has acquired major success in the last few years in
terms of revenue generation as well as technological advancements (Rushton, Croucher and
Baker, 2022). The purpose of the report is toutilise primary and secondary research to
determine and highlight upon the recent trends identified in the logistics and distribution
industry.Moreover, the skills and knowledges required to sustain and survive in the
mentioned profession is also included in the report.
Analysis and Application
Trends likely to set major impact on chosen professionor industry
 Local Supply ChainNetworks
The enhancement in the expectations of the customers for express deliveries is expected to be
the potential reason which will accelerate the localisation of supply chain network across the
globe. In order to live up to the emerging requirements of the customers for same day
deliveries and fast track services, the logistics industry plans to scale up its local networking
and create a local supply chain network for speeding up the delivery process. It will further
facilitate in reducing the time related constraints for deliveries as well as prove to be helpful
in times of uncertain restrictions on trade due to conflicting situations in political and
economic domain.
 Reserve logistics
The rise in the optimisation of E- commerce platform by the individuals has also increased
the value of reverse logistics. The reason for the same is that when people buy products, there
is possibility for exchange and returns as well. Customers tend to invest in products which
provide return policy. Therefore, the trend of reverse logistics will surely heighten in the
coming times as well. The business operating in logistics need to find strategies in order to
reduce the cost related implications set by the concerned mode(Top 10 Logistics Trends That
Could Impact Supply Chains in 2022, 2021). The issues related to routing, time windows can
be looked after by the firms through the capitalisation of last mile deliveries. The mentioned
strategy leads to generation of clearer and efficient routes for the companies.

 Green Logistics
The current ecosystem requires greater emphasis by the individuals as the deterioration of the
same is on peak by the mankind for their own benefit and agendas. The companies mustuse
sustainable approaches when it comes to their logistics and distribution channels in order to
facilitate a healthy living environment.The organisations which are adapting the eco friendly
values are provided with greater support from the customer base. Hence, green logistics is the
need of the hour and must be optimised by the companies to set an example for elevation of
sustainability within logistics industry. The plastic free packaging, eco - warehousing,
utilisation of elective vehicles for deliveries etc. are few of the common ways through which
green logistics can be promoted within the business environment(Abushaikha,Salhiehand
Towers, 2018).
 Evolution of Technology
Constant innovation trails are a mandate for the business firms when it comes to competing
with the rival firms and sustaining the current position in the market domain. Innovative
measures are optimal grounds for leveraging in distribution and logistics profession. Hence,
the channels of operations will be supported through innovative and value based softwaresto
increase the efficiency as well as elevate the productivity in the process of logistics and
distribution management(Wholesale distribution trends: More competition, supply chain
disruption, 2021).
 Global relations
The cross border relationship are most likely to set implication upon trade and distribution
networks. The regulatory limitations imposed major threats to the distribution industry during
the period of COVID-19 pandemic. The sudden shift in the political section across the world
also imply severe effect on the logistics industry as it restive the scope of advancement and
risks the revenue of the entities as well. Thus, the altering global dynamics may cause
impact upon the logistics and distribution channel of the firms around the world in a drastic
mannerism.
Skills, Knowledge as well as experience required in the selected profession or industry
Skills
 Problem Solving

It is highly essential for a distribution and logistics professional to possess problem solving
capabilities in order to facilitate accurate solutions to the difficulties and complexities in
managing supply chain. The unforeseen challenges in the logistics industry must be
effectively handled by the individuals through the application of effective problem solving
skills (Waters, 2019). Problem solving also assist in framing better decisions which in turn
allows the business enterprises to acquire much needed competitive edge over the rivals in
the industrial domain.
 Interpersonal Skills
The respective industry demand interactions, networks and effective flow of communication.
Thereby, the individuals who want to establish themselves as a successful logistics and
distribution professional must work upon their interpersonal capabilities. It is necessary to
maintain cordial and smooth relationships with suppliers,customers and intermediate network
etc. The topmost priority needs to be upon the communication because a minor glitch in the
mode of communication can incur severe conflicts and misunderstanding among the group of
individuals engaged in a particular supply network.Hence, interpersonal skills is one of the
integral and significant skill which provides a foundation for success and growth in logistical
industry.
 Time Management
Management of time is one of the crucial attributes to excel in the operations of logistics
management because it influences the other interrelated elements in the process of logistics
and distribution. The appropriate synchronisation of the timescale serves a greater purpose in
the logistic management. Therefore, aspirants needs to lay concern over managing their task
within set timeframes in order to compete the routine deliveries in a timely manner.
 Change Management
It is necessary to adapt to the sudden changes which may cause disruptions in the respective
industry (Paciarotti and Torregiani, 2022). The logistics manager must retaliate and tackle the
changes in the best way possible so as to increase the productivity of the established supply
and distribution network without any interruptions. This contributes towards a adaptive and
flexible workforce which in turn raises the degree of productiveness and competence among
the working employees.

