There are more careers in logistics than you might think.
One in twelve, or eight per cent of the UK’s workforce works in logistics and there are thousands of different career paths that support the process. During the National Lorry Week campaign we’re speaking to people about what it means to work in logistics, how they got into the industry, what the future could look like and why they believe logistics is a great career choice.
Large Goods Vehicle Driver
Description:
A large goods vehicle driver is responsible for moving materials and products from one point to another, often stopping at other places in between. Some will travel all over the UK, others will move goods abroad. This role needs good organisational and time management skills for planning routes, shift patterns and delivery schedules. A keen eye for detail and an interest in mechanical systems and an ability to work independently will also help.
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Progression routes:
Imports / Exports Clerk
Description:
An imports/exports clerk is responsible for managing data for international shipments and for supporting the many stages of the supply chain process. They will help with shipping and receiving goods and will need to keep records of transactions. Most of a clerk’s time is spent in an office but they will often be asked to visit other sites. The role requires excellent coordination and people management skills, strong personal motivation, organisational skills and an ability to multi–task are a great advantage.
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Supply Chain Analyst
Description:
A supply chain analyst will increase efficiency, reduce costs and help to make sure that the business is running as smoothly and profitably as possible. They will create processes and methods to gather supply chain data and help to develop requirements and standards to improve the business. They will help to build forge trusted relationships with strategic partners. The role requires excellent research, communication and analytical skills, and an attention to detail.
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Forklift Operator
Description:
A forklift operator moves, loads and unloads materials and products around the warehouse, and onto vehicles ready for transportation. They need to be efficient, responsible and help colleagues in maintaining a safe and orderly warehouse environment. Forklift operators must be able to work independently and as part of a team and will require some health and safety training.
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Senior Transport Planner
Description:
The senior transport planner is responsible for the efficient planning and execution of temperature controlled full loads and groupage transport throughout the UK.* This role also involves the management of drivers and contact with customers. Some experience of working within the transport and logistics industries will be required for this role, as well as a Transport Manager CPC qualification.
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HR Manager
Description:
A HR manager is responsible for recruiting, planning, managing talent and developing training plans which will help to improve skills and capabilities within a business. People are at the heart of any business and it’s the role of the HR manager to recruit and develop people to drive business performance. Working in HR requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and a passion for working with people.
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Buyer
Description:
A buyer is required to work closely with merchandisers to help ensure that the right products are selected for purchase. They make key decisions in the buying process to help grow the business and make profit. Buyers are responsible for finding the right suppliers for the job, selecting new products, reviewing old products and pitching new ideas to management. Buyers need to have excellent interpersonal skills, should be organised and have a flair for research and analysis.
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Social Media Manager
Description:
A social media manager will own, create and deliver social marketing campaigns, build brand awareness and manage content. They need a strong strategic understanding of social media, and excellent data analysis skills to track campaign success. This role would drive the growth of a company’s social media networks.
Ways to get started:
Vehicle Technician
Description:
A vehicle technician carries out servicing and maintenance on a firm’s vehicle fleet.
They must be able to cope with the day–to–day pressures that a vehicle workshop brings and be able to make decisions when faced with breakdowns and collisions.
Ways to get started:
Progression routes:
Business Development Manager
Description:
A business development manager is responsible for developing strategic partners, writing proposals and identifying new sales leads. They should be focused and keen to drive the business forward and will often be required to confidently take the business into new areas. They must be outgoing, creative and should have excellent interpersonal skills for nurturing partnerships and brokering deals.
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Management Accountant
Description:
A management accountant looks after a company’s finances and finds ways to improve profitability. They are responsible for looking at income, overheads and margins. They prepare monthly management accounts and variance commentary. They also track and monitor costs in line with a firm’s forecast and budget.
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Transport Manager
Description:
As a Transport Manager you will be responsible for coordinating, planning and overseeing tasks and operations within the logistics operation. You will be required to ensure that all legal requirements for road haulage are met. This includes making sure drivers comply with drivers’ hours rules, planning routes and scheduling deliveries, planning vehicle maintenance, coordinating staff training including driver CPC.
You will need excellent communication skills, good geographical knowledge and gain the Transport Manager Certificate in Professional Competence.
Ways to get started:
Progression routes:
Road Haulage Association
Roadway House
Bretton Way
Bretton
Peterborough
PE3 8DD
Email: nationallorryweek@rha.uk.net
