With the year-on-year growth of online retail sales showing no signs of slowing down – and an increasing number of customers demanding rapid delivery of their purchases – employers are on the lookout for skilled logistics and supply chain graduates to fill a variety of roles

Distribution managers have always played a vital role in the success of the retail industry, ensuring the effective organisation, storage and distribution of products and purchases. However, with the constant technological advancement of online operations, and the growth of online retailing their work has never been more important nor their skills more sought after.

‘The importance of logistics and supply chain management has grown significantly,’ says course director of the Logistics and Supply Chain Management diploma course at The Laurus Institute for Logistics Training and Human Resource. ‘In any industry goods need to be procured, stored and dispatched. Efficient and effective management of all these business functions is critical in the current business world.

‘Someone equipped with comprehensive and integrated knowledge of logistics is a strong candidate in the job market.’ The career opportunities afforded to graduates are a massive draw. Every retail organisation has a supply chain, so this is an area where there are multiple opportunities for employment. ‘In the retail sector, perfect order deliveries, customer responsiveness and cost efficiency are key competitive priorities,’ ‘It comes as no surprise then, that logistics and supply chain management are critical competence areas that contribute to satisfying customer demand in a timely and cost-efficient manner.

‘Delivering products/services at the right time and place, right cost, and at the right quantity and quality is at the heart of logistics and supply chain management.’

What qualifications do I need?

Logistics and distribution/supply chain manager jobs are open to all graduates although you’ll find that more and more employers are seeking graduates with a specific degree in logistics, transport or supply chain management. With the demand for more highly-skilled graduates rising there are a variety of related postgraduate courses on offer to meet this need. Whether your first degree is in an unrelated subject or you’d just like to further your knowledge in the field qualifications of this nature could give you the edge when trying to secure a logistics or supply chain job.

One such course is the : Diploma In Logistics & Supply Chain Management

If you’re looking for an alternative to university you can always study for a logistics or supply chain apprenticeship. Logistics operations apprenticeships are available at intermediate and advanced level and lead to careers as logistics operatives and logistics operation leaders/supervisors. Supply chain management schemes are available at advanced and higher level and result in careers in supply chain management, supply chain control and international procurement management.

What skills do I need?

People with inquisitiveness and a desire to understand patterns and trends within data are seen as particularly employable. Simulation, modelling, forecasting, problem solving and negotiation skills are extremely useful, as is the ability to think on your feet when under pressure. Being able to respond to new situations in a calm and considered way is also important.

Successful candidates need to be able to understand the increasingly complex technical aspects of supply chains and be able to communicate these to non-technical colleagues and customers in a clear and succinct way. Graduates who have grown up in the age of the internet will be well placed to understand the dynamics of internet shopping and to contribute to the growth of e-retailing. Additionally, language skills may be an advantage when working in global networks. For an idea of in demand soft skills see what skills do employers want?

If you have your sights set on a career in logistics or supply chain management then you need to be committed to continuing professional development (CPD). Lifelong learning is an increasing feature of this field. Throughout your career you’ll be expected to develop your knowledge and skills by participating in training courses, presenting at conferences and attending networking events.

What jobs can I go into?

Upon graduation logistics jobs and supply chain jobs are plentiful and varied. There are both tactical and strategic roles on offer and it’s likely that you’ll gain an overview of the profession before specialising – and then progressing to more senior positions.

Employers include third party logistics companies, organisations that sell directly to consumers (retailers and supermarkets) and logistics consultancies. Jobs within logistics and supply chains can include logistics and distribution managers, purchasing manager or warehouse manager.

Graduates can also pursue a career in the following areas:

• supply chain design and planning
• procurement and supply management
• freight transportation
• warehouse design and management
• distribution network design and planning
• inventory management and control.

To catch the attention of employers you’ll need to show some experience of logistics and supply chains, either through previous or part-time work in the retail sector, industrial placements on your course, or through internships and work experience. Demonstrating strong commercial awareness and knowledge of the company will also stand you in good stead. Enthusiasm and attention to detail will also set you apart from the competition.