 Team Management
In order to gain success in the logistics industry, it is vital for individuals to work in teams
and groups. It is highly necessary for an individual to be a team player and ensure that every
group member exhibit their best potential in the team within the best of their capability so as
to maintain the optimal flow of work processin the network. Team building reduces
workload, stress and increases the level of efficiency and standards of output as well.
Knowledge
 Numeracy and Analytics
The individuals who tend to have an upper hand on proficiency in regard with numeracy and
analytical abilities are more suitable for the position of logistic and distribution profession.
The concernedarea of expertise requires good knowledge in respect with in depth analysis of
quantitative dataas well as accurate interpretation of the same (Chaudhuri, et.al, 2018). Data
Analytics is very crucial for logistics professionals as it allows the same to frame the
appropriate strategic paths and plans.
 Prediction of Future trends
Individuals seeking careeras a logistic manager must inculcate forward thinking within
themselves so as to predict the future possibilities which may arise due to constant changes
within the respective industry. Appropriate predictions and analysis facilitate an added
advantage to an individual looking forward towards a career in logistics and distribution
industry. Prediction of future trends allows logistic professionals to identify the potential
risks and mitigate them within the timely duration so as to combat the sudden uncertainties
within the industry effectively.
Evaluation
The job role of logistics manager seems to be in my interestas it will allow me to exercise
upon my existing skills and help me to take a step ahead towards my career prospectus within
the concerned profession. It will provide me with a platform to build by strengths and

capitalise on opportunities which will aid me to reach my future goals and aspirations. I
consider the given job role of logistics manager isapt for me because it will facilitate me with
adequate experience. It provides remote working option as well. In addition to this, the job
role also include several perks and benefits for the employees such as healthcare services,
special packages, flexible working hours etc. I believe that logistic manager is a profession
which requires ahold of great responsibility as well as accountability. The optimisation on the
given opportunity will help me develop professional expertise in the field of logistics and
distribution which will render me a great support in my future career. It will enhance my
confidence, level of knowledge and accelerate my networking and contacts within the given
industry.

References
Rushton, A., Croucher, P. and Baker, P., 2022. The handbook of logistics and distribution
management: Understanding the supply chain. Kogan Page Publishers.
Waters, D., 2019. Supply chain management: An introduction to logistics. Bloomsbury Publishing.
Chaudhuri, A., Dukovska-Popovska, I., Subramanian, N., Chan, H.K. and Bai, R., 2018. Decision-
making in cold chain logistics using data analytics: a literature review. The International Journal of
Logistics Management.
Paciarotti, C. and Torregiani, F., 2021. The logistics of the short food supply chain: A literature
review. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 26, pp.428-442.
Abushaikha, I., Salhieh, L. and Towers, N., 2018. Improving distribution and business performance
through lean warehousing. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management.
Top 10 Logistics Trends That Could Impact Supply Chains in 2022, 2021. Available through;
[Online] https://blog.locus.sh/top-logistic-trends-transforming-supply-chain/amp/
Wholesale distribution trends: More competition, supply chain disruption, 2021. Available through;
[Online] https://www.the-future-of-commerce.com/2021/02/10/2021-wholesale-distribution-
trends/

Appendix
Job Advertisement
Primary Research Contact
Contact Lexi Thomas
Job Role Logistic Manager Intern
Date of Contact 27th February 2022 2nd March 2022
Method Face Time Phone Call
Question
1. In your opinion, what are the significant skills needed to be a successful
professionalin logistics and distribution management?
2. On a scale of one to five,how would you rate your experience while working in the
concerned profession?
3. What are the common complexities and issues which arise in the respective industry?
Result
The interview summarised that communication, risk management, decision making,
networking are the most crucial skills in the industry. Respondent 1rated 3 whereas
Respondent 2 rated 4 in response to their experience in the logistic and distribution domain.
Ineffective communication mediums, misinterpretation of data and information, uncertain
shifts in business were the most common problems encountered by the interviewees.