Manager or director in transport and distribution - requirements

As a manager or director in transport and distribution, sometimes called a logistics or distribution manager, you’ll oversee the movement of goods or materials for an organisation. Find out more about what it’s like, how your career will progress and what to do to get a role.

Know what you'll need to land a job below.

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What qualifications do you need to be a manager or director in transport and distribution?

You can get a role in this area with a degree in most subjects, but the following will be especially useful:

Some employers might ask you to have a higher national diploma or degree specifically in transport and distribution, or a subject that is likely to include supply chain management in its curriculum.

Please note this is a beta version. We'll continue to improve our suggestions here so that we show you the most relevant subjects.

Do you need a postgraduate qualification to be a manager or director in transport and distribution?

Postgraduate qualifications in supply chain management and distribution are becoming more common, so they are a useful way of boosting your employability in a growing sector.

You might consider a postgraduate degree in:

  • Operations and supply chain management
  • Operations, logistics and supply chain management
  • International shipping and logistics
  • Business with supply chain management
  • Procurement, logistics and supply chain management

What skills do you need to be a manager or director in transport and distribution?

You’ll need to be highly organised for this role, as well as show strong skills in time management and team-working.

Hard skills usually include:
  • Supply chain management
  • Performance monitoring
  • Warehouse management
  • Procurement processes
  • Operations management
  • Auditing and finance
  • Transport systems
  • Logistics management
Soft skills include:
  • Efficiency
  • Communication
  • Management
  • Customer service
  • Eye for detail
  • Problem-solving
  • Innovation
  • Planning
  • Leadership

Do you need work experience to be a manager or director in transport and distribution?

Experience in areas like storage and warehouse environments, retail work or administrative roles can all be used to show that you have relevant skills. Graduate schemes and internships are often offered by larger companies, but competition for places can be high so getting previous experience will help you succeed.

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