How to become a logistics manager?

The logistics manager organizes the management of logistical resources and means (vehicle fleet, building, meeting rooms, protocols, dining rooms, etc.).

He participates in the organization of the progression of a product from its production to its distribution. He works in relation with the supply, production and sales department. He is in daily contact with the carrier in order to better manage the respect of delivery deadlines.

The logistics assistant must also follow the state of stocks in order to avoid any product shortages. The logistics manager can work directly on a manufacturing site or in a bonded warehouse.

Main activities

The logistics manager is responsible for:

• Ensuring the operation of the logistics chain in terms of stocks and deliveries (invoices, delivery notes, customs formalities, etc.).
• Analyze needs and anticipate stock shortages.
• Organize the flow of products and information.
• Guarantee the delivery times and volumes, which he / she organizes with the selected drivers, carriers and freight forwarders.
• Ensure the smooth running of the logistics process from the supply of raw materials to the delivery of finished products.
• Ensure the management and maintenance of storage stores and guarantee the availability of raw materials in relation to the production schedule.
• Ship the finished products.
• Intervene on the movement of goods, storage, packaging, handling, transport and distribution.

Read also: Top 10 best paying jobs in West Africa

Know-how

The logistics assistant must:

• Being able to supervise and lead a team
• Have a taste for human contacts
• Have the ability to adapt and reactivity
• Have a sense of organization

Training to access the profession

• Bac + 2 (DUT Transport and logistics) to bac + 5 (Supply chain management or other).
• Firmness, diplomacy, organization, taste for numbers and computer skills.
• For this function, English is desirable.
• Good knowledge of transport and trade markets (national and / or international).

INEAD is the only French university specializing in distance logistics training in West Africa. Present in Senegal and Ivory Coast, it delivers a European Logistics Master.

In this area, the highest rated company in terms of workforce recruitment is Dangote Logistics. We also have Bolloré Transport & Logistics present in most of the coastal countries of West Africa, ETLS of Senegal.

The salary of a logistics manager in West Africa varies from 50,000 to 200,000 CFA francs per month and more for Directors.

Source: Guidance for all, Job in tree